Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

[James B.]

I have always connected trickle chargers to the pos/neg terminals of the battery on older cars. Now that charger is occupied servicing my '64. I have another charger that is wired for connection to the cigarette lighter outlet. Is there any problem using that one on my '67?
I haven't looked but I assume in that age car the lighter socket would be hot with ignition off??

Thanks, Jim B

[Harry S.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

James, DO NOT DO THAT. The technology in a 67 is not that of a 2017. If you are going to use a battery tender on a 67 only connect it on the battery. If you end up with a fire because you used the lighter, your insurance will become void as I understand.

[Keith B.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

I don't believe the lighter is fused

[Richard M.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

It's fusible linked.

[Frank D.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

The better chargers/tenders have an optional pigtail with ring terminals you can connect to the battery terminals that is easily hidden alongside the inner fender. Pop the hood, plug the charging device into the pigtail and you're done. Both of my classics, my boat and my jet ski all use these. "Battery Minder" is one such product...

[Michael J.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

I asked about doing this not long ago, here are the opinions:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...arette+lighter

[James B.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

Thanks to all for your input. Interesting that '67 was the first year for fuse in the cig lighter circuit. Never the less, I will go the safe, traditional route and get connectors to go directly to the battery terminals

[James B.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

My new battery is a Restoration AGM. I've now read the charging instructions an it is interesting. Instructions say not to use a trickle charger of any type, to use a conventional charger (connected to posts) and recharge every couple of months. Surprising as I have a couple new German cars with AGM batteries and trickle charging is recommended. I know CTEKs are commonly used with AGMs?? Despite this I will charge as Restoration recommends.

[Michael W.]

Re: Trickle Charger Feed to Cigarette Lighter Socket?

Don't confuse 'trickle chargers' with 'battery tenders' like the Ctek units. Different animals.