Battery tender recommendation?

[bigb]

I completely disagree that lithium batteries don't make good starting batteries. They're considered in safety hazard in a hot, enclosed space ... like under the hood of an ICE powered vehicle.

I use them for vehicle starting in different applications.

They may work in some cases but in general you can't beat lead chemistry for heavy starting currents, IMHO. I know there are a few being made now for light duty applications but I don't think they're ready for prime time.

I'd be interested in hearing what you are starting with lithium batteries and how big the batteries and BMS are. What are the cranking amp requirements? Most Li batteries are going to have a BMS that will cut power at 100 amps, or 200 amps on some large ones. Even my 3200 watt diesel generator won't start on my 100ah LiFeP04 if it is not charged to 100% and then if it doesn't start in a couple revolutions the BMS will cut out. It draws around 125 amps when cold. Larger engines can demand 250-450 cranking amps, you'd need quite a large and expensive Li bank for that.

BTW LiFeP04 does not have the fire hazard that standard lithium has. However with LiFeP04 temperature can affect charging, discharging and cell life but the materials in the battery itself are not flammable.

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[Aardvark]

It's off-topic, in that we can all agree the Ranger doesn't use lithium anyways.

But since some of you look like you have a lot of knowledge in this area, and we're already offtopic anyways, let me ask you:

In addition to the Ranger, I have a hybrid car (BMW) with a regular AGM battery and a 48V electric coupled with a lithium battery. During the winter, the car barely gets used, and sits for extended periods. I've read on BMW forums that the battery tender will charge the regular battery but not the lithium one. Is there anything that can charge the lithium battery other than driving it? And if not, how bad is it if the lithium battery runs right down? Thanks.

 

[hand-filer]

It's off-topic, in that we can all agree the Ranger doesn't use lithium anyways.

But since some of you look like you have a lot of knowledge in this area, and we're already offtopic anyways, let me ask you:

In addition to the Ranger, I have a hybrid car (BMW) with a regular AGM battery and a 48V electric coupled with a lithium battery. During the winter, the car barely gets used, and sits for extended periods. I've read on BMW forums that the battery tender will charge the regular battery but not the lithium one. Is there anything that can charge the lithium battery other than driving it? And if not, how bad is it if the lithium battery runs right down? Thanks.

Not trying to be rude at all, but that question should be asked on a BMW forum in a section specific to your model.
This thread is already completely derailed.

 

[Aardvark]

fair comment, just impressed by the expertise here!

 

[morahn]

AGM on my 2025 Ranger Raptor (6/7/2025 blend date).
Had the same question Monday afternoon and took this photo:

 

[Sparky62]

Noco Genius here as well, no complaints.

 

[kishanp35]

I use the harbor-freight 4 amp viking battery maintainer. My RS3 stays plugged in all the time on it and never had issues. Cant beat it for 39 dollars.

 

[hand-filer]

I have a few different brand name maintenance chargers. My favorite is the Deltran Battery Tender.
It's the one originator. Aluminum case, grounded circuit, 10 year warranty with lifetime support.
My oldest unit is 18 years old, this one is 8 years old.

 

[JimG]

Batteries in the Raptor are not lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are used for storage such as in EV vehicles. I would bet the batteries in a ranger raptor are a hi cranking amp starting battery. Simply a lead acid battery, but a higher end one. What GLW asked is what battery tender should he use when using ForScan or installing updates to the Ford Performance Tune. I don’t know about ForScan, but if you don’t have at least a 15 amp battery charger hooked up when working with the FP tune and your voltage drops below 11.6 V you might lose your complete computer board. A trickle charger will not suffice. If you are in doubt call the FP people and ask them. Or do a little research on this site as there have been people tried it with a trickle charger. But again call the support line at FP and ask them.
Cheers and good luck.

 

[wtudorin]

I want to get a battery tender for those infrequent times I use Forscan or install updates (haven’t done this yet) to the FP tune.

What would you recommend for this occasional need that wouldn’t break the bank but also not junk.

thanks
Gary

Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 12-Volt.
You can get different Amperage based on your needs.
I got the 25A version and I actually set it up in the tub permanently as my car sits sometimes for a week without being moved.
Software is fully customizable with heaps of parameters.

 

[GLW]

I want to get a battery tender for those infrequent times I use Forscan or install updates (haven’t done this yet) to the FP tune.

What would you recommend for this occasional need that wouldn’t break the bank but also not junk.

thanks
Gary

Thank you everyone as it’s be a great learning experience for me.

I’m going with this one. Looks like it will do what I need it to do for the once in a year update and I like the price point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQ...id=8URGJIMBS5UO&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_ys_dp_ii

 

[bossy]

I use a Noko Genius. They have different models with varying capabilities. Mine has selectable modes for lead acid, AGM, lithium, as well as 12v power supply and a quick "jump start." It also has a repair mode for seriously depleted lead acid and AGM. It can select 12/13.6 volt, 6 volt, or 24 volts.

IT was over $200 about 10 years ago, so it's not a cheap alternative. But I have cars, an RV, motorcycles, and an ATV. They have different batteries chemistries, capacities, and voltages. This one covers every need other than the rare situation in which I need a charger on 2 batteries at the same time.

Ditto. I have like 4 NOCO Genius products and they are great. My country house Pajero has one installed under the hood and a fast plug that stays connected in the winter.

 

[fordtrks4ever]

I have several Deltran minders.

 

[Onceaneagle]

Has anyone hooked up the eyeloop CTEK battery maintainer quick connect cable to the 2025 Ranger Lariat battery? If so, can you post a picture of which terminals are best? Don't want to do something I might regret.

 

[bigb]

I've been using these little on board NOCO 2Ds on our cars and I just installed one on the Ranger. Poked the AC cord out by the tow hook, no more raising the hood to connect a maintainer. It fits down behind the headlight and by removing the skid plate I was able to zip tie it to a cable bundle down there after padding the bottom and side to keep it from rattling. AC cord does not pass near any sharp edges and is covered in corrugated plastic conduit.

It's not a CTEK or a Victron but it keeps the batteries safely topped off and about the size of a package of cigarettes.

I wish there was a way to see our battery SOC on the Ford app. Do we at least get a notification if it drops too low?

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