Ctek 7000 or 15000?

If you are running the charger off a generator, then go the 15000 as you won't need to run it as long. Otherwise, the 7000 is fine.

I have the CTek 7000. Its capable of charging two N70 batteries, and has the advantage of being able to charge at either 14.4 or 14.7V which will suit your current deep cycle battery. From memory the 15000 won't do 14.7V, but you might want to check.

I hook mine up to a pair of N70 cranking batteries under the bonnet, a 100Ah AGM in the canopy via power sockets located in the cab. Easy - just plug it in to the battery I'm wanting to charge. The current is never more than 7 amps, so theres no problem about the batteries being remote, provided you are using reasonably thick cable all the way (say minimum of 12 Gauge).

As far as charge time, the 15000 will only be quicker if the battery is deeply discharged and accepting more than 7 amps. If you are just topping up a slightly discharged battery, then there will be little differrence in charge times.

As far as mounting, You won't have a problem mounting it to teh cargo barrier on a coil sprung GU. But a lot of my elecronic gear is mounted with velcro as it cushions from vibrations. Also makes it easily removable.

Cheers
phil

I had the 15000 really wanted the 25000 for its fast charge capability, trickle only go the 7000

Hi Chris,

Ive got a 115ah deep cycle and use a Ctek M100 7 amp charger. I got the M100 and it was cheaper then the XS7000. Only difference is the M100 is the Marine version and had an improved IP rating ( was better sealed for water ingress). Either the 7 or 15 amp would be fine except the 15 does it quicker.

Cheers Wilko

I replaced my 10A charger with a 40A Xantrex charger to reduce the amount of time I needed to be connected to 240V. This charger can be set to charge at a percentage of its full output to limit the output current and input power. (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of 40A.) I do use a Honda generator from time to time in the outback.

Some places in the outback, relying on solar power, have a low current circuit breaker to limit your 240V consumption. Cape Leveque camp ground has a 2A circuit breaker if I recall correctly. My charger would have tripped the circuit breaker if I did not have the ability to reduce the output charge.

The voltage drop between the charger and the battery does matter. You can look up tables of resistance per unit length for different cross section area cables and do the calculations.

If you have a battery in the vehicle and it is connected to a battery in the camper, then you must have a fuse on both ends as close to the battery as possible. A short circuit anywhere along the cable can be supplied by either battery or both. Without the fuses you could have a carbecue.

Thanks for the replies. Some interesting points in here. Like that some sites limit your current draw.

Think I'll stick with the 7000. don't need raw speed. And the extra voltage selection could come in useful.

Thanks again for your input.

Chris.