Selecting the correct Battery Tender® battery charger is crucial for the health and longevity of your vehicle's battery. Our smart chargers are designed to fully charge a battery before automatically switching to a maintenance or float mode, preventing overcharging or undercharging that can damage a battery.
However, not all batteries are created equal. Different battery chemistries: Standard Lead-Acid, AGM, Gel, or Lithium (LiFePO4), require different charging profiles. Here's a breakdown of the best 12V Battery Tender chargers for specific applications.
Battery Tender Chargers for Powersports and Small 12V Batteries
This category includes motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, personal watercraft, and lawnmowers, which typically have smaller 12V batteries (often 6 to 20 Ah). These vehicles are frequently stored, making a reliable battery charger essential to maintain your battery’s health.
|
Battery Tender Model |
Amperage |
Best Suited For |
Battery Chemistry Compatibility |
Battery Voltage Compatibility |
Key Features |
|
Battery Tender Junior 750mA 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer |
750mA (0.75 AMPs) |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes |
AGM, GEL, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries |
12V |
A "plug-in" design (the charger body itself plugs into the wall) makes it ultra-compact and perfect for small spaces. |
|
800mA (0.8 AMPs) |
ATVs, Generators, PWCs, UTVs |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
The unit is IP65-rated so internal electronics are completely sealed against moisture, vibration, and shock. |
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|
Charge N Start 1120 1 AMP Battery Charger & 1200 AMP Jump Starter |
1 AMP Charger / 1200 AMP Jump Starter |
Lawnmowers, Motorcycles, ATVs, Personal Watercraft |
AGM, GEL, Lithium (LiFePO4), and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries |
12V |
A lower-amperage maintenance version that still provides 1200 Peak AMPs of jump-starting power for emergency situations. |
|
Battery Tender Junior 1 AMP 12V Selectable Chemistry Battery Charger and Maintainer |
1 AMP |
Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes, ATVs, Watercraft, UTVs, Lawn Mowers, Classic Cars |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries |
12V |
Updated with selectable chemistry, allowing it to safely charge both standard Lead-Acid, AGM, GEL, and modern Lithium batteries. |
|
Battery Tender Plus 1.25 AMP 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer |
1.25 AMPs |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes, Personal Watercraft |
AGM, GEL, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
Industry-leading 10-year warranty. |
|
Battery Tender Plus 1.25 AMP Selectable 12V / 6V Battery Charger and Maintainer |
1.25 AMPs |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes, Personal Watercraft |
AGM, GEL, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 6V |
Combines the classic "Plus" features with switchable voltage for versatility between modern and vintage vehicles. |
Battery Tender Chargers for Cars and Larger 12V Batteries
Standard car batteries, boats, SUVs and trucks require a higher amperage for effective recharging. For automotive use, look for a Battery Tender with 3 AMP or higher power levels.
|
Battery Tender Model |
Amperage |
Best Suited For |
Battery Chemistry Compatibility |
Battery Voltage Compatibility |
Key Feature |
|
3 AMPs |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes, Personal Watercraft, Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Boats |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 6V |
A mid-range charger featuring a simple voltage switch to easily toggle between 12V and 6V vehicle requirements. |
|
|
4 AMPs |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes, Personal Watercraft, Cars, SUVs, Trucks |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 6V |
Similar to the 3 AMP model but provides faster charging turnover while maintaining 6V vintage car compatibility. |
|
|
Charge N Start 4120 4 AMP Battery Charger & 1200 AMP Jump Starter |
4 AMP Charger / 1200 AMP Jump Starter |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes, Boats, Personal Watercraft, Cars, SUVs, Trucks |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
Top-tier dual function. The 4 AMP charge rate quickly recovers larger batteries while the 1200 AMP start power handles engines up to 6.0L gas. |
|
5 AMPs |
Automobiles, SUV, Boats, Classic Cars, RV, Lawnmowers, Motorcycles, ATVs, PWCs, Trucks |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
Features a 72-hour safety timer that protects marginal batteries from potential damage if they cannot accept a full charge. |
|
|
5 AMPs |
Boats, PWCs, Tractors, RVs, Dump Trucks, Cars, Trucks, SUVs |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 24V |
The standout feature is the 24V compatibility, making it ideal for industrial systems, trucks, or aircraft that use 24V systems. |
Higher-Amperage Battery Tender Chargers for Larger Batteries
Standard car batteries, larger boats, RVs, and trucks require a higher amperage for effective recharging. For automotive use, look for a Battery Tender with 3 AMP or higher power levels.
