Battery Charger Recommendation

[flyingmonkie]

Any recommendations on a good charger/tender for deep cycle batteries?  I currently only run a single, but am buying a 12/24V trolling motor tomorrow and am debating running duals.  Regardless, I take my batteries off the boat after each use and store in my garage.  I'm currently using a dumb-charger that I'm afraid is overcharging my batteries.

 

Has anybody used the Battery Tender brand?  I've been looking at one of these, single-bank or dual-bank to be decided soon.  They are a slower charge than the nice on-board solutions, but I'm not too concerned about speed of recharge.

 

Thanks!

[flyingmonkie]

Here's a link to one in my price range; http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-022-0165-DL-WH-12-Volt-Management/dp/B000NCOKV0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393965652&sr=8-1&keywords=2+bank+battery+tender

[Aluma-Bass]

I use battery tenders and I think they work great! They dont heat up or over charge, I leave mine plugged up when not in use. Also use them for my motorcycle and atv's.

[DelcoSol]

I have this one mounted in my boat. No problems at all so far. http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/12-volt/marine-chargers/RS2.html

[Talonman]

I was going to get the official one through the Lund dealer, that charges (2) 12v batteries, but I ran out of money.

 

The dealer told me they have another unit, that is much cheeper, that they install all the time with good results.

This is the unit.

 

So far I love it. It is a dual charger that only charges one battery at a time. It also will never overcharge your batteries.

It will stop charging when it decides your batteries are full. (lights indicate it's progress)

 

It will continue to monitor your batteries in case one would drop in charge for some reason, while it is still plugged in.

 

I just plug it in overnight, to insure that both batteries are fresh in the AM.

[flyingmonkie]

Thanks, all!

[ww2farmer]

I have the same Minn Kota as talon man...but the portable version (has a carry handle and quick connect clips) as I don't want/need to have the charger on the boat while it's on the water. Works great, even after a 10-12 hour day on the water, by the next morning the TM batts. are ready to go again.

[Trek]

  If you get into a situation that you need the batteries charged quicker you can always use a portable charger as well. My old boat had a small on board charger and if I only had a few hours I would do that. I think the slower charge is better for the batteries. Batteries are a pain in the butt. They always go bad in the middle of the lake and when your short on cash.

[Brian Needham]

I have a Minnkota 460PC had a 460D before, and a 440d before that.

 

I think MInnKota probably makes just about the best charger out there.

[slonezp]

I was going to get the official one through the Lund dealer, that charges (2) 12v batteries, but I ran out of money.

 

 

The "official" Lund charger is the Dual Pro, Pro Series. Which is one of the best chargers on the market. The difference between it, and others, is it is serviceable. Most other brands are disposable. Minn Kota makes a good charger as well. Had one in my last boat. It lasted 6 years without issue. When it went bad it also cooked one of the batteries

[Talonman]

Thanks for the info.

[WIGuide]

I'd suggest one of the dual pro chargers. They'll charge all your batteries at one time and make sure they're good to go.

[Aluma-Bass]

When using multi bank chargers, on a 24 or 36v system do you have to disconnect the batteries for them to charge or can you leave them all hooked up?

[slonezp]

Leave them connected. Wire the charger per the chargers directions, not the way you think it should be wired.

[Brian Needham]

hooked up 24/7 ...... the charger kicks itsself off when full and back on when needed. its kinda more in depth than that but thats the easiest way to explain it.