Will my car battery charger work for trolling motor battery?

[Largemouth21]

I have this battery charger that I use for car battery's and my ATV battery. Will it work ok for a 125AH 12 volt lead acid deep cycle marine battery? I read some chargers can shorten life of battery. Thanks for answering all my questions

[cfalco]

Yes it will work, as far as some chargers hurting batteries I am guessing that if one leaves it on all the time it will at some point damage the battery.  That does not look like a smart charger (which would stop charging when the bat is charged) so be careful about how many hours or days you let it sit on there.  Years ago when I charged that way I would put it on when I went to bed at night and take it off when I left so it sat overnight.

 

 

[IndianaOutdoors]

It will work. Same as charging a dead car battery.  Just don't leave it on too long or you'll burn up the battery.  I recommend using a smart charger.  It's a set and forget deal. Turns off automatically and always gives the right amount of charge.  It's nice but not necessary.

[Largemouth21]

9 minutes ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

It will work. Same as charging a dead car battery.  Just don't leave it on too long or you'll burn up the battery.  I recommend using a smart charger.  It's a set and forget deal. Turns off automatically and always gives the right amount of charge.  It's nice but not necessary.

 

41 minutes ago, cfalco said:

Yes it will work, as far as some chargers hurting batteries I am guessing that if one leaves it on all the time it will at some point damage the battery.  That does not look like a smart charger (which would stop charging when the bat is charged) so be careful about how many hours or days you let it sit on there.  Years ago when I charged that way I would put it on when I went to bed at night and take it off when I left so it sat overnight.

 

 

what would be your guess as how long to leave it on for? The charging gauge works I think so I can watch that.

[IndianaOutdoors]

Depends on how low the charge on the battery is. At 6 amp charge rate it's gonna take a while for that big battery if it's really low.  Just watch the gauge the first time you charge it.  Well check it occasionally anyway and time it. Just did some rough Google math.  At 80% discharge and 6amp charge re ate it will take about 16hrs to charge.  If you bought a 15amp charger it would only take 6hrs.  This is what I use.   ://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000H961YI/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503425075&sr=2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2972396462&pd_rd_wg=WURpu&pf_rd_r=VWW1XTVVBTDGWWM76F66&pf_rd_s=mobile-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=9701&pd_rd_i=B000H961YI&pd_rd_w=jtp3f&pf_rd_i=schumaker+charger&pd_rd_r=YS959GET7JA6N0ARWZ21&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

[Largemouth21]

20 minutes ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

Depends on how low the charge on the battery is. At 6 amp charge rate it's gonna take a while for that big battery if it's really low.  Just watch the gauge the first time you charge it.  Well check it occasionally anyway and time it. Just did some rough Google math.  At 80% discharge and 6amp charge re ate it will take about 16hrs to charge.  If you bought a 15amp charger it would only take 6hrs.  This is what I use.   ://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000H961YI/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503425075&sr=2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2972396462&pd_rd_wg=WURpu&pf_rd_r=VWW1XTVVBTDGWWM76F66&pf_rd_s=mobile-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=9701&pd_rd_i=B000H961YI&pd_rd_w=jtp3f&pf_rd_i=schumaker+charger&pd_rd_r=YS959GET7JA6N0ARWZ21&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I can make due for a while, eventually I will probably pick up a nice one like the one you linked me to. Appreciate it

edit: unfortunately the link doesn't seem to be working. I won't be getting a new charger for a while anyway but not sure whats going on with my device here  

Edited August 22, 2017 by Largemouth21

[Hez]

This charger will not charge your deep cycle batteries to their fullest potential.  This charger is great for dead CRANKING batteries.  

 

Deep cycle batteries are built differently, and need to be charged with a "Trickle" charger.  

[Largemouth21]

2 minutes ago, Hez said:

This charger will not charge your deep cycle batteries to their fullest potential.  This charger is great for dead CRANKING batteries.  

 

Deep cycle batteries are built differently, and need to be charged with a "Trickle" charger.  

*sigh* how much money will I have in this

[padon]

it will charge your battery but as HEZ said its not ideal. deep cycle batteries should be charged at 2-3amps over a longer time period. I just bought a charger recently at walmart 9forget the brand) that will charge on 2 or10 amps and can be left hooked up. it will kick off when fully charged the turn back on when charge drops below 95. it is also small and extremely light. it was 50 bucks I really like it.

[Largemouth21]

8 minutes ago, Hez said:

This charger will not charge your deep cycle batteries to their fullest potential.  This charger is great for dead CRANKING batteries.  

