Battery Charger HELP

[jarvo9]

Newbie PUP owner.  We need help with determining what type, brand etc charger we need for our battery?  Any advice?

[chasd60]

The Black and Decker that Walmart sells in the Auto section will cover all of the bases. It has 3-Stage charging, an equalization mode and a desulfation mode.
You can set it for AGM, GEL or regular flooded wet cell.
 
Great resource here
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/

[mountainrev]

Others may have recommendations about specific brands, but I don't know that it makes a lot of difference.  Just be sure that your charger has a setting for "marine/deep cycle" batteries, because that's what your pup uses.  Set it for "trickle," and let it charge overnight.  

I don't remember the brand, but I bought mine at Sam's several years ago.

[jarvo9]

Thank you both for your replies.  They were very helpful and much appreciated!

[iresq]

You should look for a three or four stage automatic charger (usually referred to as smart chargers.  The 3 stage charger gives you bulk, absorption, and float.  The 4th stage gives you equalization.

Bulk is the stage where the charger gives the battery as much voltage as the battery will accept while keeping the current constant.

Absorption uses a fixed voltage around 14.5 volts, reducting current until the battery comes to a full charge.

Float is were the voltage is reduced to around 13.5 volts and held constant.  It can be used indefintely to maintain a fully charged battery.

Equalization is an absorption overcharge that reverses electrolytre stratification and removes sulfate crystals.  

Check http://batterytender.com/battery_basics.php if you want some detailed info.

IMO, if you are going to buy a charger, might as well spend a few extra and get a good one.  It should last many, many years.