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Old 08-20-2016, 09:50 PM   #1
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Intelligent Battery Chargers which one?

Choosing an Intelligent Battery Charger? Not a just for the RV.

T105, group 24
I am sure this has been discussed but I can't find anything current?

I have been looking for a battery charger to bring the batteries up to full charge when storing over the winter, and charging all other 12 volt batteries (not just a tender, or jump starter) but a multi stage that can handle deep cycle and starting batteries.

I have been considering the CTEK MULTI US 25000 but if anyone has a better suggestion for an intelligent charger I am open to any suggestion.
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Old 08-21-2016, 01:55 AM   #2
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I too been looking into chargers. Considering a mounted, always connected marine 6 to 10 amp charger. West Marine is a good place to look. Then price compare on Amazon.
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Old 08-23-2016, 11:44 PM   #3
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Sorry to high jack but I'm looking for basically the same. I have a new TT with two 12v batteries wired in parallel. There is no 110 power at the RV storage yard so I can't use anything to keep the batteries topped off? Or is there something solar that would be big enough to provide a trickle charge while the trailer sits? Or is my only option to remove both batteries and take them home to charge in the garage? I already installed a disconnect.
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Old 08-24-2016, 12:11 AM   #4
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If you have access to the sun? There are solar chargers that will work but you need to calculate the required voltage/amperage for your particular battery installation. You will also check the batteries to maintain the water levels from time to time.

This won't work for me living in Alaska, snow will cover the collector, days are to short and we travel so no one will be on site for long periods of time.

An example:

The Coleman 6-Watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger is the ideal solution for maintaining 12-Volt batteries for your cars, RVs, tractors, ATVs, electric fences, deer feeders, boats, and more. This unit is completely weatherproof and charges in all daylight conditions, even in the shade. The built-in blocking diode protects battery discharge at night. A perfect solution for battery maintenance, this unit is completely maintenance free and easy to install. The complete kit includes: 6-Watt amorphous panel, 12-Volt DC plug, battery clamps, mounting hardware, and Quick Connect Technology. It has a maximum power output of 6-Watt, 400mAh.
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Old 08-24-2016, 12:30 AM   #5
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If you have access to the sun? There are solar chargers that will work but you need to calculate the required voltage/amperage for your particular battery installation. You will also check the batteries to maintain the water levels from time to time.

This won't work for me living in Alaska, snow will cover the collector, days are to short and we travel so no one will be on site for long periods of time.

An example:

The Coleman 6-Watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger is the ideal solution for maintaining 12-Volt batteries for your cars, RVs, tractors, ATVs, electric fences, deer feeders, boats, and more. This unit is completely weatherproof and charges in all daylight conditions, even in the shade. The built-in blocking diode protects battery discharge at night. A perfect solution for battery maintenance, this unit is completely maintenance free and easy to install. The complete kit includes: 6-Watt amorphous panel, 12-Volt DC plug, battery clamps, mounting hardware, and Quick Connect Technology. It has a maximum power output of 6-Watt, 400mAh.
Yes, lots of sun here. I just don't know how to do the math to figure out what sized wattage solar charger would be needed. Would I need two of those since I have two batteries? Would I be able to leave the batteries connected to the RV while this solar unit is connected too? I'm guessing the little 2 watt $15 one would be too small for even one 12v battery? Do these solar chargers know to stop charging once they are full?
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Old 08-24-2016, 10:22 AM   #6
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I have a marine type ProMariner 40 amp charger. It plugs in. But works fine on my generator. I can recommend this by my experience. For solar check this mad man, https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/
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Old 08-24-2016, 11:07 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S Bradley View Post
Choosing an Intelligent Battery Charger? Not a just for the RV.

T105, group 24
I am sure this has been discussed but I can't find anything current?

I have been looking for a battery charger to bring the batteries up to full charge when storing over the winter, and charging all other 12 volt batteries (not just a tender, or jump starter) but a multi stage that can handle deep cycle and starting batteries.

I have been considering the CTEK MULTI US 25000 but if anyone has a better suggestion for an intelligent charger I am open to any suggestion.
S Bradley
Many motor homes already have a built in on board "inverter/3 stage automatic battery charger" which will accomplish exactly what you think you need another charger to do for you.
Are you sure yours doesn't?
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Old 08-24-2016, 06:41 PM   #8
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S Bradley
Many motor homes already have a built in on board "inverter/3 stage automatic battery charger" which will accomplish exactly what you think you need another charger to do for you.
Are you sure yours doesn't?
Mel
'96 Safari, Heart Freedom 20 inverter/charger
Yes I do have a three stage on board it works great, but in the winter I am not always able to be near the RV to plug in or run the generator. I also have the chassis battery it isn't charged by the converter/charger. Additionally I have other batteries that need to be cared for.

There are so many choices with ratings that are just advertisements, I was hoping to get opinions for our group of users.

Thank you,
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Old 08-24-2016, 06:51 PM   #9
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Quote:
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Yes, lots of sun here. I just don't know how to do the math to figure out what sized wattage solar charger would be needed. Would I need two of those since I have two batteries? Would I be able to leave the batteries connected to the RV while this solar unit is connected too? I'm guessing the little 2 watt $15 one would be too small for even one 12v battery? Do these solar chargers know to stop charging once they are full?
I would contact Battery Tender, they sell Solar panels 5,10,15 watt with a built in Solar Converter. I am sure they can help size the unit for you. If you have two in parallel I doubt 2 watts will be large enough.

Just an informational point the Battery Tender is also an intelligent charger just at very low amperage.
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:54 AM   #10
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Yes I do have a three stage on board it works great, but in the winter I am not always able to be near the RV to plug in or run the generator. I also have the chassis battery it isn't charged by the converter/charger. Additionally I have other batteries that need to be cared for.
There are so many choices with ratings that are just advertisements, I was hoping to get opinions for our group of users.
Thank you,
S Bradley
Understood.

My coach always has shore power when it's being stored, with which the 3 stage charger in my on board inverter/charger maintains the 4 12v deep cycle marine house batteries.

A 5 watt solar panel maintains the charge in the 2 12V maintenance free chassis batteries, which on my coach, like yours, isn't charged by the on board charger.

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Old 09-01-2016, 09:33 PM   #11
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After further research I am leaning toward changing out the converter to a true sine wave inverter charger.

My reasoning the:
Inverter provides a clean AC power source true sine wave inverter.
Replacing the modified sine wave inverter, better for the expensive electronics.
The charger provides Intelligent 3 stage charging at 20 amp charging at
a higher rate of charge.
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Old 09-02-2016, 09:12 AM   #12
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Battery Minder

S Bradley-

I have an earlier model of the Battery Minder 8A charger. bestconverter.com offers a current model at this link. (I see it's out of stock, so here's a link to the product at Amazon.) I use it on my AGM house batteries and various other flooded vehicle batteries I have. It has served me well.

You did ask for a solution that would work for all 12V batteries, not just those in your RV.
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