Anyone running a battery tender on their 3rd Gen? This has been my SOP with every vehicle I've ever owned.... but now i'm not so sure

[IceStationZ]

I've used a CTEK 4.3amp tender with every vehicle i've owned for the last 15 years or so. This includes everything from ATV's, to collector cars, to my daily drivers, etc. My standard practice is to just connect a CTEK pigtail (quick connector) to the positive and negative battery posts.... and then plug in the CTEK tender to the pigtail when the vehicle is not being used.

I just finished setting this up on my new to me '23 and decided to do some quick internet searches for any tips or tricks specific to this practice on the Raptor. What I think i'm hearing is that the negative connection to the battery needs to be downstream of the BMS (Ford battery sensor). I can't quite figure out why, nor can I figure out the horrible things that will happen if I don't do it this way.

Can anyone shed any light on this based on personal experience?

 

[GordoJay]

I've used a CTEK 4.3amp tender with every vehicle i've owned for the last 15 years or so. This includes everything from ATV's, to collector cars, to my daily drivers, etc. My standard practice is to just connect a CTEK pigtail (quick connector) to the positive and negative battery posts.... and then plug in the CTEK tender to the pigtail when the vehicle is not being used.

I just finished setting this up on my new to me '23 and decided to do some quick internet searches for any tips or tricks specific to this practice on the Raptor. What I think i'm hearing is that the negative connection to the battery needs to be downstream of the BMS (Ford battery sensor). I can't quite figure out why, nor can I figure out the horrible things that will happen if I don't do it this way.

Can anyone shed any light on this based on personal experience?

Part of battery management is measuring the state of charge. Then they can prevent over charging, under charging, and over discharging. Computer controlled. Easy enough to connect to the frame instead of the battery.

 

[Turning Blue]

I use a battery tender on my 22 when it will be sitting for a week or more. I also used it the past two winters from around November 15 to around March or April. LOL, I know I may get roasted for this, but I drive a Jeep Cherokee in the winter, and my wife's SUV is all wheel drive. No salt exposure on my Raptor makes me happy...lol.

Anyway, there is a spot on the negative cable that is appropriate for connecting a battery tender. I'll post a pic tomorrow...if I remember...lol.

 

[3Dog]

Part of battery management is measuring the state of charge. Then they can prevent over charging, under charging, and over discharging. Computer controlled. Easy enough to connect to the frame instead of the battery.

^ This. Connect positive directly to positive terminal, and negative wires to ground. Let the CTEK do the battery monitoring.

 

[Donmatteo]

I use a battery tender on my connected at the battery because it does sit a lot.

I had my factory battery go bad after a year so since then, I've been using a tender.

I'd like to know if I can use a tender for the 2 batteries under the passenger side rear set. I don't think the tender has enough reach to charge them from the main battery but I don't know if they disconnect when the truck isnt running.

 

[IceStationZ]

Thank you all. I will find a spot other than the negative battery terminal to connect the ground. I just don't like doing things without understanding why I'm doing it.

 

[Littlefx4]

Thank you all. I will find a spot other than the negative battery terminal to connect the ground. I just don't like doing things without understanding why I'm doing it.

 

[IceStationZ]

I use a battery tender on my 22 when it will be sitting for a week or more. I also used it the past two winters from around November 15 to around March or April. LOL, I know I may get roasted for this, but I drive a Jeep Cherokee in the winter, and my wife's SUV is all wheel drive. No salt exposure on my Raptor makes me happy...lol.

Anyway, there is a spot on the negative cable that is appropriate for connecting a battery tender. I'll post a pic tomorrow...if I remember...lol.

Yes, please, share a pic of where you suggest making the negative connection. thank you.

 

[EricM]

Any bare steel or aluminum is fine. There may be a point Ford says you can use, but it doesn't matter. As long as it's not on the negative battery terminal.

 

[jeanco]

use the cigarette lighter in my 2019 without problem.
have not try 24........