Trickle Charger for 360

HoustonCarNut · 07-09-2011, 02:21 PM

Given the recent battery issues I had and the pain it was (especially in the Texas heat) to access the battery to attach trickle charger and eventually replace the battery, I'd like to look into other options for the future. I know there is a port in the truck for an OEM trickle charger. I imagine those are expensive. Anyone know the price? And do I have to go with the OEM ones to fit this port or are their aftermarket versions more economical? And I see 2 numbs with press and twist caps next to the trickle charger. What are those for? It would be awesome if those were battery terminals but I think that would be entirely too easy (and sensible) for Ferrari to design that way ;-)

Thanks again for your help!

Killer58 · 07-09-2011, 07:27 PM

The factory battery charger was an optional accessory, about $1200 IIRC. However, when you ordered that option, they added a little pigtail under the access panel in the front compartment.

You can usually always find the chargers on eBay, they run about $400-500. I got a pigtail from Ferrparts, I think it was $80. Installation takes all of ten minutes.

Best option by far is a Deltron charger. They come with two types of connectors, one attaches directly to the battery terminals and allows for quick disconnects. You just have to remember to disconnect it before driving off. I use a small red "remove before flight" tag from my aircraft.

wetpet · 07-09-2011, 09:35 PM

any trickle charger will work fine. no need spend a lot of money.

Killer58 · 07-10-2011, 04:49 AM

Agree with Ed, the Deltran is about $25. No need to spend more, it does the job.

KKRace · 07-10-2011, 07:45 AM

$40 for a decent Battery Tender. They come with a pigtail you can semi permantly attach to the battery. When car is not in use just plug the end of the pigtail into the battery tender. Make sure you get a tender or float charger and not a charger.

I have a friend that has a motorcycle that lives in a unheated shed. He keeps the tender on it when he's not using it. He just replaced the battery after 6 years and it was still good. We just convinced him it was time after 6 years even though there was no problem.

Boxer · 07-10-2011, 07:55 AM

I use C Tek chargers (who I also believe supply Ferrari) on all the cars. Never had an issue.

KKRace · 07-10-2011, 08:07 AM

The connector end of the pigtail sits just below the louvers out of sight. I made a little hook tool out of some really soft aluminum welding rod that won't stratch the paint to fish it out. I normally don't set the tender(or anything else) on the car but did it just for the pic.

You can install the pigtail anywhere you think you will have easy access. I've seen people mount them under the dash or inside a wheel well. This worked out nice for my car since it is close to the battery and was easy to route the wire.

HoustonCarNut · 07-14-2011, 09:57 PM

Thanks to all for your help!

KK, does the charger you have on your 348 also work for a 360? Does it hook to the port in trunk (hope so) or directly to the battery underneath the passenger floor?

Thanks again and happy driving!

Killer58 · 07-15-2011, 04:19 AM

I have the same charger, it works on any 12v car.

Camdon53 · 07-15-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonCarNut

...does the charger you have on your 348 also work for a 360?

Of course. Any quality 12v battery tender will work fine. I prefer and chose the Deltran but there are several other excellent brands (some mentioned above) as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonCarNut

Does it hook to the port in trunk (hope so) or directly to the battery underneath the passenger floor?

Intended hookup in the car is on the floor under the access panel behind the drivers seat. Simply attach the pigtail lead that comes with the charger to the clearly marked "+" and "-" terminals in there and stub it out near the driver door. Tender itself stays plugged in to 110v wall outlet permanently and lives wherever it's convenient in your garage (I attached mine to the rafters). When car is parked, just plug tender into pigtail and close driver door with lead snaked underneath. That way it's impossible to enter the car without seeing and unplugging the charger. Super slick and has worked flawlessly for me.

GPGardin · 08-17-2011, 04:13 PM

I keep my Ferrari and motorcycle plugged into a smart charger all the time.
My 2000 Yamaha R6 still has its original battery. Works great ( but yes by now is on borrowed time - I just want to see how long it goes even though I know that I may get inconvenienced when it does ).
My 348 battery was run dead twice ( forgot dome light on and the alternator died and I drove it until it stopped ). When they tested the battery after changing the alternator they were surprised that it still checked out fine.

I figure that the two tenders I own have easily outperformed every stock in my portfolio !

Greg

Mr. v · 08-17-2011, 09:53 PM

I've had no trouble with my Sears Diehard charger. $30.

champagne612 · 08-18-2011, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KKRace

The connector end of the pigtail sits just below the louvers out of sight. I made a little hook tool out of some really soft aluminum welding rod that won't stratch the paint to fish it out. I normally don't set the tender(or anything else) on the car but did it just for the pic.

You can install the pigtail anywhere you think you will have easy access. I've seen people mount them under the dash or inside a wheel well. This worked out nice for my car since it is close to the battery and was easy to route the wire.

I use that same one - for all my toys.

Probably dropped it 15 times - works perfectly!

360 Modena · 08-18-2011, 08:40 AM

Look behind the driver's seat to see if you have a factory installed pigtail connector

Mine did

I'm using Battery Tender, always plugged in when not in use

Killer, I think the a/c flags belong to the taxpayers
Get me one and I won't tell anyone
I promise

Killer58 · 08-18-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360 Modena

Killer, I think the a/c flags belong to the taxpayers
Get me one and I won't tell anyone
I promise

I think I have a spare and a small key-chain sized one my riggers made. PM me your address and I'll send you one.

lucca brazzi · 08-18-2011, 07:47 PM

i use the same battery tender as KK Race....it works fine,,,it was cheap to buy,,and it does a great job of keeping my gel cel completely charged...years ago i couldnt figure out why my 328 s battery would lose its charge over long periods of not driving my car,,,i forgot about the analog clock,,,i know it doenst draw much current,,,but it was enough to cause my battery to get low...ever since ive been using the battery tender,,,problem solved...

