Battery tender without a 120v outlet?

My bike is kept outside covered in a parking spot next to my car. Unfortunately I don't have a garage or nearby electrical access.

Is there a way to hook up a battery tender to my car? Either directly or through a power inverter? My car gets driven daily so any drain from a motorcycle battery tender I would think is negligible.

I wouldn't mind investing in a deep cycle battery for my car if it would help.

Thanks for any advice.

 

I carry a mini inverter with me most of the time - it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes. Just make sure the one you get delivers the wattage you need for your tender.

This is the one I've had for over 10 years http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-2382-12...=1412082269&sr=8-2&keywords=wagan+smart+ac120.

 

Yes, you can use a small inverter. I have used them to charge cordless tools before. How often do you ride your bike? Current leakage is only 2.5 milli amps max, should go for awhile without problems. How old is your bike battery?

 

You might consider one of the solar panel charging setups and just leave the car out of it. They have been working for years to keep lawnmower and tractor batteries up in the off season.

 

That's a better idea, got to be less expensive than combined cost of tender and inverter. just figure a way to secure it.

 

Something like this:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/solar-5w-12-volt-battery-trickle-charger

 

There's options for solar battery chargers if you go that route - here's a cheaper one (hope that link works. If not, go to Cabelas and search "solar battery chargers"). And at 1.8v, its perfect for that little trickle charge (which you usually want to be less than 2v).

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sunf...tery+Charger&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

I don't think you can use a deep cycle battery in a car. (?) CCA (cold cranking amps) is the automotive standard. CA on auto batteries are determined at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Most deep cycle batteries are have their CA or MCA computed done at 32 degrees, and are designed to have a long draw down and then be recharged. Not that the deep cycle is a good option.

 

The battery is of unknown age. Figured I'd get a new one in the spring.

Would a cell charger drain the battery in 3-4 weeks outside if no cell is hooked up to it?

I like the options I'm seeing thanks guys- will have to decide solar or inverter.

 

I am sure the drain would be minimal, as there is no load on the charger other than any active voltage regulators in charger, if any.

 

Battery Tender makes a solar Charger. Go to their website, I think batterytender.com. Their stuff is not cheap but their quality is the best! I would hate to smoke a $150 Battery with a cheap charger!

 

Just got a lithium ion battery which I'm told doesn't require a tender. In fact I was told it could do more harm than good by overcharging since they are made for standard lead acid batteries.

 

I think you are correct. The lithium batteries lose very little charge over time. And yes I would check the battery manufacturer for the proper charging methods.

 

Ooops! I just checked post #1. VFR Love lives in New York. I wouldn't spend the money on a Lithium battery in a northern climate. Lithium is not the best when cold! Stick with original Yuasa YTZ model. I just replaced mine after 6 full years! Still holding a 13.2v charge and starting the bike! But the load test said it was less than 25% so time for a new one.