Noob here, good charger purchase?

[jonesnforcampin]

I was at the store this evening and saw a charger in the clearance section so I picked it up. It's this one http://www.batterychargers.com/ProductD ... 94026508AL

I plan on using a marine deep cycle battery and getting a solar charger as well, so this would be for at home and the rare occasion of having electrical access while camping.

I have not built my camper yet, but I'm planning on only running 12v and having some
lights probably (6-10)
a fantastic vent fan
maybe another fan
maybe a stereo with two 6 1/2 speakers

Will this charger work well for my set up? I especially like it because I plan on getting a motorcycle (hopefully in the near future) and it says it will charge them.

While I'm at it I was looking at batteries, any suggestions based on my set up? I was planning on getting a blue top Optima.

[GuitarPhotog]

I wouldn't buy that charger, it has no overcharge protection and could cook your battery if you forget to disconnect it when the battery is charged.

<Chas>

[jonesnforcampin]

I wouldn't buy that charger, it has no overcharge protection and could cook your battery if you forget to disconnect it when the battery is charged.

<Chas>

Hey Chas,
Would you say that is the only reason you would not advise buying it? If I were to keep a good eye on it would it work? I mean it was a really good price, like more than half off the Amazon price.

Soooo... If I'm CAREFUL with it would it work for me?

[jonesnforcampin]

Well, I was thinking about it. Might as well take it back. No point in risking a $200+ battery to a $15 charger. Darn. So close.

[GuitarPhotog]

If you want a stand-along charger, look for a Deltran Battery Tender like this http://batterytender.com/battery-tender ... 1-25a.html

It will not damage your battery. The one I linked to is pretty small, so you might like a larger model for a bit faster charging. But this is the kind of charger you can leave connected without worry.

<Chas>

[GuitarPhotog]

Here's one now!
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=57306

This will do the trick, but slowly, and cheaply. $20 is a good deal on a smart charger.

<Chas>

[MtnDon]

..... I was planning on getting a blue top Optima.

I like Optima batteries. They can take the punishment of vibration and bumping about plus are safe to have inside as under normal use they do not gas off. As expensive as they are I believe you should also consider a top flight charger, otherwise buy a cheap battery to go with the cheap charger.

Keep in mind that Optima recommends a voltage regulated charged be used, with a maximum charge rate of 10 amps. There are also 2 types of blue tops; one is NOT a deep cycle. Check their website. http://www.optimabatteries.com/us/en/su ... /charging/

IMO, the best charger is the 3 stage, so-called smart charger. Starts off in Bulk, then Absorb and finishes in Float. Some have an equalize, but that is NEVER used on an AGM like Optima.
~~~~~~~

Anything sold as a battery tender is just that and not really suitable to charge a discharged battery. They are a float or maintenance charger. I would not use one on an AGM battery. AGM's have a much lower self discharge rate that conventional flooded lead-acid batteries. They can sit for months of no use and still be fine. Not so with flooded.

[Esteban]

While I'm at it I was looking at batteries, any suggestions based on my set up? I was planning on getting a blue top Optima.

Sears Diehard Platinum Marine batteries are popular with people at Expedition Portal http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73741-PSA-Sears-Diehard-Platinum-Marine-battery-on-sale
Link to Sears http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-marine-battery-group-size-31m-price/p-02850131000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
They often go on sale. They come with a

Three-year free replacement limited manufacturer's warranty

Power Tender Plus 12 Volt 5 Amp Waterproof Battery Charger http://www.batterymart.com/p-battery-tender-plus-12v-5a-wp-battery-charger.html

Portable or Permanent Mount lightweight waterproof, compact on board charger designed to fully charge a battery and maintain it at proper storage voltage without the damaging effects caused by trickled chargers. It's easy to use, fits in tight places and it's packed with power.

They have many others to choose from.

The Power Tender costs about half what an all-in-one Progressive Dynamics PD4045 charger convertor http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4045-45-Amp-Inteli-Power-Mighty-Mini-Power-Center_p_353.html costs. Other costs add up as you buy parts like a fuse block, 120 volt AC volt breaker box and breakers and soon you may spend about as much as a reliable PD4045...without its simplicity.