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Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Yahoo Message Number: 64880
I like to have a backup battery charger for the 6-6 volt deep cycle battery bank. The problem lies in finding a small charger that will actually charge such a bank. This one does not cut it: http://www.batterychargers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductName=94026926
Also have had problems with it not fully charging deep cycle batteries, the charger says 100%, the hydrometer says no way.
This one maybe better: http://www.batterychargers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductName=94080027
Or does one have to go with something like this: http://www.batterychargers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductName=94026506AFD
Looking for first person hands on experience. I suspect the manuel chargers are the only way to be sure of full charging such a large bank. Like to know what works so do not have to keep throwing time and money and not have good results.

Thanks

Leonard Kerns
97' Magan 5418

Re: Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64890
You are correct that a manual charger may be required to get 100% charge. The microprocessor based chargers I have used cut off when a set charging current is reached, long before full charge is achieved, which may take as much as 48 hours after the current levels off. I have the large manual charger you link to (SE-4020), and it will do the job, however a smaller, say 10 Amp model will get there, it'll just take longer.
Also, the automatic chargers tend to not "boil" the batteries, which allows the electrolyte to '"stratify" with the less dense liquid floating to the top of the cell, which is where you take your hydrometer sample.
Dave

2000 Allure
#30444

Re: Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64900
I have had very good luck using the following to charge a bank of two 12v 8D chassis batteries. I use it if parked for more than a couple of days and while in storage for extended periods. Never had a problem with overcharging and it seems to keep the bank fully charged.
I do not have experience with a 6v bank so results may differ but I tried several before I found this one.
Battery Tender 022-0157-1 12 Volt Power Tender Plus Battery Charger. It is sealed and mechanically shock resistant. They run about $77.

Good luck,
Bob Barnett

1998 CC Magna Fanfare 40'
#5489

Re: Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64915
Have the greatest respect for the Battery tender line. I want something to back up the coach charging when dry camping and have a normal charge system failure. The 5 amp would take to long. But perfect for what you use it for.
Thanks Bob.

Leonard 97' Magna 5418

Re: Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64916
Dave,

Thanks for affirming my expectations and experience. The SE-4020 looks like a good charger. Glad to find someone with first hand experience. May I ask how long you have had it etc.? Your impression of it? Would prefer a smaller unit, easer to store and haul, but that does not seem to be a price reasonable option.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418

Re: Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64925
I have had mine at least six years, don't have any complaints. I've used it for charging the CC house batteries, off-grid farm batteries, car batteries, generator batteries, both flooded and AGM types. It's done all I've asked it to and gets a lot of use. I generally use it to equalize the house batteries rather than the inverter when I am at home. Speaking of which, I'll soon need to replace the 6 golf cart batteries that will be 5 years old come January.

I think I paid around $75 for it at Sam's Club.

Dave

2000 Allure
#30444
 

Re: Battery Chargers For Large Battery Bank

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64931
What a bargin. To bad do not have a Sam's Club close.

Thanks Again, Dave.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418