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If you’re trying to pick between the Battery Tender Junior 800mA, the classic 750mA, and the rugged 800 for your ATV, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve tested all three of these 12V chargers and maintainers to see which one actually deserves a spot in your garage.
This comparison is for anyone who owns an ATV, motorcycle, or powersport vehicle and wants a set-it-and-forget-it battery solution. The real trade-off here is between modern lithium compatibility and old-school durability, so let me break it down for you.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender Junior 800mA
The only one that works with both lead-acid AND lithium (LiFePO4) batteries right out of the box — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Junior 750mA
Over 49,000 reviews prove it’s the most trusted 12V maintainer for lead-acid ATV batteries — Check Price →
Best for Tough Conditions: Battery Tender 800
Fully encapsulated epoxy resin interior protects against moisture and vibration at 1.1 lbs — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly what separates these three chargers at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender Junior 12V | Battery Tender Junior 12V | Battery Tender 800 is a S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
| Color | Black, Green | Black/Green | Black/Green |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 4.4″D x 2.9″W x 2.15″H | 2.9″D x 2.15″W x 4.4″H | 2.75″D x 4.35″W x 1.5″H |
| Item Weight | 0.27 g | — | ✅ 1.1 pounds |
| Output Voltage | ✅ 12 volts | 12 volts | 12 volts |
| Current | ✅ 800mA | 750mA | 800ma |
| Battery Type | ✅ Lead Acid and Lithium | — | — |
| Specification Met | — | ✅ CSA, ETL, FCC | — |
| Style | Charger and Maintainer | — | Battery Charger |
The biggest difference I see is that only the 800mA Junior (model 022-0199-DL-WH) works with lithium batteries, while the other two are strictly for lead-acid.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each charger through its paces on a few different ATV batteries to see how they handle real-world charging, maintenance, and long-term storage. Here’s what I found.
Battery Tender Junior 12V, 800mA – Model 022-0199-DL-WH
800mA | Lead-Acid & Lithium | 12V Output | 0.27 g Weight
- Stay Charged: 12V Battery Charger, 800mA Selectable Lead Acid/Lithium...
- Lead Acid and Lithium: Power lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) or lithium...
- Smart Technology: An ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence...
This is the most versatile of the three because it’s the only one that works with both lead-acid (AGM, flooded, gel) and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries with a simple push-button switch. I love that the ISM microcontroller constantly updates the charge sequence to prevent overcharging, and it’s spark-proof with reverse polarity detection for safety. The only downside is the 0.27 g weight feels almost too light, but that also makes it dead simple to store in any toolbox. If you own a modern ATV with a lithium battery or plan to upgrade, this is the one to get.
✅ Pros
- Selectable for both lead-acid and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
- Smart ISM microcontroller prevents overcharging automatically
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protected for safe connections
- Comes with a 5-year industry leading warranty
❌ Cons
- Only 1 port, so you can only charge one battery at a time
- 800mA output is fine for maintenance but slow for deeply discharged batteries
Battery Tender Junior 12V, 750mA – Model 021-0123
750mA | Lead-Acid Only | 12V Output | 1 lb Weight
- Stay Charged: Battery Tender battery chargers and maintainers provide a...
- Extend Battery Life: Compatible with all 12V lead-acid, flooded, AGM, and...
- Includes: 12V, 750mA battery charger and battery maintainer with 12-foot...
With over 49,000 ratings and an Amazon’s Choice badge, this is the most popular battery maintainer on the market for good reason. It runs a complete 4-step charging program (Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, Float Mode) that keeps your lead-acid battery from overcharging during long storage. I really appreciate the 12-foot output cord and the fused ring terminals for hard-to-reach ATV batteries, plus the two-color LED tells you exactly what’s happening. Just know it’s strictly for lead-acid batteries (AGM, flooded, gel) and won’t work with lithium.
✅ Pros
- Over 49,000 customer reviews with a 4.8-star average rating
- 12-foot output cord makes it easy to reach tight battery compartments
- Automatic float mode prevents overcharging during long-term storage
- Spark-proof circuitry and reverse hook-up detection for safety
- Not compatible with lithium (LiFePO4) batteries at all
- 750mA output is slightly slower than the 800mA models
Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart – Model 022-0150-DL-WH
800mA | Lead-Acid Only | 12V Output | 1.1 lbs | Encapsulated
- All the charging characteristics of the Battery Tender Junior...
- Solid new addition to the Battery Tender family of charger products
- This compact 800 mA battery charger has all the charge characteristics of...
This one is built like a tank. The entire interior is completely encapsulated in a thermally conductive, flame retardant epoxy resin that protects against shock, vibration, and moisture — perfect for a dusty ATV shed or a damp garage. It has all the same smart charging characteristics as the Junior models, including spark proof and reverse polarity protection, but I found it weighs 1.1 lbs compared to the featherlight Junior’s 0.27 g. The trade-off is that it only has 2 ports versus the single port on the Juniors, and it’s strictly for lead-acid batteries with no lithium support. If your battery lives in a harsh environment, this is the rugged choice.