360 Modena · 08-19-2011, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killer58

I think I have a spare and a small key-chain sized one my riggers made. PM me your address and I'll send you one.

Won't ask, won't tell. Thanks!

PM sent.

07-09-2011, 02:21 PM	#1
HoustonCarNut Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, Texas Ferrari Life Posts: 73 Name: Jim Webster	Trickle Charger for 360 Given the recent battery issues I had and the pain it was (especially in the Texas heat) to access the battery to attach trickle charger and eventually replace the battery, I'd like to look into other options for the future. I know there is a port in the truck for an OEM trickle charger. I imagine those are expensive. Anyone know the price? And do I have to go with the OEM ones to fit this port or are their aftermarket versions more economical? And I see 2 numbs with press and twist caps next to the trickle charger. What are those for? It would be awesome if those were battery terminals but I think that would be entirely too easy (and sensible) for Ferrari to design that way ;-) Thanks again for your help!

07-09-2011, 09:35 PM	#3
wetpet Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chevy Chase, Md Ferrari Life Posts: 6,600 Name: Ed	any trickle charger will work fine. no need spend a lot of money. Everything you know is wrong Stop chatting and start living the ferrarilife!

07-10-2011, 07:45 AM	#5
KKRace Owner Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Near Olney, MD Ferrari Life Posts: 884 Name: Kevin	$40 for a decent Battery Tender. They come with a pigtail you can semi permantly attach to the battery. When car is not in use just plug the end of the pigtail into the battery tender. Make sure you get a tender or float charger and not a charger. I have a friend that has a motorcycle that lives in a unheated shed. He keeps the tender on it when he's not using it. He just replaced the battery after 6 years and it was still good. We just convinced him it was time after 6 years even though there was no problem. ------------------------------ Life is Good!

07-10-2011, 07:55 AM	#6
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,792	I use C Tek chargers (who I also believe supply Ferrari) on all the cars. Never had an issue. Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

07-10-2011, 08:07 AM	#7
KKRace Owner Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Near Olney, MD Ferrari Life Posts: 884 Name: Kevin	The connector end of the pigtail sits just below the louvers out of sight. I made a little hook tool out of some really soft aluminum welding rod that won't stratch the paint to fish it out. I normally don't set the tender(or anything else) on the car but did it just for the pic. You can install the pigtail anywhere you think you will have easy access. I've seen people mount them under the dash or inside a wheel well. This worked out nice for my car since it is close to the battery and was easy to route the wire. Attached Images ------------------------------ Life is Good!

07-09-2011, 07:27 PM	#2
Killer58 Owner Elite Member Join Date: May 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 1,419 Name: David	The factory battery charger was an optional accessory, about $1200 IIRC. However, when you ordered that option, they added a little pigtail under the access panel in the front compartment. You can usually always find the chargers on eBay, they run about $400-500. I got a pigtail from Ferrparts, I think it was $80. Installation takes all of ten minutes. Best option by far is a Deltron charger. They come with two types of connectors, one attaches directly to the battery terminals and allows for quick disconnects. You just have to remember to disconnect it before driving off. I use a small red "remove before flight" tag from my aircraft.

07-10-2011, 04:49 AM	#4
Killer58 Owner Elite Member Join Date: May 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 1,419 Name: David	Agree with Ed, the Deltran is about $25. No need to spend more, it does the job.

07-14-2011, 09:57 PM	#8
HoustonCarNut Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, Texas Ferrari Life Posts: 73 Name: Jim Webster	Thanks to all for your help! KK, does the charger you have on your 348 also work for a 360? Does it hook to the port in trunk (hope so) or directly to the battery underneath the passenger floor? Thanks again and happy driving!

07-15-2011, 04:19 AM	#9
Killer58 Owner Elite Member Join Date: May 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 1,419 Name: David	I have the same charger, it works on any 12v car.

08-17-2011, 04:13 PM	#11
GPGardin Owner Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southwest Ontario, Canada Ferrari Life Posts: 178	I swear by them I keep my Ferrari and motorcycle plugged into a smart charger all the time. My 2000 Yamaha R6 still has its original battery. Works great ( but yes by now is on borrowed time - I just want to see how long it goes even though I know that I may get inconvenienced when it does ). My 348 battery was run dead twice ( forgot dome light on and the alternator died and I drove it until it stopped ). When they tested the battery after changing the alternator they were surprised that it still checked out fine. I figure that the two tenders I own have easily outperformed every stock in my portfolio ! Greg "The ride is the reason. The destination is just the excuse! " - Mr. Joe Katz

08-17-2011, 09:53 PM	#12
Mr. v Owner Join Date: Oct 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 89	I've had no trouble with my Sears Diehard charger. $30.

08-18-2011, 08:40 AM	#14
360 Modena Owner Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: East Coast USA Ferrari Life Posts: 1,909	Look behind the driver's seat to see if you have a factory installed pigtail connector Mine did I'm using Battery Tender, always plugged in when not in use Killer, I think the a/c flags belong to the taxpayers Get me one and I won't tell anyone I promise 360 & TR Cars & Coffee at CITY DOCK ANNAPOLIS 9am-noon Every Sunday *F-CHAT Exile* now living the *Ferrari Life*.

08-18-2011, 07:47 PM	#16
lucca brazzi Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Ferrari Life Posts: 442	tender i use the same battery tender as KK Race....it works fine,,,it was cheap to buy,,and it does a great job of keeping my gel cel completely charged...years ago i couldnt figure out why my 328 s battery would lose its charge over long periods of not driving my car,,,i forgot about the analog clock,,,i know it doenst draw much current,,,but it was enough to cause my battery to get low...ever since ive been using the battery tender,,,problem solved...

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