I need a battery conditioner (or whatever you call them) and I'm not sure where to start. We have an X300 and my brother's Mini sitting idle for long periods of time, and the batteries don't take kindly to this.

What are your recommendations?

Was looking at these: CTEK Smart Switch Mode Battery Chargers

 

I have the CTEK 7 and it is the best money I have spent on the car. Many people will say the same on this forum and indeed, this forum is the reason I got one.

 

Is that this one:CTEK Smart Switch Mode Battery Chargers 'MXS 7.0'

 

Certainly is.

 

I bought a battery tender from Harbor Freight for $5, woks fine for my XK8.

 

I've got 2 BatteryMINDer 12117's, a BatteryMINDer SCC-005 mounted on the 2003 S-Type (pictorial in here somewhere), and just rec'd BatteryMINDer OBD-12 #'s 8 and 9 (3 to my dad, 1 on 05 S-type pwrd by solar panel, 1 on X300 with solar pwr feeding bus bar, one on 2000 Exc, one on 03 F150) just installed #8 on the 07 F150 last night, #9 will go on the utility trailer battery with a solar panel.
OBD-12's don't charge unless you supply a pwr source - they desulfate during driving.
Very happy with VDC Electronics ....but I buy from Amazon or Batterystuff.com - Price.

I use the 12117's on two small tractors and whatever vehicle is parked up for a few days - usually the Exc and I just plug it into the OBD12.

 

Oubadah do they have Jaycar in NZ

I make my own got about 5 going as I write this
I have quite a few toys that sit around I use this12V 350mA Sealed Lead Acid Battery Charger - Jaycar Electronics and make my own harness up for them this is the 350ma model they also have a 1 amp model
I find the 350ma is plenty for my motorbikes they also sell these http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3604&CATID=83&form=CAT2&
SUBCATID=998#3
I haven't used this model as my car gets used a bit but my bikes might sit for months even years my 05 Kawasaki is still on its original battery using these little power-packs

I have made heaps of them for guys in my bike club as well just an idea

The Cteks do get awesome reviews I personally think they are overpriced considering they are made in china

I still have the Lucas Prince of darkness battery charger from the late 60,s that I inherited from my dad
It has had broken switches and gauges all replaced with over the counter switches and gauges and the guy at the electronics shop says this thing will last forever they don't make em like this any more and I agree still got made in UK on it LOL