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clayman
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Aug 2011 : 12:24:31
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Hi everyone hope you can help me out once again!!! I'm investing in a battery charger ( trying for once to be forward thinking!!! lol), and would love to know everyones opinions.
At the moment I have 2 batteries, both 85AmpH, one I use for starting the engine, and one I keep for the lighting system ( 'til I get an inverter to run other items).
At the moment I'm looking at one on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/OptiMate-4-Battery-charger-conditioner/dp/B000R5936U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313752345&sr=8-1
I would really appreciate any information.
Thanks. Roger |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2011 : 16:16:15
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Looking at various info on these suggests they are suggested for batteries up to only 50 aph! I can't see what the actual charging rate is but I would have thought you would neeed a minimum of 10 aph charging for two 85's.
Might be a bit cheeky but I do have a mint Sealey which would suit your purposes at an advantageous price! |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2011 : 17:28:36
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The Amazon one would be OK to keep a fully charged battery full. But no use at all to charge an even slightly discharged battery of the capacity of yours. It is designed for motorcycle use and boy do they have small batteries!
There is a basic rule of thumb that to efficiently charge a lead acid battery you should have a charger with a current rating of 10% of the capacity. 2 x 85Ah= 170. 10% of 170 is 17, so anywhere between 15A and 20A would be good.
If you are feeling flush, Sterling do a great range of marine chargers, but with a marine price tag. Probably warranted in this case as they are designed for the harsh marine environment.
They do some with dual outputs so they will charge both the domestic and the engine batteries at the same time without connecting them together. Useful if they require different loads and also in the event of failure of one battery.
If, like me, you cannot afford the Sterling devices, have a look at this puppy on eaby. I have not bought one yet, but they say they can be left on permanently to trickle charge but also have the grunt to bring a flat battery back up to full charge PDQ. Full electronic sensing without the specialist marine price tag.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FULLY-AUTOMATIC-MARINE-BATTERY-CHARGER-12V-20A-/130476404657?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item1e60ffefb1#ht_1050wt_907
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
Edited by - Deano on 19 Aug 2011 18:05:02 |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
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clayman
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2011 : 20:26:50
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That'd be great Trev. At least I'd know I'd be getting the correct item, and not left to my own devices which usually ends in things going 'jugs up' lol. Drop me a line on what you want for it.
Chees.
Roger |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2011 : 10:43:43
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| Have emailed you Roger, hope you got it. |
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clayman
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2011 : 16:50:05
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| Hi Trev just wondering if you got my mail. Cheers |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2011 : 19:57:51
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| Yes I did and replied. I've just resent it again. Let me know here that you got it please! |
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clayman
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2011 : 17:18:02
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| All set this end lol Everything in the post tomorrow. |
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Topic |
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Battery Chargers
