caravan inbuilt chargers
Submitted: Monday, Mar 28, 2011 at 23:41
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Member - Terry. G (TAS)
I currently have a caravan with a CTEK 2500 Charger in it but I am thinking about updating the Caravan and have noticed that nearly all new vans have gone away from the CTEK and what seems to be used to replace them is twice the size and a different brand I like the CTEK but was wondering if the trend to change them to a different brand is because they are cheaper or has the CTEK seen its day and better types/brands now available
Thanks in advance Terry
Reply By: Motherhen - Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 01:13
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 01:13
Hi Terry
We purchased a CTEK 25 when in
Darwin for a few days as we were in a very shady caravan
park and solar panels do not work as efficiently in the hot tropics so were concerned that our batteries might need a bit of a boost. We had previously carried bulky and heavy battery chargers, and all seemed to develop an erratic and undiagnosed malfunction just when we wanted to use them and never when being bench tested by a technician. As we have 4 x 110 a/h batteries, we were looking for Xantrex 45 but could not get one in
Darwin. As luck would have it, the tiny CTEK had the batteries up to float within an hour. With weight being an issue, we did really
well to buy the CTEK. I have no idea why caravan manufacturers choose their brands, and I'm sure all would choose differently. If you are happy with the CTEK, stay with it. Our son was hoping we would get a larger one so he could have the CTEK 25 - but no way - we are keeping it.
Motherhen
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Follow Up By: Member - Tony (ACT) - Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 06:50
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 06:50
I have a PROJECTA 30amp 3 stage charger in the camper, and while at Tinnaro Dam last year it stopped working for some reason. Rang supplier and it was sent back to
Brisbane for repair.
In the mean time got a CTEK 20 to take its place for the intrim. Not nearly as quick as the PROJECTA to charge up (running on gennie). Got the repaired PROJECTA back a week latter an put it back in. A much better unit, 4.5 hours to charge up against 9 hours for the CTEK. This is for 3 battries.
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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 07:14
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 07:14
Tony,
I would suggest that the charge time was due to the Projecta being a higher rated charger (30 amp) verses the Ctek (20 amp) than any other reason.
The Ctek charger is one of the best units available, whatever the size.
I own a Projecta 3 stage unit (15 amp) and a Ctek (7 amp) and just love the versatility of the Ctek. Yes the 7 amp unit takes longer to charge a battery but will do so overnight anyway and is excellent for maintaining the batteries in excellent condition on a float charge.
Bill.
FollowupID:
721903
Reply By: CSeaJay - Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 14:25
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 14:25
Ctek is good
Other brands however also have good smart chargers
The main reason why manufacturers move away from CTek surely is cost only, as it is cheaper for them to install other brands?
AnswerID:
449578
Reply By: Member - Terry. G (TAS) - Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 21:01
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 21:01
Thank you all for your comments
I guess as the time gets closer and I make my final decision I shall have to hit them with the question as to why they are fitting (such and such) charger rather than a CTEK.However if I have a choice I think that I will stick with what I know a little ( and I repeat little) about.As previously stated I have a CTEK in my van at the moment a multi xs 25000 and have not been able to fault it keeping the 2 x 100Ah batteries charged either from the mains or when using the generator but then again any thing to do with electricity ect is completely out of my league
again thanks to all
Terry
AnswerID:
449634