Deep cycle charge setting?

[takirb]

I have a Schumacher 6/2A Dual Rate charger -

http://www.drillspot.com/products/310020/Schumacher_Electric_SE-82-6_6_2A_Dual_Rate_Charger

It's got 3 settings, 6V/2A, 12V2A, and 12V/6A. Which setting would i use to recharge my deep cycle battery after each session of use? If i use 12V/2A, would that be the "trickle" setting that i can use for storage of the deep cycle until it's next use?

I plan to charge the deep cycle after each night outing on the boat, but will sometimes need the battery available the next day/night when on extended trips.

 

[John_S]

Re: Deep cycle charge setting?

Use the 12V/6A setting until the meter shows less than 2A draw, then switch to 12V/2A setting. In most cases you should not need to leave charger on for over 24hrs. The 6A setting should have you back in action from an overnight charge. If the batteries are going to sit for a few months, I prefer putting the 2A on every month or so, vs leaving on all the time.

 

[takirb]

Re: Deep cycle charge setting?

thanks! I've owned this charger for quite a while and would always just get a good enough charge to hook the battery back up and let the alternator of the vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc) charge it the rest of the way. Now that i'll be charging the deep cycle strictly from this charger, i want to do it right. i appreciate the advice!

 

[John_S]

Re: Deep cycle charge setting?

I have that same charger, or one very close to it. I mainly use it for lawn tractor, generator, or smaller lead-acid batteries (2A setting). Sometimes for car or compact tractor. For the deep-cycles, have been running onboard chargers for a couple of years. Spoiled now, so won't go back.