changing battery

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />My battery charger have a 2,8,and 12 amp charging slection. What benefit is it to charge at 8 amp vs 12 amp. Does the lower charging amp be better for the longevity of the battery?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: changing battery

In a way -- yes! Small batteries require a lesser charge rate than a larger one. If it were mine, I'd connect the the charger, set it at the 2A setting and walk away. A trickle charge will keep the battery topped off indefinitely. If you need a quick charge -- use the 8 or 12A setting but unless the charger shuts itself off or tapers down to a trickle charge don't leave it connected or you'll boil the battery dry.

 

[FishyFun]

Re: changing battery

The b est solution is to purchase a good on board charger. It will charge the battery and keep it topped off, Your battery WILL last longer.<br /><br />lee

 

[Boatist]

Re: changing battery

Most important thing is to get charger that is automatic. It will taper to zero amps or shut off when the battery reaches the correct charge. I have never seen an on board charger that was not automitic but on board chargers tend to be higher priced.<br /><br />I would not buy a charger less than 10 amps. When battery is discharged damage begins and the longer it is diacharged the more damage is done. If you ever install and big deep cycle battery for trolling or a house battery then even at 10 amps will take 12 to 16 hours to fully charge.<br /><br />Most Cars today have 100 amp alternators and starting batteries last years. Unless you have a small battery something like a motorcycle battery then 10 amps that tapers to zero will not damage any battery. Get one that has setting for conventional starting battery and deep cycle.<br /><br />a 2 amp manual charger will damage more batteries than a 20 amp automatic.

 

[snagroms]

Re: changing battery

I bought a new automatic charger that is 2/10/30 with an 80amp start feature. It handles AGM, Wet Cell, and Gel. All automatic tapering and trickle charge. Gander Mountain had it for $50. Have seen it advertised from 150 - 80 bucks.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: changing battery

The best charge for any battery is always the slowest possible charge. If you are not in a hurry, use the 2 amp setting. Every time you discharge your battery lead sulfate develops on the plates inside the battery. This is what eventually kills your battery. Every time you charge your battery some of the sulfation dissolves. The slower the charge the more sulfation is removed. The same battery always charged at 2 amps will last alot longer than a battery always charged at 20 amps.

 

[snagroms]

Re: changing battery

Not to hijack here but the new charger in my previous post has a desulfate capability. Anyone ever use desulfating before?<br /><br />Also the new charger tapers down very quickly to the 2 amp setting. Seems they have the lower and slower process figured out.