installing a 12/24 2bank charger

[buka72]

if i got a 12/24v ratted charger that was a 2 bank can I hook one bank to my 2-12v batteries that are hooked in series and my other bank to my 12v battery

 

[Silvertip]

Re: installing a 12/24 2bank charger

Not unless you want sparks. Two batteries in series produces 24V. If you hook one of the 12V outputs across 24V you will likely destroy the charger. You could connect to just one of the batteries but that would leave the other uncharged. Your engine start battery really doesn't need to be on a charger. Connect one bank to one battery in the series bank and the second bank to the other. Of course, if your charger does not have isolated outputs you will still get sparks, but if its a relatively new charger it will be fine.

 

[buka72]

Re: installing a 12/24 2bank charger

thanks for the reply it was helpful I will hook up to just my trolling batt. I use my boat manly for fishing and i sometimes don't run my motor long enough to keep my starting battery charged i will consider getting a three bank charger

 

[Silvertip]

Re: installing a 12/24 2bank charger

Hey man -- you don't need to spend money on a three bank charger. Wire the two banks to the trolling batteries. Buy a single bank 6A Guest or similar charger for the engine.

 

[newboater74]

Re: installing a 12/24 2bank charger

I've been thinking of getting a charger for my trolling motor. How do you hook it up to your main outboard to provide power to the charger? I'd like to be out camping for several days and not have to worry about my battery going dead.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: installing a 12/24 2bank charger

Newboater -- you are a little confused about what an "onboard charger is". They are a battery charger that is permanently installed in the boat and are powered by 110 volts AC using a power cord when you are at the dock. If you have an electric start outboard, it obviously charges the starting battery so it could also be used to charge the trolling battery. The problem with that is most smaller outboards do not have alternator output high enough to fully charge the troller battery in a reasonable amount of time. You would need to run for hours at wide open throttle to accomplish that.