Charging Deep Cycle Batteries
Submitted: Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 17:28
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kevmac....(WA)
Just had my SuperCrap multi stage charger blow up and since that have changed a few things on how I intend to operate 12v system.
Am no longer going to charge battery whilst operating items on the 12v system, so am wondering if for the interim using a standard battery charger will damage my deep cycle battery(already 2 yrs old). Most I intend to be charging at any one time is 3 - 4 hrs.
Need recommendation on size of charger etc on very linmited battery.
Hope someone can help this old skinflint !
Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 17:43
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 17:43
Kev,
what is the output of the charger you intend to use and what is the size of the battery/batteries you intend to charge.
That information will help if we are to give you accurate advice.
Cheers, bruce
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Follow Up By: kevmac....(WA) - Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 18:23
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 18:23
Intend a 4 - 6 amp standard charger on aq 110ah deep cycly battery........max percieved drain on battery would be approx 6 amps total
when re charging battery the 2 fridges will both be on 240volt
FollowupID:
761479
Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 18:59
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 18:59
Kev, that charger is a bit small for that sized battery to do the battery justice.
If you intend getting a better battery charger in the future some time then I seriously suggest you contemplate a CTEK 25 amp unit.
Expensive I know but the best thing for big batteries, I assure you.
You can also run most everything off your battery while it is on charge also with a CTEK as they have a supply mode as
well.
Cheers, Bruce.
| At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.Lifetime Member
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Follow Up By: Tone and Hev - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 21:09
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 21:09
I second that on the CTEK
Good unit
FollowupID:
761572
Reply By: 2517 - Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 20:25
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 20:25
I have used a Calbrie 17 amp charger from Super Cheap for 5 year excellent ,made in Australia,paid around $200 for it.I also have a Ctek 25 amp in caravan they are not the only battery charger as some people think ,you need one that has some buzz.
AnswerID:
486243
Reply By: GT Campers - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 09:19
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 09:19
3-4 hours is nowhere near long enough to charge a battery... that's what it takes to charge a motorcycle battery. Deep cycles like long, slow charges.
HTH
AnswerID:
486275
Reply By: Racey - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 10:11
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 10:11
2 years ago I purchased a Projecta 25 amp charger to charge 2x100ah calcium deep cycle batteries. Apert from the usual "battery type" it also has a "power supply" setting. This will provide a constant 13.8 volts and can be used to keep batteries charged whilst there is a connected load. Works brilliantly. Naturally you must switch the mode to the appropriate battery type for a complete charge. Th other thing I like about these units is they have a remote control panel which shows voltage and charging current, plus the charger can be controlled remotely.
There are several models in the range up to 50 amps.
Cheers
Racey
AnswerID:
486279
Reply By: Cravenhaven - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 15:06
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 15:06
I agree with those suggesting a CTEK charger, although 25Amp is certainly on the high side I think I would have recommended a 15Amp unit for a 100AH battery. I believe the rule of thumb is a charge current equal to 10% of the battery capacity.
I have had a small 7 amp CTEK charger for several years and used it mercilessly to charge my 150+100AH batteries from a quite low state with all the accessories still being used such as the WAECO 80L fridge and various lights chargers etc. The charger gets quite hot at times (running at full capacity fulltime) but has never let me down. I am not advocating the 7Amp size as it is way too small for my use and I should spend the money and get a bigger one, but they are very reliable and dependable.
AnswerID:
486297
Reply By: Sigmund - Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 16:06
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 16:06
Have a look at Ozcharge chargers as
well. My local 4by
shop's been selling them for some time and never had a complaint. I've been trickle charging my 2 100 ah calcium batteries with one for 3 years no probs.
AnswerID:
486301