"Bill Jeffrey" > wrote in message
news:qdtNd.37229$mt.27242@fed1read03...
> Battery maintainer? Better idea - simply disconnect one battery cable.
>
> I routinely store my 98 Ford Ranger for 6 months at a time in my gararge
> in Maine. Still has the OEM battery. Among other steps, I disconnect
> one of the battery cables as part of the routine. By doing so, I
> disconnect all the phantom loads, such as the radio preset memory and
> the engine computer - which are what discharges the battery. When I
> return in six months, I simply reconnect that battery, and it starts
> right up. I haven't yet had to boost it.
>
> By contrast, a cheap battery maintainer can overcharge the battery -
> which is not a good thing.
>
> Bill Jeffrey
>

A battery maintainer won't overcharge a battery. It will only maintain a
battery at the state of charge present when hooked up. Hence the name.
Since the vehicle will be stored outdoors, unhooking or removing the battery
would probably be best.
H