 

Deep cycle batteries are built differently, and need to be charged with a "Trickle" charger.  

can I get away with something cheap like, cabelas battery tender Jr.

1 minute ago, padon said:

it will charge your battery but as HEZ said its not ideal. deep cycle batteries should be charged at 2-3amps over a longer time period. I just bought a charger recently at walmart 9forget the brand) that will charge on 2 or10 amps and can be left hooked up. it will kick off when fully charged the turn back on when charge drops below 95. it is also small and extremely light. it was 50 bucks I really like it.

I can look next time I'm there. You said 2 or 10 amps. When would you want 2 vs 10 amps

[padon]

use the 2 or 3 amp setting for deep cycles trolling motor etc. cranking batteries can be charged on 10 amps

[Largemouth21]

13 minutes ago, padon said:

use the 2 or 3 amp setting for deep cycles trolling motor etc. cranking batteries can be charged on 10 amps

Okay, makes sense

[Way2slow]

yes, it will work, just like a paddle will work for moving the boat around.  Is it the best tool for the job, not by a long shot. 

First, the charger is too small, second, using that type of charger is just causing a slow death of your battery. 

To properly charge the battery, the charger should be approx. 10% of the rated capacity.  That's 10 - 15 amps for most TM batteries. 

Second, those chargers are only intended to charge a battery every now and then, not constantly keep charging the battery every time its used.  Their voltage output is not suitable for that and actually cause harm to a battery every time you charge it.  Also, to fully charge a battery, it has to be overcharged slightly, those chargers are not designed to do that, as soon as the battery reaches a certain level, they shut off if it's and automatic, or can easily over charge one if not disconnected about 10 - 20 minutes after the battery reaches 100%. 

To properly charge a battery that's recharged on a regular basis, you need to use one that's logic controlled.  The stand alone chargers that do this are usually sold as Logic Controlled, Smart Chargers or Intili Chargers.   Many also have a maintenance mode so they can be left on the battery 24/7 and keep it properly maintained.  Some of the cheaper ones that advertise this feature will actually fry the battery in several months because their maintenance voltage is not that well regulated and too high to leave them on 24/7.

 

A good charger will pay for itself on the first battery.  You might get a year out of a good battery with a cheap charger, and five or six years with a good charger.

 

Bad info, don't use the 2 - 3 amp setting, it needs to be closer to 10.  A battery must gas a little bit when charger to keep the electrolyte mixed.  A slow charge like that will not make it form gas bubble and the electrolyte will stratify, causing the acid to settle to the bottom and water in the upper layer.  The heavy concentration of acid eats up the bottom section of plates.

 

[Hez]

7 minutes ago, Way2slow said:

yes, it will work, just like a paddle will work for moving the boat around.  Is it the best tool for the job, not by a long shot. 

First, the charger is too small, second, using that type of charger is just causing a slow death of your battery. 

To properly charge the battery, the charger should be approx. 10% of the rated capacity.  That's 10 - 15 amps for most TM batteries. 

Second, those chargers are only intended to charge a battery every now and then, not constantly keep charging the battery every time its used.  Their voltage output is not suitable for that and actually cause harm to a battery every time you charge it.  Also, to fully charge a battery, it has to be overcharged slightly, those chargers are not designed to do that, as soon as the battery reaches a certain level, they shut off if it's and automatic, or can easily over charge one if not disconnected about 10 - 20 minutes after the battery reaches 100%. 

To properly charge a battery that's recharged on a regular basis, you need to use one that's logic controlled.  The stand alone chargers that do this are usually sold as Logic Controlled, Smart Chargers or Intili Chargers.   Many also have a maintenance mode so they can be left on the battery 24/7 and keep it properly maintained.  Some of the cheaper ones that advertise this feature will actually fry the battery in several months because their maintenance voltage is not that well regulated and too high to leave them on 24/7.

 

A good charger will pay for itself on the first battery.  You might get a year out of a good battery with a cheap charger, and five or six years with a good charger.

 

 

....the "Gospel"

 

 

 

This is what I use: 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0123-Junior-Charger/dp/B000CITK8S/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_bs_t_1/131-1522934-7840100?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MSE2CCC64CM2N3AK8TJ7 

 

 

[Largemouth21]

4 minutes ago, Hez said:

 

....the "Gospel"

 

 

 

This is what I use: 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0123-Junior-Charger/dp/B000CITK8S/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_bs_t_1/131-1522934-7840100?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MSE2CCC64CM2N3AK8TJ7 

 

 

Im confused, you agreed with him and he said 10-15 amps. But that charger is only .75 amps. 

