Those of you with hard-wired battery maintainers.

[SigOris]

I use CTEK and have a wire out the bumper that tucks away easily when not plugged in:

Great minds think alike SPEEDO ?

Sponsored

 

[subquark]

Great minds think alike SPEEDO ?

High-tech I tell ya - that's my middle name (not!). =D

 

[Joeiconic]

I use the CTEK with the comfort connector that permanently attaches to the battery and ground. It’s pretty cool because it blinks green if the battery doesn’t need charging, yellow if it needs charging soon and red if it needs charging now. I don’t mind opening the hood to connect and use the opportunity to check the oil while I have it open. My truck is usually parked for days at a time so it’s not a big deal.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-382-Comfort-Indicator-Batteries/dp/B002MT8S7E/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2A5LM4TETRHJ2&keywords=ctek+comfort+connect&qid=1673992449&s=automotive&sprefix=Ctek+comfort+,automotive,95&sr=1-4

 

[Trigganometry]

Good point, even with my "remove before flight" magnet dealio, I sometimes back out with it connected (because I need another reminder to put the magnet on the truck!).

Luckily, the mailman got his winter boots snarled up in one day (without falling), yanked it out, and broke the clip on the connector. Still plugs together but now releases easily if I forget.

I read somewhere on here that someone used a magnetic connector.

I have no idea about outdoor-rated 12V magnetic connectors but would love to know if such a thing would work with the CTEK battery tender.

One I listed above is a combo magnetic and turn lock. If you mount it the right way you could potentially when pulling on the wire make it unlock then only the magnet is holding the connection and it would easily break free.

 

[Mustang2Ranger]

I always just let it stick out a little by the cowl

Find somewhere where the wipers wont hit it but relatively protected from elements

Just enough sticking out to plug in

 

[subquark]

I always just let it stick out a little by the cowl

Find somewhere where the wipers wont hit it but relatively protected from elements

Just enough sticking out to plug in

And keep the cover on it! Even though mine gets tucked behind the bumper, the cover came off and it filled with ice. Cleared it with de-icer sprar, but still a pain. Might wrap a small baggy and rubber band on it (see, high-tech!). =D

 

[subquark]

Here is the connector I used with a Ctech charger https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/quick-change-external-battery-connector.18485/

Thanks for the link! Launching Amazon.com in 3 - 2 ...

 

[Trigganometry]

Thanks for the link! Launching Amazon.com in 3 - 2 ...

Not sure you will find these on Amazon. I had to really dig to find the source as they’re from Europe. Never say never though. They maybe more availability now. Australia seems to be another area you can find them

 

[JesseS]

Thanks for the link! Launching Amazon.com in 3 - 2 ...

https://www.amazon.com/Onseuk-Sprin...4634&sprefix=magnetic+12v,aps,179&sr=8-5&th=1

 

[Fordup]

It's not in English but the MagCode connectors look like what you're looking for.

 

[Trigganometry]

It's not in English but the MagCode connectors look like what you're looking for.

That’s the .pdf link for MagCode above with a US source to buy them.

 

[Skit hjälm]

I plug into my trailer connector. It has a 24hr 12V pin.
Fwiw, I use a dumb charger connected to a timer, it switches on 15 min per day. Its only been used a few times over the past year when I have to be gone several weeks.
Btw,
Also ran a SO cable back there so the Block Heater plugs in there too.
Its just where I park, its handier plugging in at rear bumper. Also it puts the cords in the way so cant forget unplugging before I drive.

 

[subquark]

https://www.amazon.com/Onseuk-Spring-Loaded-Magnetic-Connector-2Pin/dp/B0BJV5KJSK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3LPRKW04847NW&keywords=magnetic+12v+connector&qid=1674004634&sprefix=magnetic+12v,aps,179&sr=8-5&th=1

Thanks for the link and wow, that's pretty inexpensive! And dang, that thing is tiny! about a half inch in diameter.

Some better pics of it:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803503017350.html

 

[SigOris]

I finally got around to picking up a charger based on recommendations here. I want to hardwire the ring terminals and not use the clips. What solutions are some of you using for an external QD port?

They come with regular SAE connectors, but I am going to buy a flush mount pass through version. Trying to think of best spot to put it.

Somewhere on the bumper? Maybe one of the side fender vents? (I always back into my garage so it would be on that side where my plug in is). Something else?

another variation of a Boomer install

RED to B+ and BLK to GND

and yes I checked that GND connection with a milliohm meter and it passes MIL 1310 grounding requirements

other leads are for VHF HAM radio

not anxiously awaiting to see the Woke Enlightened variation

 

[SigOris]

I always just let it stick out a little by the cowl

Find somewhere where the wipers wont hit it but relatively protected from elements

Just enough sticking out to plug in

Did this on my wife’s Bronco Sport

Sponsored