On Board Charger Problem

[Fishing Rhino]

A while ago, my onboard, two bank battery charger started with an indicator light issue. At first, a red light indicated the charger was in operation. When the batteies were fully charged, the green light would turn on, and the red light would turn off. OK, simple enough. Then, early this year the green light would come on, but the red light would not turn off.

I checked the batteries charged by this unit and they would be 13 plus volts when fully charged.

I went fishing Thursday and strong winds necessitated using the tm constantly to hold position. No problem, they endured the eight hours of fishing.

Got home, plugged in the charger. The red light came on, but looked dim. Maybe it's my old eyes. Friday morning only the red light was on. OK, I did use a lot of battery on Thursday.

This morning, still no green light and the dim red light was on.

Unplug the charger, test the batteries, and both were a the usual 13 plus volts. I got a flash light to better see the charging unit. The green light had obviously cooked. Soot flash around the bulb or diode whichever it is. So it appears to be an indicator rather than a charging problem.

However, I'm going to replace the charger, and screw it to the garage wall for charging the canoe's trolling motor batteries.

Anyway, here are the two I'm currently considering. The price seems reasonable for each. Minn Kota has a good rep, but the other I'm not familiar with. Any input would be appreciated.

http://www.basspro.com/Minn-Kota-Digital-Linear-Onboard-Battery-Charger--MK-210D/product/10208924/-1736523?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

http://www.basspro.com/Pro-Charging-Systems-Go-Charge-Recreation-Series-Battery-Chargers/product/10207171/-1594111?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

[slonezp]

I just purchased a 3 bank charger. I replaced a MK that took a dump after 7 years, and smoked a battery in the process. Cabelas Advanced Angler charger which is manufactured by Pro Mariner. It was a few bucks more than the MK but was pre wired with fuses and idiot proof on the install. Got it less than a month ago and so far so good. It got 4 stars on Cabelas website. My mechanic said Pro Mariner is an excellent charger. For whatever that's worth.

[Glenn]

Yep, Pro Mariner is an excellent choice.

[Chris W]

I agree pro mariner is the way to go. Get the Pro Tournament if it is your budget.

[K_Mac]

I have been very happy with the Cabelas Advanced Angler 3 bank charger. It has been plugged in most of the time for 3 years without any problems. It is on sale for $151.99, $37 dollars off regular price.

[Al Wolbach]

This is one I have been looking at for some time.......Al

http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/12-volt/marine-chargers/GEN3.html

They also make a 1 and 2 bank charger.