|
Battery Tender Model |
Amperage |
Best Suited For |
Battery Chemistry Compatibility |
Battery Voltage Compatibility |
Key Feature |
|
8 AMPs or 2 AMPs |
Standard cars, SUVs, trucks, boats |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
Features two selectable current levels, allowing you to switch between a rapid charge (8 AMP) and a slower maintenance charge (2 AMP). |
|
|
10 AMPs or 2 AMPs |
Standard cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, RVs. |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
High-output versatility with Infinite Sequential Monitoring (ISM™) that adapts to the battery's needs hundreds of times per second. |
|
|
Selectable (2 AMPs, 8 AMPs, 15 AMPs) |
Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, ATV, Car, Boat, SUV, Truck, Tractor, RV |
AGM, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid), Lithium |
12V |
Offers three granular current settings, making it highly adaptable for batteries ranging from small powersports units to large automotive or marine batteries. |
|
|
48V / 15 AMPs; 36V / 18 AMPs; 24V / 20 AMPs; 12V / 26 AMPs |
Golf Carts, RVs, utility carts, and 12V - 48V marine systems. |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 24V / 36V / 48V |
Built with a rugged, cast-aluminum casing that is IP68 waterproof, designed specifically for harsh environments. |
Multi-Bank Chargers
RVs, boats, or unique systems sometimes require charging for multiple batteries simultaneously.
|
Battery Tender Model |
Amperage |
Application |
Battery Chemistry Compatibility |
Battery Voltage Compatibility |
Key Feature |
|
1.25 AMPs |
Motorcycles, ATVs, Lawnmowers, Dirt Bikes, Personal Watercraft |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
Features independent charging stations that allow you to charge and maintain multiple batteries simultaneously without them discharging each other. |
|
|
6 AMP / 9 AMP / 12 AMP options |
Boats, Watercraft, PWCs, Cars, Trucks SUVs |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 6V |
Each bank is independently voltage selectable, meaning you can charge a 6V battery on one bank and a 12V battery on another at the same time. |
|
|
4 AMPs |
Automobiles, SUV, Boats, Classic Cars |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V / 6V |
Delivers a higher 4 AMP output per bank, offering faster recharging speeds for larger battery banks compared to 1.25A models. |
|
|
20 AMP / 30 AMP / 40 AMP options |
Boats, Watercraft, PWCs, Cars, Trucks SUVs |
AGM, GEL, Lithium, Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) |
12V |
Designed as a weather-resistant (IP67) on-board charger, built to be mounted permanently on boats or outdoor vehicles. |
How to Choose the Best Battery Tender Charger
To ensure the best fit for your battery maintenance needs, remember these guidelines when choosing your Battery Tender charger:
- Match Amperage to Battery Size: Small batteries (motorcycles) need low-amperage maintainers (750mA, 1.25 AMPs). Large automotive batteries need higher-amperage chargers (5 AMPs, 10 AMPs).
- Match the Chemistry: Always confirm compatibility with your battery’s chemistry. If you have a lithium (LiFePO4) battery, it is advised to use a charger with a dedicated Lithium mode since lithium batteries have a different charging algorithm than standard batteries. All Battery Tender battery chargers are base-compatible with AGM, gel, and standard lead-acid batteries.
- Determine if a Weatherproof Unit is Necessary: Consider where the vehicle is stored. If you park outdoors, in a carport, or are charging a marine battery, select a charger with an IP (Ingress protection) rating to ensure it is sealed against shock, vibration, and water. For controlled indoor environments like a garage, a standard unit is sufficient.
- Account for Charging Multiple Batteries at Once: If you own a fleet—such as a classic car, a motorcycle, and an ATV—look for a multibank charger. These unites allow you to charge and maintain two, three, four, or more batteries simultaneously using a single AC outlet, eliminating the clutter of multiple power cords.
