[T3] Trickle Charger

[Adriel Rowley]

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> From: skellzangelz at hotmail.com
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:15:41 -0400
> Subject: Re: [T3] Trickle Charger
>
>
> Optima batteries are definitely going to hold a charge longer than the standard lead acid ones but if you leave it for a long time without driving (like months at a time), they'll still go dead and you'll be an extra $100 in the hole for one of those. What if you just periodically charged the battery still in the car like once a month? Bring over a few beers and hang out for some hours while it charges. Or maybe see if your friend could throw on a charger at night for you when the kids aren't running about?

I feel I am wearing out my welcome at Jack's, and last time he tried to help, said he would no longer.  I will be going to Tempe Arizona in a day or two, so not like I can go over every month.  

Also, for your information, I do not partake of addictive substances as do not want to chain my spirituality to a substance, only God.  Have experienced rum by accident, drank beer as too tired to fight off the pressure, and had a contact high as a Simon and Garfunkel concert, so it is like I am being close minded: have some understanding how they could be enjoyable.  I enjoy serving no master but a loving God. ;)

If an Optima went dead, be replaced for free, versus prorated.  This battery has lasted two years so far, as been trying real hard to keep it charged up.  But, forgot before the emergency trip to disconnect it.

> The solar chargers are good if there's plenty of sun where you are and you can probably find a decent one for under $100. My vote would be stick with the standard battery and get a charger that has a fast and slow charge setting. At a minimum, do a once a month charge session with it, preferably once every two weeks for top battery life. With a fast charge, you could probably fill up a partially discharged battery in 3-5 hours and with the slow charge, your friend could throw it on overnight for you if you can't get over there.

Enough sun to melt it...  I paid a whole $40 for it, and never was sure if it was working.

I went to the L.A.P.S., and when I called, said they had an Optima that be the right fit for $107.  Go in, and have none that will fit right, and the closest they wanted $160! :O  I could not believe them trying to scam me by being dishonest.  Might give them another try, as this one time did not go right in like I normally do.  Big businesses are getting to big to care.  So, for now considering taking the battery with me, and getting the trickle charger you recommended.  Only thing is not sure about having the fumes in the apartment though and then the Squareback not movable per our agreement.  Guess could use the jump function on the charger on the battery leads to jump it.

I looked for Schumacher model you mentioned, but not finding it.  Do you have a number for it?

> Just some thoughts...
> -Jeremy
>
Very good thoughts, and another reason to be glad for the List.  I might have gone out and done the wrong thing: too young to have all the experience. ;/


Thank you,
Adriel