onboard battery conditioner

[robinbit]

I have a 2020 GMC Duramax 2500HD. I love in a cold climate and my truck will be stored outside (it's TOO long to fit in my garage!). I want to keep the batteries charged and conditioned. I am considering installing an onboard battery conditioner. I have previously used portable trickle chargers on a number of different batteries with very good success, but I don't want to have to take a portable charger off every time I want to use the truck and re-install it when I park the truck. Just unplugging an onboard charger and plugging it back in would be much easier and wouldn't even require that I open or close the hood if the plug is properly placed when installing.

 

Since it is a Duramax with two batteries, I will need a two bank model. I have done some research online and it seems most people who install an onboard charger are boat owners, which is encouraging for the weather ability of onboard chargers. Noco has several models, but have some fairly critical reviews. Not sure if it's the products fault or user error?

 

Anyone have experience with an onboard charger? Is it a bad idea? If not, anyone have recommendations for good brands/model numbers? Where to locate under the hood? How to secure?

 

As always, I appreciate everyone's participation in these forums! Thanks!

[veeref]

I use the NOCO G3500. I hardwired the passenger side battery to an SAE plug and drilled out the passenger wheel liner for the plug.


OptiMATE Cable O-40, Weatherproof... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N57XLNS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I never cared for NOCO’s proprietary plug so I just snipped them off and replaced them with SAE as well. The only thing I have to remember is to unplug it before I drive off. I’ll probably put a little flag on my steering wheel or something similar.