Battery chargers

[Shelbs]

First, let me bite the bullet on one thing: I know zilch/zip/bupkuss about electrical stuff including batteries and battery chargers. :yikes:  I consider myself to be quite handy when it comes to woodworking/carpentry and related household repairs. But when it comes to anything electrical, my approach is simple: flip the switch. If it works, use it. If it doesn't work, call somebody. I know I have a battery on the PUP. I know it's 12v. I know I brought it in for the winter and I know I'll probably need to charge it before re-installing in the spring.

Having said that, I need imput from those of you who know more about this than I. I want to buy a charger. I also have a garden tractor in my shed with a battery (6v?)  that may or may not need to be charged in the spring. I am open to thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, ideas, etc. I have been looking at chargers online and really don't have the background to recognize good from bad.  :eyecrazy: Thanks in advance for all your help!

[wavery]

It's best to get what is called a "Smart Charger". It charges in 3 stages and does all the work for you.

You can spend as much as you want but the bottom line is, there's not a lot of difference between the cheap ones and the expensive ones.

I have purchased 3 of them from this eBay seller. A few others on here have purchased from him as well. I don't think that you can beat it for the price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Schumacher-12-8-2-Battery-Charger-12-Volt-A-car-boat_W0QQitemZ6032178577QQcategoryZ50391QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

However, I think that this is a 12v only charger. If you need a 6/12v charger, they are available at Walmart and other places.

I just looked at that sellers "View other auctions" and noticed this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Schumacher-6-4-2-Amp-Battery-Charger-6-12-Vlt-FREE-SHIP_W0QQitemZ6033362300QQcategoryZ50391QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It charges 6 and 12v batteries but it's only a 6amp charger. Which is OK if you are charging at home.

[rbgatti]

First, let me bite the bullet on one thing: I know zilch/zip/bupkuss about electrical stuff including batteries and battery chargers. :yikes:  I consider myself to be quite handy when it comes to woodworking/carpentry and related household repairs. But when it comes to anything electrical, my approach is simple: flip the switch. If it works, use it. If it doesn't work, call somebody. I know I have a battery on the PUP. I know it's 12v. I know I brought it in for the winter and I know I'll probably need to charge it before re-installing in the spring.

Having said that, I need imput from those of you who know more about this than I. I want to buy a charger. I also have a garden tractor in my shed with a battery (6v?)  that may or may not need to be charged in the spring. I am open to thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, ideas, etc. I have been looking at chargers online and really don't have the background to recognize good from bad.  :eyecrazy: Thanks in advance for all your help!

We just bought a new Starcraft 3606 and had a group 29 battery installed on it.  It's in storage until things warm up but I had all the same questions.  I ended up getting a "smart" charger.  It's a Schumacher Ship a Shore Speed Charger 2/10/15 amps.  My battery has gone down to about 70% due the the propane detector, etc. over time and this charges it right up in no time using the 10 amp "normal" charge level.  It then goes into a trickle 2 amp charge keeping the battery at 100%.  It's the type of charger you can leave connected and forget about and it's good for the battery.  It was described as meeting all my charging needs given the size deep cycle I have.  It could charge ATV batteries using the 2 amp setting too.  10 amp should be best for regular needs and 15 amp if you are in a hurry or have a bigger battery.

Hope this helps...

Rico

[tlhdoc]

A three stage smart charger is the way to go.  Wal-Mart has them.  You should charge the battery every month or two when not in use.

[jawilson]

And if you can find one that has desulfation capability you should opt for that. Seems like everyone who has a unit with that capability raves about it.