Originally Posted by rh71

reviving an old thread and since I've never used a battery tender and youtube is of no help:

- I only park it outside - do these battery tenders need to be plugged into a wall socket or are they "rechargeable" devices? I assume socket because they are used for 8+ hours at a time.
My Battery Tender and other versions need to be plugged in. I have read of solar powered chargers, but no experience with them.
- do they fit under the hood with the hood closed? Seems the front is where you hook it up despite the battery being in the rear? I suppose I could park my Battery Tender under the hood on a flat service, but I put mine on the garage floor; having it outside would prob require you to place it under hood, but one would have to be very careful, imo. And, you still need an elec outlet for most tenders...

Yes, the alligator jaws are attached to the pos fitting and the neg bolt under the hood. I close my hood, though not fully closed/locked; I suppose one could close tightly with cable running out under hood seam, but dunno.- do they need to be completely removed if you're going to start the car?
I remove my clips, cords and unit before I start my ol'X...- I only drive it maybe 2-3 times a week and for short distances - sometimes it cranks a little longer than it used to - do you think a battery tender will solve this - especially because the winter is coming?
It will certainly help...those short drives in winter, are not a rec'd situ, too.