How often to charge battery?

[zipclean]

How often do you guys feel you have to charge your snowmobile battery?I had a sled with electric start years ago and only charged it once a year if that.Does the 06's not charge while they are running?I would hate to go to my remote cabin @ -35 and find out a sled with no recoil won't start because the battery is dead.Is this an issue? Just thinking out loud as my Attak still isn't in yet and getting a little cold feet on afew issues(weight,no pull rope,cold hands????) Just nevous coming off of 15 years of CAT.

 

[swickey99]

I'm no guru when it comes to mechanics of a snow machine.... But I would have to think there is some sort of charging system ... I know a few guys with RX-1's and starting in cold weather was never a problem, plus with the EFI on the 06's you should be smooth sailing...

 

[Nice Rumble]

It has a charging system just like a car. The first thing I did when I brought my GT home was put the battery on a Battery Tender. It was not at full charge and by morning was fully charged. I think most dealerships just do the minumun charge during the PDI. Good idea to hook up a Battery Tender during the summer so your good to go next winter.

 

[Arctic Express]

I put in a request to Santa for a Battery Tender and plan on attaching the adapter to the battery premantly so I can plug it in periodically. I would think after a days ride it should be at full charged. Especially a new battery there should be any problem, but after a couple years then watching the charge maybe more critical. Also mentioned was EFI will make a difference. I've had a few EFI cats in the past and they would fire up in the coldest of Weather like -35F with no problem.

 

[Grimm]

I've thought about getting one of those solar panel chargers for the battery and hooking it up during the week when I don't ride. Apparently they provide a very low charge (2.5 watts) without overcharging the battery.

Does anyone else here use a similar product like this?

 

[Bob Miller]

Its a fact, the best place to store a Battery is in a warm place because the cold will draw it down! :exc:

Is it OK to leave a Battery out in a cold environment with a Battery Tender connected? 8)

 

[canadianhunter]

I only charge my sleds, ATV and garden tractor once or twice in the off season, but they have been used enough that they require very little charge[ 2 amps. only for small batteries]. The batteries on my two 02 sleds seem as strong as new. I start my sleds every 2 weeks in the off season, with not a minutes trouble when time to ride.
A battery place [National Battery] told me all batteries should be used[vehicle operated or charged] once a month , if not a battery that makes it 2 years is doing good.
Using this thery I have had[ almost to good to be true] excellent sucess .
BATTERIES
Sleds- fall of 02 to now and still good
Quads- 87 to 97 , was still going when sold.
- 97 to 03, was still going
-03 to now , still going
Garden tractor, blower - says 96 on battery and it still started at -5 F or -20 C on monday.
Works for me.
Talk to a battery place your selves and get the 1st hand info.

 

[jimmie d]

In two years I charged my RX1 battery only once with a battery tender.

Jim