Hard-wired Battery Tender?

it is in the way now. I run it out the bottom of the compartment and around the front tire to get to the battery. Easier access. When I hardwire it I'll run the wire along with the other engine and electrical cables along the frame behind the tire/suspension permanently.

Just leave it plugged in. Is it in the way?

Excellent! thanks for the replies! I've been plugging and unplugging the thing until last trip when it hit me to just hardwire it. I'm getting a little slow.....

Mustang GT,
Before I found out about a unit that Winne and Itasca started using in late '05, early '06 called the "Trik-L-Start", I decided to hard wire a three stage NAPA battery charger. Since our 110VAC breaker panel is at the foot of the bed and it's got a couple of unused breaker slots, I just purchased a 15A breaker, stuck it in one of the empty slots, and cut off the plug to the charger and stuck the wires in the appropriate positions.

I then ran the 12VDC leads through a small hole I drilled in the cavity wall for the 110VAC wires and, directly into the battery compartment area. I tied them to the appropriate terminals. Now, whether on shore power or, generator power, my chassis batteries are being charged and, since it's a three stage, they are on "float" about 99.99999% of the time.

And, if for any reason I have to shut down the charger, I can simply flip the switch off for that breaker. That system has been in use now for about 18 months or more and works flawless.

Plus, one more minor benefit is, through a louvered vent on the lower side of the bed pedestal, I can see the colors of the LED on the charger that tells me the state of charge of the chassis batteries at a glance.

Scott

I have tender plus hard wired. Over one year now and no problems. Did check with factory first and response was no problem - OK to hardwire.