Battery Tender Junior 800 Review: The Most Cost-Effective Battery Maintainer

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      Most of our hands-on reviews concentrate on new tools and gear. Today, I want to highlight a piece of equipment that has served me well for several years: the Battery Tender Junior 800.

      Batteries will gradually lose charge over time when left idle. This is why a car that has been stationary for a while often requires a jump start. If left unused for too long, the battery can deteriorate, become completely discharged, and need replacement. A battery maintainer is the best solution to this issue. These devices automatically keep the battery at an optimal charge level while it is not being used. Since every shop has vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, or lawn equipment that have batteries sitting idle for months, battery maintainers are essential tools.

      The great news is that battery maintainers are quite affordable. There are many options available well under the $50 price range. However, it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest choice. Having learned this lesson the hard way on more than one occasion, I can confidently say that spending a few dollars more on the Battery Tender Junior 800 is a much better investment.

      The Bottom Line

      Battery Tender Junior 800

      Battery Tender Junior 800 Ease of Use 9/10 Charge Time 6/10 Versatility 9/10 Value 8/10 Overall 8/10

      Overview of the Battery Tender Junior 800

      The Battery Tender Junior 800 is straightforward and easy to use. As the name suggests, it’s an 800mA charger suitable for 12-volt batteries. To be clear, it functions both as a trickle charger and a battery maintainer. It is compatible with AGM, flooded, gel lead acid batteries, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. The operation is fully automated. You simply need to plug it into a wall outlet, select the appropriate setting for your battery type, and connect it to the battery. You can choose the battery type mode with a single button located in the center of the unit, and the selection is confirmed with an LED indicator. A green or yellow LED light will flash or remain lit to indicate if the leads are properly connected, if there’s an issue with the battery, and the current charge level.

      In the package, you receive the Battery Tender, instructions, and 12-foot leads with two connection options. You can choose between standard alligator clamps or eyelets for a permanent mount to the vehicle. The older models, like mine, included interchangeable leads with pigtail connectors; the newer version comes with the eyelets attached to the clamps. Since I lost my eyelets years ago, this new version is a welcomed upgrade. The price is $49.95, though it is often discounted. As I write this, it’s available for $39.95 on Amazon.

      Used and Tested for Years

      I’m not going to claim that the Battery Tender Junior 800 is something it’s not. It’s not a miracle device that will transform your battery charging experience. It’s simply a battery charger and maintainer. You plug it in, connect it to your battery, and it slowly charges and maintains it. That’s all there is to it, and it works wonderfully.

      Over the years, I’ve purchased several inexpensive battery chargers and maintainers, none of which lasted more than a few months. After going through that cycle three times, I finally invested in a Battery Tender and haven’t regretted it. In fact, the price difference was only $10-$20 more.

      This Battery Tender Junior 800 has been in my shop for a few years, consistently in use. My 1969 Dodge Charger frequently requires repairs and major projects, and I also have a truck and motorcycle that remain unused for long periods. Between these three vehicles, this charger is almost always keeping something powered up. It has handled various battery types, including lithium, and performed flawlessly every time.

      Compared to the other inexpensive chargers I've used, the Battery Tender offers superior build quality. It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, and years of use show that its internal components also reflect this quality. Additionally, it features an inline fuse protection and reverse polarity protection in case the leads are connected incorrectly.

      Hank O’Hop

      Overall, it’s challenging to find anything negative about this unit. It does take a considerable amount of time to charge batteries fully, and the leads are somewhat short, which can be frustrating at times. However, neither of these issues impedes its intended function. If you want upgrades in these areas, you could consider the Battery Tender Plus, which may be the better option for my needs. Regardless, the 800 serves its purpose well. I actually gifted the larger version to my dad a while back, and it has proven to be just as reliable.

      The Verdict: Battery Tender is Worth Every Penny and More

      Over several years