Question about Proper use of a Battery Charger

[Fandini]

To use a battery charger/maintainer do I need to disconnect the batteries from the truck to avoid damaging any of the elecronics or electrical componants on the truck or is it safe just to hook it up and plug it in? I can't find anything in the truck manual about this.

[Goose350]

You need to disconnect the batts and charge them.

[Jake]

I have never disconnected a battery just to charge it, and have never had any issues either.

[Fandini]

Originally Posted by Goose350

You need to disconnect the batts and charge them.

Not what I wanted to hear. Let my ask why that's the case. Is it any different from jump starting?

[Goose350]

Originally Posted by Jake

I have never disconnected a battery just to charge it, and have never had any issues either.

I have always heard its best to disconnect them but I guess it really doesnt matter

Originally Posted by Fandini

Not what I wanted to hear. Let my ask why that's the case. Is it any different from jump starting?

You will be fine either way. I have just always disconnect the batteries and charged them in my shed. Just a habit I guess.

[Fandini]

Originally Posted by Goose350

You need to disconnect the batts and charge them.

Not that I don't buy into what your saying, but what puzzles me is that if hooking up a charger to batteries that are still hooked up to the truck is such a big no no, why isn't it in the owners manual. I've looked and I can't find anything about how it should or should not be done. You'd think that with all the idiot warnings on everything these days there'd be a section on this. Heck, there is over 4 pages with lots of pictures on how to properly connect and, get this, disconnect jumper cables. Would you believe that there is a picture for EACH step.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by Goose350

I have always heard its best to disconnect them but I guess it really doesnt matter


You will be fine either way. I have just always disconnect the batteries and charged them in my shed. Just a habit I guess.

Ive heard that too, but if you think about it, what difference would it make? The batteries have constant power in them anyway, and when the key is off there is no power running through anything anyway.

Originally Posted by Fandini

Not that I don't buy into what your saying, but what puzzles me is that if hooking up a charger to batteries that are still hooked up to the truck is such a big no no, why isn't it in the owners manual. I've looked and I can't find anything about how it should or should not be done. You'd think that with all the idiot warnings on everything these days there'd be a section on this. Heck, there is over 4 pages with lots of pictures on how to properly connect and, get this, disconnect jumper cables. Would you believe that there is a picture for EACH step.

Another good point.

[Fandini]

I was hoping an electronics guru would chime in. I've heard a lot of different things over the years, a lot of which is conflicting. Maybe a Ford Tech that is strong in the electrical/electronics area could help us answer this question.

[Jake]

Im no guru or tech, but ive charged countless batteries without unhookin em and never once had any issue.