Get Your ATV & UTV Battery Ready for the Winter Months
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The cost of these chargers can run anywhere from $49.95 to over $100 depending on the model. Each usually is supplied with a standard set of alligator clips for easy connection as well as a dedicated harness that you can install on your ATV or Motorcycle for constant availability to be able to charge the battery. To even further simplify the process, most units handle everything and you will not need to set anything on the charger itself. A set of indicator lights will tell you at what state the charger is operating at making the entire process almost infallible.

CTEK Multi US 3300 Battery Charger retails for around $70.00	Xtreme Charge 12 Volt Battery Charger retails for around $90.00

Detailed instructions are included in each model and the steps needed to connect the charging unit to your battery are straight forward. Make sure the charger is unplugged, connect the red (Positive+) cable, then the black (Negative -) cable and plug the charger into a power source. The indicator lights should be visible and depending on the model of charger, you will get a quick report on what the charger is indeed doing.

There are a few safety precautions one should take when working with any battery. Eye protection is a must, along with some gloves. While the majority of all batteries manufactured for modern ATV’s and Motorcycles are of AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) or DRY in construction, the “Gell” that is inside the batteries can cause burns and injuries if it finds its way out of the sealed battery. There is always a risk of explosion when charging batteries as well due to the Hydrogen gas produced during a charging or discharging cycle. You should also never attempt to add water or battery acid to a sealed battery as it is not needed and if you did break the seal on the battery and add fluid; you will disrupt the chemical balance inside the unit causing an eventual failure. At upwards of $75 a battery, it’s not a cheap replacement if you go experimenting. If you are unsure of your battery take it to a qualified service center to have it tested and or inspected. Also, never use any battery charger on a battery that you believe has frozen. Bring that battery indoors and allow it to reach a temperature well above freezing for several hours before attempting to charge it.

Both the CTEK Multi US 3300 Battery Charger and Xtreme Charge 12 Volt Battery Charger can be used on a number of vehicles including your ATV, Lawnmower, Boat and even your car or Truck!

Most of the smaller units are designed for a battery that is usually sized for an ATV, UTV or Motorcycle. The chargers do a good job of keeping a charged battery charged but don’t expect most of these units to charge a fully discharged battery or to charge a battery in your Bulldozer. When making a purchase, be sure to see what Amp battery or what size battery the specific charger is aimed at. The Marine /boating world is leaps ahead on the charging/maintenance system side of things and those chargers can bank charge multiple batteries and are scaled to batteries of that size. Several of the chargers available in the Marine market can serve double duty if you have the need for more then just your ATV.