Weather/water proof or resistant? Does it have low powered fans or anything to control its temperature? I'm looking at this as possible substitute for the battery tender jr. But do need something that sit out in my Louisiana driveway which is exposed to rain 24/7/365 effectively with our humidity levels. Weather/water proof or resistant? Does it have low powered fans or anything to control its temperature? I'm looking at this as possible substitute for the battery tender jr. But do need... » Read More Weather/water proof or resistant? Does it have low powered fans or anything to control its temperature? I'm looking at this as possible substitute for the battery tender jr. But do need something that sit out in my Louisiana driveway which is exposed to rain 24/7/365 effectively with our humidity levels. « Show Less
1192625
Hey Fee,This battery charger does have a low powered internal fan. Has to having it outside in your Louisiana weather: I'm just south of Houston with similar weather and I would not leave it outside 24/7. However, it does work fine in my garage in 100 degrees plus, so if you can figure out some way to protect it from the wet it should do fine. Hope this helps.
1846373
Im in MA. I store my batteries in an unheated garage for several years since ive bought it....no issues thus far. But i agree that they are so small....so if you are worried, just bring them into the house when it gets really cold.
1313171
I'm not sure why you would need to protect it from the rain, mine has been out in the rain for about 8 years. Continues to work just fine. This year is particularly bad for mosquitos, I've had to empty the trap twice (full) and changed the fly paper 3 times and it's only been a month. I bring it inside in the winter and clean it with compressed air. Had to change the AA battery twice in 8 years. Works great and don't have to plug it in.
1733442
I've dabbled with it a little, I was curious if it'd be a good ambient temperature generator. The cells don't generate a mass amount of wattage, micro-volts at best in summer heat. To really generate a substantial amount of electricity (still in the range of battery wattage) you'd need to convert heat from larger sources burning at much higher temperatures, such as from fire or a specialized heat-sink if you are focused on using sunlight. I know this answer is fairly vague, without specifics, I just figured I'd chime in with a general answer.
1583903
I have mine sitting outside but under a patio awning where it is protected from the direct rain. I don't think it would be rain-proof if it was left out in the open. The battery opening is on the bottom side of the round center and the top is covered by a plastic flip lid.
367010
Yes, you can use it outside, depending on what you're using it for. It can only get wet if you put a clear, epoxy seal around the edge of the solar screen, but that may not protect any other areas that water may seep into. It was not made to get wet, or for wet weather. As far as working for boat batteries, look the company up on the internet and ask them that question. I LOVE mine and will buy another if this one gets old.
1386270
Mine got completely SOAKED when my roommate left it out and had the misters on overnight....it seemed completely ruined, but after changing the battery and letting it sit in the sun for a couple days it started working again and still works months later. I would do what others suggested and cover the battery compartment area and then a bit of moisture shouldn't ruin it....but it's not INTENDED to be outdoors/waterproof.
1177689
I agree w/ Kevin Takas. It has electronics inside it which are the controlling parts. If they were to get damaged by weather, the entire thing would not function. So it is not weather resistant, and designed to be operated in a sheltered area.
1577331
I bought this as a gift as I received a similar one as one. For mine, the outside sensor should be sheltered from direct sunlight as you want the temperature to reflect "in the shade." How you could do this without "getting rained on" is beyond me. Mine is under an eve. If you have no eve access, I suggest you improvise a simple one. make sure there's enough circulation room as to not trap heat and damage the sensor or at least cause it to give invalid readings. Good luck...
744137
Hi there, I use it to power my 15 Amp chainsaw and it is great but I do not leave it sitting out in the weather when not in use. The plug and socket are normal heavy-duty and do not have anything I would call weather proofing around them. For my purposes, it was a great buy.
1057168
Good Morning,Thank you for contacting Hold N Storage!!This Twin Window Fan is not a weather shield item.Shall you have any further questions feel free to contact us!!Have A Wonderful Weekend!!
1825252
Boy! That's a tough question. We are Southern Cal and the weather is never that brutal. The unit has worked really well for us and have no complaints. If I were you I'd just get and try it out. If it freezes just return it.
2078707
Extreme cold might cut battery life a little. Wind could cause a noise problem. Not sure about a driving rain. I believe it is made more for indoor use.
571419
I have left my alumacraft sitting outside in the driveway with no cover on the boat, with the battery box exposed to all the elements and have had no problems. I leave uncovered due to solar panel trickle charger on battery. I have since moved the boat into my garage, still no issues. The box has been hit by it all, rain, sleet, spray, snow, no issues yet.
627993
I live in Georgia and we sometimes see temperatures in the teens. We have not had low enough temperatures to interfere with the operation this year. As a precaution I ordered an extra battery and have them hooked up in tandem.
1284635
I had it over my garage door and the 1st night it rained, water got into the battery compartment and motion sensor. I put it in a bowl of rice for a few days and it got most out to the point to where it would work again. I put a sealant around anywhere that i thought water could get in and it's been great ever since. It just doesnt look the greatest lol. So to answer your question, it isnt weather proof unless you make it that way. Hope i helped.
1552590
First battery lasted 4 full Virginia seasons with a small lot, getting pretty weak during the 5th, but I limped through that one as well. The second is starting its third season and seems pretty peppy yet. My garage doesn't get below 35 degrees over the winter, and I give the unit a mid-winter charge each year (the manual recommends after about 4-6 weeks, I think)