Battery Maintainer

[MarkEagleUSA]

I have searched here and elsewhere and just want to verify my understanding of using a battery maintainer/charger. The following picture represents what I think needs to be done. Can someone confirm that this is the proper way to connect a maintainer/charger on an '03?

 

[Learjet]

just connect to one side (one battery), they are in parallel, both will charge. You do not need to do go to the cross side ground.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

just connect to one side (one battery), they are in parallel, both will charge. You do not need to do go to the cross side ground.

Does it matter which battery is connected to?

 

[seafish]

Does it matter which battery is connected to?

It does not, though many people , myself included, choose to charge, and particularly and jump, their trucks using the passenger side battery as it is located FARTHER from the ECM and thus makes the ECM less susceptible to voltage and/or current spikes that might be involved with connecting or disconnecting the cables.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

It does not, though many people , myself included, choose to charge, and particularly and jump, their trucks using the passenger side battery as it is located FARTHER from the ECM and thus makes the ECM less susceptible to voltage and/or current spikes that might be involved with connecting or disconnecting the cables.

That makes sense. Harming the electrical system/ECM/batteries is my biggest concern.

Thanks!

 

[Bill Lins]

It does not, though many people , myself included, choose to charge, and particularly and jump, their trucks using the passenger side battery as it is located FARTHER from the ECM and thus makes the ECM less susceptible to voltage and/or current spikes that might be involved with connecting or disconnecting the cables.

I was always taught to connect the charger to the battery(ies) first, then plug the charger into the receptacle. Is this not the correct method?

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I was always taught to connect the charger to the battery(ies) first, then plug the charger into the receptacle. Is this not the correct method?

Me too... connect to the battery first and then connect the power in order to prevent arcing (which can cause an explosion).

 

[MichaelOverfield]

I recommend this unit, it has mode selection for each battery type (flooded, AGM, Gel), should you later go AGM or other. It's on Odesssy's list of approved chargers. It is waterproof, and for the 3rd gen fits nicely behind the passenger side battery on the fender. Being a boat/marine product it should be good to go in this application. Mine is charging right now, maintaining the batteries. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F5EFEA2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[AH64ID]

It does not, though many people , myself included, choose to charge, and particularly and jump, their trucks using the passenger side battery as it is located FARTHER from the ECM and thus makes the ECM less susceptible to voltage and/or current spikes that might be involved with connecting or disconnecting the cables.

I am honestly not sure that it would make any difference considering the size of the crossover cable, in terms of voltage to the ECM.

I always try to jump others off the passenger side as it's closest to the alternator, and if I need jumped I do it on the drivers side so it's closest to the starter. If my batteries are that low I want as little cable as possible to the starter.

 

[PWong]

If all the battery system cables and cable/terminal connections and grounds are in sound condition, there is no difference.


If there is a bad electrical connection then there will be some difference.

The starter is connected to the driver side battery and the grid heater is connected to the passenger side battery.

 

[Mikie12]

Yes, this is correct-never connect a charger that is plugged in, and never disconnect until you've first un-plugged it. Also a good idea to wave your hand over the battery after you've un-plugged the charger and before you disconnect the terminals to disapate any hydrogen fumes that may be present from the charging.