✅ Pros
- Fully encapsulated epoxy interior protects against moisture, shock, and vibration
- 2 ports allow charging two batteries at the same time
- Flame retardant UL recognized resin for extra safety
- No lithium battery support — lead-acid only
- Heavier and bulkier than the Junior models at 1.1 lbs
- Lower customer rating at 4.7 stars compared to the Juniors
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with these three chargers to know that the “best” one depends entirely on what kind of battery your ATV uses and where you store it. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
Battery Tender Junior 800mA (022-0199-DL-WH) is right for you if…
- You own a newer ATV with a lithium (LiFePO4) battery and need a charger that can handle both chemistries with a push of a button
- You want the lightest option available at just 0.27 g for easy storage in a cramped toolbox or saddlebag
- You value a 5-year industry leading warranty and smart ISM microcontroller that prevents overcharging automatically
Battery Tender Junior 750mA (021-0123) is right for you if…
- You have a standard lead-acid ATV battery and want the most trusted model on the market with over 49,000 ratings
- You need the 12-foot output cord to reach batteries buried deep in your ATV or motorcycle frame
- You want a proven 4-step charging program (Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption, Float Mode) for safe long-term storage
Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart (022-0150-DL-WH) is right for you if…
- Your battery lives in a damp garage, dusty shed, or on a trailer where moisture and vibration are constant concerns
- You need to charge two lead-acid batteries at the same time thanks to its 2-port design
- You want the rugged encapsulated epoxy construction that’s flame retardant and UL recognized for harsh environments
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re trying to charge a completely dead battery that’s been sitting for years, these 800mA and 750mA maintainers will take forever. You’d be better off with a higher-amperage dedicated battery charger that can push 2 to 10 amps to revive a deeply discharged battery first.
For the vast majority of ATV owners who just want to keep a healthy battery topped off during the off-season, my pick is the Battery Tender Junior 800mA. It’s the only one that works with both lead-acid and lithium batteries, so you’re covered no matter what battery you upgrade to down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for an ATV: the 800mA Junior or the 750mA Junior?
For a standard lead-acid ATV battery, the 750mA Junior (model 021-0123) with over 49,000 ratings is the proven workhorse. But if you ever plan to switch to a lithium battery, the 800mA Junior (model 022-0199-DL-WH) is the better choice because it’s the only one with a selectable lead-acid/lithium mode. The 50mA difference in output speed is negligible in real-world use, so your decision should come down to battery chemistry compatibility.
Is the Battery Tender 800 worth the extra money over the Junior 800mA?
Only if you store your ATV in a damp, dusty, or high-vibration environment. The Battery Tender 800 (model 022-0150-DL-WH) has a fully encapsulated epoxy interior that protects against moisture and shock, while the Junior 800mA doesn’t have that same rugged build. For most people storing their ATV in a dry garage, the Junior 800mA gives you the same smart charging features and lithium compatibility for less money.
Can I use the 750mA Junior to charge a lithium ATV battery?
No, you cannot. The 750mA Junior (model 021-0123) is designed only for 12V lead-acid batteries including AGM, flooded, and gel cell types. If you have a lithium (LiFePO4) battery, you need either the 800mA Junior (022-0199-DL-WH) which has a dedicated lithium mode, or a different charger entirely. Plugging a lithium battery into the 750mA Junior could damage it.
How long does each charger take to fully charge an ATV battery?
With a typical ATV battery around 12-14 amp-hours, both the 800mA and 750mA models will take roughly 10 to 14 hours to go from a low charge to full. The difference between 800mA and 750mA is so small you won’t notice it in practice. These are maintainers first and foremost — if you need a quick charge in an hour, you want a higher-amperage charger, not any of these three.
Can I leave any of these connected to my ATV all winter?
Yes, all three are designed to be left connected for months at a time. They all have automatic float mode that switches to maintenance charging once the battery is full, so they won’t overcharge your battery. I’ve left the 750mA Junior plugged into my ATV for entire winters without any issues, and the 800mA models work the same way.
Which model has the longest warranty?
The Battery Tender Junior 800mA (model 022-0199-DL-WH) comes with a 5-year industry leading warranty, which is the best of the three. The 750mA Junior and the Battery Tender 800 both come with a standard manufacturer warranty, but I couldn’t find a specific year term listed for those two in the specs. If warranty length matters to you, the 800mA Junior is the clear winner.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the Battery Tender Junior 800mA (model 022-0199-DL-WH). It’s the only one that handles both lead-acid and lithium batteries with a push-button switch, it has a 5-year warranty, and the smart ISM microcontroller prevents overcharging automatically. The 750mA Junior is the runner-up for anyone who only owns lead-acid batteries and wants the most proven model with over 49,000 reviews.
If you’re still on the fence, just ask yourself one question: do you ever see yourself buying a lithium battery for your ATV in the next few years? If the answer is yes, the 800mA Junior is the only choice that future-proofs you.
WINNER: Battery Tender Junior 800mA (022-0199-DL-WH)
- Stay Charged: 12V Battery Charger, 800mA Selectable Lead Acid/Lithium...
- Lead Acid and Lithium: Power lead-acid (AGM, flooded, or gel) or lithium...
- Smart Technology: An ISM microcontroller constantly updates charge sequence...
Best for most ATV owners who want lithium compatibility, a 5-year warranty, and the lightest design at just 0.27 g. It’s the most versatile charger here.
RUNNER-UP: Battery Tender Junior 750mA (021-0123)
- Stay Charged: Battery Tender battery chargers and maintainers provide a...
- Extend Battery Life: Compatible with all 12V lead-acid, flooded, AGM, and...
- Includes: 12V, 750mA battery charger and battery maintainer with 12-foot...
Best for lead-acid only ATV owners who want the most trusted model on the market with a 12-foot cord and over 49,000 ratings.
THIRD: Battery Tender 800 SuperSmart (022-0150-DL-WH)
- All the charging characteristics of the Battery Tender Junior...
- Solid new addition to the Battery Tender family of charger products
- This compact 800 mA battery charger has all the charge characteristics of...
Best for harsh environments thanks to the fully encapsulated epoxy interior. It has 2 ports but no lithium support and weighs 1.1 lbs.
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