Are all Battery chargers created equal?

[Louie1956]

I had a Cabellas 2 bank that failed and fried one of my batts. I then purchased a bass pro that has now failed and just quit charging and in fact created a draw that killed my batt.
Now I am wondering what next? The two I spoke of lasted about 4 years each. Is this the life span or am I buying inferior products.
Whats the best way to go w/o breaking the bank?
Louie..

 

[Boatist]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

I can not speak for on board chargers as I use a 1973 model automatic charger.
I use it to charge my auto batteries and both of my boat batteries.
I just put a plug on the bow where I can connect my charger with out taking the cover off.
I charge both batteries thru a battery isolator with my charger or can connnect to the truck alternator thru my trailer plug.
I worked in electronics all my life and feel Heat is the killer of most boat electroincs.
What is the temperature inside your boat on a hot summer day.
My boat under a royal blue Sunbrella cover reaches 140 degrees ever hot summer day.
If the sun hits your charger can be even higher.
With most batteries clean connection and proper water levels very important.

Hope someone with lots of experience with on board chargers can help you more.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

How and where are you mounting these chargers? Do they have good airflow around them? Have a picture of where they are mounted?

 

[Louie1956]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

I could get a picture of where it was mounted as I its now removed.
So- the back of the boat that has a carpeted bulkhead about 12" high supporting the transom well is where they were mounted. Probably not the best location but options are limited. It has free air on top and bottom and one side. The back is mounted against the carpeted bulkhead while one side is against the vinyl sidewall of the boat.
The boat is always garaged when the charger is in use and there is no cover over that area as I have a rear curtain.
Maybe the next one should be installed with a standoff to allow airflow around the back? Sorry about the angle of the pic- couldnt seem to get it turned.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

Maybe the next one should be installed with a standoff to allow airflow around the back?

That is exactly what I would suggest doing. The problem with the carpet is that it allows no heat to transfer to what it is being mounted too.

 

[Louie1956]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

Sounds good. Any recomendations on brand, model etc. that wont break the bank?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

I have a Guest 2610A that works well and is under $100 but don't have a lot of experience with other brands. Had one that I bought from Bass Pros that worked well too. It was actually made by Guest. Your Cabella's one was probably made for them by one of the major manufacturers as well.

I do think your problems are heat related so keep that in mind. Check the temperature after it has been on for awhile. Also, if you had a bad battery that was being charged at a high current for a long time, that could have been a problem.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

Guest

 

[bulletine]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

I now think smart chargers have a short life.

 

[mAlton]

Re: Are all Battery chargers created equal?

I have two Guest chargers in my boat now (4 batteries), and had a Guest in my last boat. I never had a bit of trouble from them at all. These are going on 10 years. You will notice that on any model you purchase, it will call for good airflow at the times you are charging the batteries.