Keeping battery charged?

[T-shirt Sip 2107]

I have a 3rd vehicle that I only use for camping, fishing and hunting. The problem is that I never seem to remember to turn it on to keep the battery charged. I usually have to jump it and leave it running for a long time before I use it. Is there anything I can do short of removing the battery and putting it on a charger every time? I sometimes go 2 months without using it. Any help is appreciated. 

[hornbri 1402]

Set a alarm on your phone to remind you to turn it on and keep it charged once a week. 

[Gil Bang 26012]

Solar battery charger. Toss it on the dash, plug into cigarette lighter. They exist. Just enough juice to keep your battery good.

[Texaus 377]

Onboard battery charger/maintainer. As long as there is and outlet nearby where you park it, I’d install one of these and be done with it.

[luke duke 6414]

I’ve got one of these that I use on a truck that I don’t drive much (2 battery diesel):
BLACK+DECKER BC2WBD Fully Automatic 2 Amp 12V Waterproof Battery Charger/Maintainer with Cable Clamps
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQ1F7PM/

I added this to it:
Schumacher WM-12 Cable Connector for Battery Charger/Maintainer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WDDLTO/

I ran the cable out of the grill so I can plug/unplug it without opening the hood. It has worked very well and the current set of batteries has lasted longer than the prior ones.

[Lat22 4017]

Available at Wal Mart, Home Depot, etc.

http://products.batterytender.com/Dion/Battery-Tender-Junior-12V-0-75A.html

[T-shirt Sip 2107]

14 hours ago, luke duke said:

I’ve got one of these that I use on a truck that I don’t drive much (2 battery diesel):
BLACK+DECKER BC2WBD Fully Automatic 2 Amp 12V Waterproof Battery Charger/Maintainer with Cable Clamps
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQ1F7PM/

I added this to it:
Schumacher WM-12 Cable Connector for Battery Charger/Maintainer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WDDLTO/

I ran the cable out of the grill so I can plug/unplug it without opening the hood. It has worked very well and the current set of batteries has lasted longer than the prior ones.

Thank you all for the suggestions but I think I’m going this route. I have an outlet about 10’ from the vehicle and I think I’ll run it through the grill too for easy install/uninstall. 

[SHOOTER12 8827]

17 hours ago, luke duke said:

I’ve got one of these that I use on a truck that I don’t drive much (2 battery diesel):
BLACK+DECKER BC2WBD Fully Automatic 2 Amp 12V Waterproof Battery Charger/Maintainer with Cable Clamps
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQ1F7PM/

I added this to it:
Schumacher WM-12 Cable Connector for Battery Charger/Maintainer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WDDLTO/

I ran the cable out of the grill so I can plug/unplug it without opening the hood. It has worked very well and the current set of batteries has lasted longer than the prior ones.

All excellent options. There's a ton of reasonably priced battery tenders these days.

[BottleRocket 647]

You could always get a quick disconnect for about $10.

[Gil Bang 26012]

this was what I was suggesting

 

https://www.amazon.com/POWOXI-Waterproof-Amorphous-Motorcycle-Watercraft/dp/B07M8VSFKF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2BYOOS9BGI8C3&keywords=solar+battery+tender&qid=1552009447&s=gateway&sprefix=solar+battery+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

[Xminus6 790]

Good thing with Battery Tenders is that you can run leads off the battery to put the plug someplace more convenient without opening the hood. Might be a bit more challenging on a car as opposed to a motorcycle, but Battery Tenders are really popular with Motorcyclists because you can run the plug out under a fairing or panel avoiding the need to remove your seat all the time.

[Sam Lin 3561]

Depending on the vehicle's idle draw, the Battery Tender Jr might not have enough current to prevent it running down if parked for long enough. The bigger Battery Tenders have more current output.

Ctek is another very reputable manufacturer of maintainers.

Even on a car, it's pretty convenient to hardwire the Battery Tender pigtail and leave it near the edge of the hood or grille, so you hookup is easy. Note that most (maybe all?) of the various manufacturers use the same connector, so you can usually mix and match the cables and extensions between brands.

And if you want to be really fancy, there are magnetic power disconnects that allow you to quickly and invisibly connect the tender, and take no damage if you forget and drive off while still connected (not recommending this site, just using it as an example):

https://www.nakidparts.com/battery-charger-mag-hookup