I have a small trickle charger that I use on the GT while it is stored for the winter. The charger came with two detachable/changeable ends. One end has the conventional alligator clip-type clamps which are clamped onto the battery posts. The other detachable/changeable end has a male insert which can be plugged into the cigarette lighter.
I am putting a car cover over the car for the first time and the hood will be closed. I don't relish the thought of leaving a live battery/trickle charger on the battery posts when the hood and insulator are closed so close over the top of the battery,
The adapter with the lighter insert seems to be the answer, but I never used one.
Has anyone used the set-up and does it work???

 

my 07 doesn't have a cigarette lighter, but if the power port stays on with the key off it should work fine...

 

I would hesitate using the power port only because I'm not sure how it's wired thru the SJB. The charge would be going thru the electrical system before reaching the battery which doesn't sit well with me. Years ago on an older vehicle I'd say that was a worthwhile option.

I store vehicles with Battery Tenders attached directly to the battery. If lowering the hood with yours attached concerns you with regard to shorting to the hood (which the hood insulator should do fine for protection), a layer or 2 of cardboard or something more sophisticated is all you need to provide insulation.

 

I'd not cover the car. You don't want to trap any moisture anywhere or you'll get mold and rust. I covered a motorcycle one year and had problems like that.

As far as the cigarette lighter trickle charger, if it's a true trickle charger (charging at the same rate the battery discharges - under 500 mA or so) it'll be fine. I'd not use it for more than that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trickle...#Charging_rate

 

The S197s dont have cirarette lighters.
Its an accessory jack.
Its good for 10 amps.
Dont go 10 amps of charge that and all will be fine.

I run a custom 'take it to 13.8V and shut off until 12.3V is
reached and do it all over again' charger.

 

Thanks to all,
My apologies as I am old school and call the now-a-days accessory port a cigarette lighter outlet.
I've done some investigation and essentially current, when applied correctly in this case, is friendly traveling in either direction. Circuits needing protection are either switched, fused or use diodes to prohibit only one-way current travel.
My garage is attached and even on sub-zero days never gets below 32 degrees F. I use what I call moisture bags which I purchased at a camping store. These are used when storing large trailer homes, boats, etc. I place them in the interior and trunk to absorb moisture as temperature & humidity changes occur. I also use a premium, breathable cover and never store it under any plastic-derived material that can trap moisture. I once owned a VW Turbo Beetle of which I sold with 239 miles on it after 3 years of ownership. This vehicle was stored sucessfully in a detached garage in the upper states and still smelled showroom new when I sold it using these methods. I also stored an antique musclecar in this same attached garage where my GT will be stored with the same success.
I believe my charger outputs at no greater than 2-3 amps. I will verify the charger's output before attachment.

 

Oh, sure... Buy my wheels but don't take MY advice... LOL!

 

I've found the SJB doesn't shut off the power port in the console. I've used a smart charger on this port for weeks without a problem...

 

most people run the 12.5v / 2a chargers (or something similar) and should be fine. Like 157 said, that port is made for a 10a load, a trickle charge will be fine.

 

I also use the Battery Tenders for winter storage.