[Hez]

The Amps statement I can not speak on  - because I am not very educated in electrical terminology. 

 

What the product that I linked does have, that does agree with Way2slow is:

 

Smart Microcontroller

Our onboard computer assures correct level of power is sent to the battery at all times.

 

ISM Adaptive Charging

ISM (Infinite Sequential Monitoring) adapts to the battery’s needs hundreds of times per second.

 

Connect and Forget It

Once connected, the Battery Tender manages your battery’s health on it’s own.

 

46 minutes ago, Largemouth21 said:

*sigh* how much money will I have in this

 

Based on this statement - I was trying to help you make a sound economical decision - and not damage your batteries at the same time...by suggesting a known working product (has been charging my deep cycle batteries going on 3 years)

[Largemouth21]

3 minutes ago, Hez said:

The Amps statement I can not speak on  - because I am not very educated in electrical terminology. 

 

What the product that I linked does have, that does agree with Way2slow is:

 

Smart Microcontroller

Our onboard computer assures correct level of power is sent to the battery at all times.

 

ISM Adaptive Charging

ISM (Infinite Sequential Monitoring) adapts to the battery’s needs hundreds of times per second.

 

Connect and Forget It

Once connected, the Battery Tender manages your battery’s health on it’s own.

 

 

Based on this statement - I was trying to help you make a sound economical decision - and not damage your batteries at the same time...by suggesting a known working product (has been charging my deep cycle batteries going on 3 years)

Yeah I will go with  that one. i come from a family who doesn't like to spend money, especially if we think we can use something we already have to make a solution I will pick up a battery tender, they are cheap and the reviews are good! Thanks

[Hez]

Just now, Largemouth21 said:

Yeah I will go with  that one. i come from a family who doesn't like to spend money, especially if we think we can use something we already have to make a solution I will pick up a battery tender, they are cheap and the reviews are good! Thanks

 

And I guarantee you it will do the job sufficiently.  

 

I actually have 3 (1 for each battery - 2 deep cycle and my Cranking battery).  I opted for this route as opposed to an $400 3 bank onboard chager.  

[Largemouth21]

11 minutes ago, Hez said:

 

And I guarantee you it will do the job sufficiently.  

 

I actually have 3 (1 for each battery - 2 deep cycle and my Cranking battery).  I opted for this route as opposed to an $400 3 bank onboard chager.  

bit of a price difference there thanks for the help. Battery tender jr it is

[Hez]

Just now, Largemouth21 said:

bit of a price difference there thanks for the help. Battery tender jr it is

 

Glad to have helped 

[fishnkamp]

I ran an all electric boat for reservoir fishing and on that boat were 5 deep cycles. One supplied a 12 volt trolling motor on the front deck. Then there were 4 more batteries feeding two transom mount 12 volt trolling motors.  Each transom mount motor was a Minn Kota 55 pound thrust unit and it was fed by two batteries hooked up together. I use a total of 3 of these chargers and they did a terrific job. Wal Mart sells them for $45.  All you need is one and use it every time you return home from fishing. Your batteries will last a long time.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-SpeedCharge-15-Amp-Automotive-and-Marine-Battery-Charger/13005745

[WRB]

Way2Slow goes out of his way to write an excellent tutorial on deep cycle marine battery charging and most of you ignor it.

Tom

[david in va]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Way2Slow goes out of his way to write an excellent tutorial on deep cycle marine battery charging and most of you ignor it.

Tom

X2

[Way2slow]

Thanks Tom, but it don't bother me. 

I'm not the one buying the batteries. 

My hope is at least one person will read some of this stuff I post and think maybe that's what they should do.

Two very popular thoughts I see constantly about batteries that is just totally wrong, one is the term "slow charge".  Slow charge in the battery world is the 10% rate.  Most automotive batteries, because they are cranking batteries can charge at 30-40 amps and are charged at that most of the time.  How many times have you looked at the amp meter in you vehicle and see it on 30 or more amps after first starting it.

The other one is that makes my skin crawl is the one where people think you need to totally discharge a deep cycle battery before you charge it, and then charge it back at that stupid 3 or 4 amps or it will develop a "memory".  The idiots don't realize, lead acid batteries can't develop a memory, that's only for the old rechargeable NiCads some of the lithium ion batteries  Talk about destroying a battery, that's a great way to do that. 

Since most probably don't even know what a cycle count is, they wouldn't understand doing that "GREATLY" reduces the cycle count, and charging at 75% capacity, greatly increases the cycle count.

[NHBull]

Good info here......I had always used the rule 10 amps for 10 hrs was the initial charge for the season and let the smart charger do the rest.