Trickle Charging?

[McGunner]

I bought a brand new Tracker PT175 Bass Boat last week and it has a built in "trickle charger" for the two batteries. Should I plug it in after each time that I take the boat out or is that really neccessary? I have heard both and was wanting some clarification on this matter. Thanks.

 

[Jcrain]

Re: Trickle Charging?

Generally, a "trickle-charger" is just that....it trickles a small current into the batteries to keepthem topped off. They do about the same thing that these solar chargers do. You can do whatever is convienent for you, like, say that you are going out on Sat morning, then plug it in thursday evening or friday morning if you don't want to leave it on all the time. If your batteries are real low, don't expect the trickle charger to bring them up over night. charge them with a full charger brfore you plug in the trickle.<br />Hope this helps you

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Trickle Charging?

Originally posted by McGunner:<br /> I bought a brand new Tracker PT175 Bass Boat last week and it has a built in "trickle charger" for the two batteries. Should I plug it in after each time that I take the boat out or is that really neccessary? I have heard both and was wanting some clarification on this matter. Thanks.

Lead-acid batteries like to be fully charged at all times. When they are less than fully charged, they begin to sulfate. I charge my batteries after every outing and with an on board charger, it's a simple task that will ensure your batteries live a long and happy life.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Trickle Charging?

A trickle charger is generally about 1.5 AMPs, I bet you have a better charger than that, Probably 6-10 AMPs. Plug it in every time you use it and your batteries will last longer than if you let them sit partially charged.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trickle Charging?

Look at the charger and see if it has an output amp rating. If it's 1-1/2 amp, it is indeed a battery maintainer or as you call it "trickle charger". This would not typically be wired to both batteries as the trolling battery would take forever to charge using it. If the charger has a 6 amp or higher rating, and has two outputs, it is indeed a "charger". If you use the trolling motor, by all means plug it in when done. Thats what its for.