Vacation Time - Using CTEK Battery Maintainer - HOW?

[MachEMolly]

Hello~ I'm going on an extended trip (> 30 days), and after reading through various posts, I got myself a CTEK Battery Maintainer to hook it up to my 12V battery. Just want to clarify some things, and if anyone has experience with this, please let me know your experience.
1. The battery maintainer should be attached to the POSITIVE end and the NEGATIVE grounding post (not to the battery (-) terminal itself) (attached below is a photo I found on this forum, not my car)
2. I can use the clamp of the CTEK battery maintainer - no need to use the loop version --> has anyone had experience with this? Are the clamps pretty secure that they will stay on? If the loop thing is recommended, how do I attach them (I've not seen photos for these on the forum).
3. I assume I'll need to leave the FRUNK open. Should I do anything to prevent too much dust from collecting, as some covers inside the FRUNK will need to be removed to attach the battery maintainer?
4. I don't need to plug the CAR Charger (not the battery maintainer) in - just leave it charged at about 50%.
5. Here is the link to the battery maintainer I got, any tips or suggestions for best use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQO?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

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[Maquis]

According to the owner’s manual, you should remove (disconnect) the 12VB. No maintainer necessary.
In doing so, you would need to jump the frunk to get it open unless you park in a garage or somewhere else where you could leave it open - it sounds like you were planning to leave it open anyway.

 

[Tampamike]

I’ve left my car for more than 30 days without doing anything. It started up right away as if it didn’t even miss me.

 

[chuckles]

The one perhaps surprising thing that can suck your lvb dry is a key fob or PAAK phone that’s on your car’s periphery (like 20-50 feet away) that may keep make your car wake up periodically. Turn off FordPass Bluetooth access and put the fobs in a Mylar bag or far away.

 

[tpsfoto]

I’m leaving my mme for 3 weeks…..is it ok to plug in my L1 charger and leave it for that timeframe….ofcourse charge to 80 percent

 

[HuntingPudel]

I’m leaving my mme for 3 weeks…..is it ok to plug in my L1 charger and leave it for that timeframe….ofcourse charge to 80 percent

It’s OK to do that but totally unnecessary. Drive the car to around 50% HVB SoC. Park it. Come back in 3 weeks and charge. ?‍?

 

[liamnorton]

Hello~ I'm going on an extended trip (> 30 days), and after reading through various posts, I got myself a CTEK Battery Maintainer to hook it up to my 12V battery. Just want to clarify some things, and if anyone has experience with this, please let me know your experience.
1. The battery maintainer should be attached to the POSITIVE end and the NEGATIVE grounding post (not to the battery (-) terminal itself) (attached below is a photo I found on this forum, not my car)
2. I can use the clamp of the CTEK battery maintainer - no need to use the loop version --> has anyone had experience with this? Are the clamps pretty secure that they will stay on? If the loop thing is recommended, how do I attach them (I've not seen photos for these on the forum).
3. I assume I'll need to leave the FRUNK open. Should I do anything to prevent too much dust from collecting, as some covers inside the FRUNK will need to be removed to attach the battery maintainer?
4. I don't need to plug the CAR Charger (not the battery maintainer) in - just leave it charged at about 50%.
5. Here is the link to the battery maintainer I got, any tips or suggestions for best use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQO?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

As for FRUNK, leaving it open is a normal practice to avoid moisture and dust accumulation. You can use special covers or covers to protect the internal elements. By the way, when I'm preparing for a vacation, I sometimes get stuck in other areas, such as https://casinosanalyzer.com/casino-games/live-poker where I read various reviews. It's a nice distraction and no less interesting when you're looking for new options for entertainment. Have a good vacation and safe travels!

If you use loops, you can simply attach them to the same place where the standard clips are attached, using a screw if possible, or through plastic connection clips.

 

[Maquis]

If you use loops, you can simply attach them to the same place where the standard clips are attached, using a screw if possible, or through plastic connection clips.

It’s probably safe to presume he’s already completed his trip,

 

[thenew3]

The one perhaps surprising thing that can suck your lvb dry is a key fob or PAAK phone that’s on your car’s periphery (like 20-50 feet away) that may keep make your car wake up periodically. Turn off FordPass Bluetooth access and put the fobs in a Mylar bag or far away.

We left the car for 29 days last summer in the driveway, the key was in the house about 20 ft away. When we came back, the HVB dropped 6%. no issue starting the car. So it looks like the car used the HVB to maintain the charge on the 12V during those 29 days.

 

[nuMach]

I LOVE the Ctek unit I have (MXS 5). Also still have my older model, which I keep in the car)

Having owned motorcycles for ages, I learned quick that you cant leave em all winter and expect not to replace the battery in the spring. Battery maintainer is a must.

30 days, esp. with newer vehicles that power systems 24x7 (alarm, check for OTA updates, etc) should have a maintainer on em. However, if your MME's 12v battery is fully charged, I may chance it holding up for 30 days if its in my home driveway, but then why, if you have a maintainer.

Long term storage, for sure use a (smart) maintainer. It will never hurt. Cheap ones can overcharge and ruin a battery.

Ctek -
- set for lead-acid, or AGM
- never overcharges, and periodically does a health check/refresh charge.
- model I have can perform a recovery/recondition charge.

I've maintained and assisted others (maybe 60 batteries) over the last 5 years.
I've recovered/reconditioned several DEAD batteries. It's a coin toss if they could be recovered.
A couple however, were too far gone.

Between this and my Topdon battery analyzer, I've been able to diagnose/maintain/recover lots.
Currently have 2 marine deep cycle batteries on the maintainer, and have used em for 5 years so far. Pull the boat batteries every fall-spring.

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