C Tec trickle feed for rechararging batteries

Submitted: Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 10:04

ThreadID: 30439 Views:6780 Replies:6 FollowUps:5

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Member - Tony W (VIC)

was asking questions about solar power at a party when it was suggested i use C Tec battery charger so i can top up my batteries from 240v at caravan parks
friends houses , and then could i take a small gennie for when i m out in the scrub
to charge up my battery?
you re thoughts most appreciated tony

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Reply By: Member - Ozdyssey (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 11:36

Reply By: atoyot - Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 11:41

Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 12:39

Reply By: Member - Wim (Qld) - Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 09:39

Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 12:13

Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 12:13

I'm just about to replace my perfectly good N70ZZ Exide Extreme 2nd battery in the Patrol, because it now lives in the cargo area and I know it's not "safe" there because of the potential for it to gas and then explode (not good...)

So, if I get one of these you-beaut AGM jobbies of about 120a/h as advertised by Fridge & Solar for about $300-, I'm also gunna have to upgrade my charger. The 30 year old ARLEC 4 amp charger just won't be up to the task.

So, this post has had me searching the net for these CTEK chargers and also I thought of getting another 3 stage "SMART" charger, like I already have on the camper trailer.

Now, can anybody explain to me why I'd be wanting to spend $302-50 (base price plus GST and freight) for a 7amp Ctek, when I could get another 20 amp, 3 stage SMART charger off ebay for $285- all up?

Not having a go at anybody or any product, just wondering if these Ctek units are sooo good that a 7 amp unit of theirs costs about the same as the 20 amp unit.

Cheers

Roachie

AnswerID: 153309

Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 12:31

Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 12:31

Roachie, an AGM should be great for your needs. You can even store and use them on their side if that is best for space. Your 4 Amp charger should charge it, just not as fast as is possible with a bigger charger.
You are right on the price of chargers, but a lot of so called 'Smart Chargers' on the market are not very smart at all.
The CTek is a good charger and you can get them cheaper than you state if you shop around.

But of course, CTek isn't the only good charger. There are others.

Another point. If you have a good 3 stage charger in the CT, why can't you use that? Must be a way to make it mobile, or if it is near the front of the CT, run some 10mm or similar wire as an extension. You shouldn't get too much voltage drop. I'm assuming you are only charging this way while stopped and not running the charger via an inverter while mobile.

Even if using the 3 stage and inverter while mobile, you could run to your vehicle battery via an Anderson Plug.

Just a thought and may save you heaps on a second 3 stage charger.

I've got just one 25Amp CTek which I use for both the CT (2 x AGMs) and the vehicle DC (105AH Federal)

FollowupID: 407237

Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 13:01

Monday, Feb 06, 2006 at 13:01

Thanks Norm,
I've got the camper's charger permanently bolted in and hard-wired. But, it does have an extra outlet (pos only) for charging a 2nd battery, so maybe I could rig something up I guess.
It's mainly for use at home as I run my fridge 24/7 and at night that includes plugging the 240v in to the bullbar-mounted socket which takes over the running of the Engel and also runs the Arlec to re-charge the battery which has run down during the day. During the week the Patrol doesn't get to have long runs....only a few klicks to and from work (I really SHOULD walk more often, I know).
I do think that a 4 amp input would be sufficient to re-charge the AGM over night, but I've read that for an expensive battery, it's best to have a multi-stage charger; not just some antiquated old ALEC piece of rubbish.
Thanks mate
Roachie

FollowupID: 407246