Battery Charger Question?

[eo19]

I installed a new deep cycle battery in my utah this weekend. It didn't have on prior to. What charger should I get? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[tknick]

I installed a new deep cycle battery in my utah this weekend. It didn't have on prior to. What charger should I get? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Brands really don't matter as long as it is a "smart" charge.  It needs to be able to adjust the charge and shut of automatically when the charge is full.  I bought one at wal-mart for about $12 or $15, but you can get them just about anywhere.  As a matter of fact, someone posted a deal on one from Radio Shack in the Bargains section.

The best advice has already been posted, make sure the water level is correct.  If not, fill only with distilled water.  Charge before and after each trip and once a month when not in use.

[chasd60]

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ is a good link to learn about batteries and charging.
I am particular to the Vector brand which includes Husky from Home Depot and Black and Decker from Walmart.
 
They have a desulfation mode and an equalizing mode. Both are manually activated and can be used when the hydrometer tells you it is time.
 
Her is a direct link to the charging/equalizing section of the battery faq
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden//carfaq9.htm

[Billy Bob]

It sounds like you don't have a charger on your converter. If not, I would definitely get a marine on-board charger. You simply mount it somewhere near the battery (outside) it's 100% waterproof and hook it up to your Battery(s) and plug it into your PU 110 volt system. Now when ever your PU is plugged in your on-board charger will do it's thing (it's smarter than all the rest) and you can FORGET about your battery worries. I have one on my boat for years and it is by FAR the best charger I have ever used for my boat. It charges BOTH of my boat batteries at the same time. I leave it plugged in when ever the boat is in my garage INCLUDING ALL WINTER LONG and I also plug it in when I fish somewhere that I am staying that has power at it's docks. It may cost a little more than other chargers but it's the cat's meow of charging systems. It's what all the bass fishing competitors have on all their 20-30 thousand dollar boats. Here's' a link for one I have.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=catfeatboat&id=0019015015766a&navCount=2&podId=0019015&parentId=&navAction=push&catalogCode=6IS&rid=&parentType=&indexId=cat600056&hasJS=true

[eo19]

It sounds like you don't have a charger on your converter. If not, I would definitely get a marine on-board charger. You simply mount it somewhere near the battery (outside) it's 100% waterproof and hook it up to your Battery(s) and plug it into your PU 110 volt system. Now when ever your PU is plugged in your on-board charger will do it's thing (it's smarter than all the rest) and you can FORGET about your battery worries. I have one on my boat for years and it is by FAR the best charger I have ever used for my boat. It charges BOTH of my boat batteries at the same time. I leave it plugged in when ever the boat is in my garage INCLUDING ALL WINTER LONG and I also plug it in when I fish somewhere that I am staying that has power at it's docks. It may cost a little more than other chargers but it's the cat's meow of charging systems. It's what all the bass fishing competitors have on all their 20-30 thousand dollar boats. Here's' a link for one I have.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=catfeatboat&id=0019015015766a&navCount=2&podId=0019015&parentId=&navAction=push&catalogCode=6IS&rid=&parentType=&indexId=cat600056&hasJS=true

Actually the camper is new (to me) and I just read throught the converter brochure and it does have a built in charger. Is that sufficient? I guess I just have to plug the camper in.

[Billy Bob]

Better yet. Sounds like your all set, just plug that bad boy in.

[tlhdoc]

Actually the camper is new (to me) and I just read throught the converter brochure and it does have a built in charger. Is that sufficient? I guess I just have to plug the camper in.

The converter included in the 2000 trailers isn't very good.  A 3 stage "smart charger" is what you want to get.  I just picked up a small smart charger at Radio Shack for under $20 on clearance.  It is like my bigger home charger, but a great buy.

[Big_fry]

I also recommend a 3 stage charger.  I own a Guest - Portable 3-Stage Waterproof Charger.  I really like the fact that it is very compact and that it is waterproof.  You would not have a problem finding it on the net.

Big Fry
1999 Palomino Filly

[jawilson]

Myself, and many others, have had good results from a charger called the BatteryMinder. They can be found on-line for about $50, so they're not real expensive either.