Automotive battery charger - quality over quantity

[JiminAZ]

So my 5/20 amp 70 start Schumacher charger is on the fritz. I got a few years out of it, time to replace.

I'm rethinking my requirement. I think a 15 or 20 amp charger with no start assist will suit my needs best. I can start assist with a lithium pack or a set of jumper cables. Maybe something with a little lower amperage rating will be less susceptible to burning out.

Seeing Noco and Ctek etc. Solid state units with smart charging abilities.

Here's my thing - I'll pay if it's worth it. Just want something that I can rely on that won't **** out in 2-3 years like the Schumacher did. It's hot here in AZ so sometimes it's plugged in out there with 110F ambient and the sun beating on it. With 5 sons in the house and cars and boats and camper trailers the thing gets used probably once a week.

Thinking I should be able to make this work for under $150. Thoughts?

(PS this is just flooded lead acid batteries. No Lithium or AGM or such.)

 

[Zewnten]

RN branded battery chargers aren't worth their price IMO if you hear a recommendation for them.

I don't think any charger is going to last in the sun and heat like that, have you tried charging at night?

 

[visionguru]

So my 5/20 amp 70 start Schumacher charger is on the fritz. I got a few years out of it, time to replace.

I'm rethinking my requirement. I think a 15 or 20 amp charger with no start assist will suit my needs best. I can start assist with a lithium pack or a set of jumper cables. Maybe something with a little lower amperage rating will be less susceptible to burning out.

Seeing Noco and Ctek etc. Solid state units with smart charging abilities.

Here's my thing - I'll pay if it's worth it. Just want something that I can rely on that won't **** out in 2-3 years like the Schumacher did. It's hot here in AZ so sometimes it's plugged in out there with 110F ambient and the sun beating on it. With 5 sons in the house and cars and boats and camper trailers the thing gets used probably once a week.

Thinking I should be able to make this work for under $150. Thoughts?

(PS this is just flooded lead acid batteries. No Lithium or AGM or such.)

It could be the Lead-Acid battery inside. Electronic stuff is unlikely to malfunction under normal conditions. There is no "quality" issue.

I'd get a couple of cheap 2~6 amp battery maintainers. High amp charging is not good for the longevity of the battery.

 

[JiminAZ]

I go fishing. Draw two marine/RV batteries down to 50% of charge (say an 80 ah battery). A 4 amp charger isn't going to get it done. Same story for the camper after a weekend of dry camping.

Rule of thumb that I was told is about 10% of the ah capacity is the right minimum charge rate (so 8 amps minimum for my 80 a-h battery, x2)

And yes I charge at night when I can.

I just don't want a POS. Happy to pay for something that's a bit overengineered. It isn't 110 deg all the time obviously but we have a couple of months in the summer when it's consistently 105ish during the day and 90-95 at night. Even if it has self protection circuitry that'll back off when it gets hot, that would be ok instead of run to fail engineering.

 

[bushmechanic]

NOCO products are good, and do what's advertised on the box. I've never really looked into who they actually are, or if they manufacture anything at all, but they're high quality.

Are they worth the money? Well, I think so. I've got one sitting on a $320 battery right now. Is there anything better? I doubt it. There are only so many ways to get a skinny cat.

Stay away from Battery Tender products. They've lost the plot. I've had so many of those pop in the past few years that I just sold all my accessories on Ebay and I'm completely done with their ********.

 

[American Locomotive]

Just go buy an old heavy transformer based battery charger. They rarely fail, and lead acid batteries really are not too fussy.

 

[JiminAZ]

Yeah the one I bought at Sears in the 80's with the amp meter on the front (10 amp IIRC) lasted about 25 years......To be fair I didn't use it like we do now though. 5 sons with their jalopies and their buddies come over and work on theirs because their families lack tools and space. It's what we wanted our home to be like but.....Darned kids.

 

[Tallpilot]

The last time we had this discussion http://associatedequip.com/#all came up as the buy once, cry once choice. Pick the size that makes the most sense for your use.

 

[JiminAZ]

Looks like the associated 3100A would give me a 15/2 amp solution.

 

[JiminAZ]

In doing some more research, the desulfonization cycle on the Ctek's has me intrigued. Problem with their line is the little chargers max out at 7 amps, then you jump up to the 25 amp model. And the 25 doesn't let you drop the charge rate manually.....(I think).

 

[Jlarson]

I've gotten rid of all my other transformer chargers and gone to NOCO's, put one of their little .75 amp maintainers on my 4x4 pickup and my service rig too.

 

[the intimidator]

Associated chargers are the way to go!!! Have a couple two live outside rain snow sun whatever they just work two are probably 20 years old

 

[6PTsocket]

NOCO products are good, and do what's advertised on the box. I've never really looked into who they actually are, or if they manufacture anything at all, but they're high quality.

Are they worth the money? Well, I think so. I've got one sitting on a $320 battery right now. Is there anything better? I doubt it. There are only so many ways to get a skinny cat.

Stay away from Battery Tender products. They've lost the plot. I've had so many of those pop in the past few years that I just sold all my accessories on Ebay and I'm completely done with their ********.

Sad to hear. I have a Tender plus that has been going for years. I leave my lawn tractor hooked up. I have a second, newer one that works but it is not used as much.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[6PTsocket]

Yeah the one I bought at Sears in the 80's with the amp meter on the front (10 amp IIRC) lasted about 25 years......To be fair I didn't use it like we do now though. 5 sons with their jalopies and their buddies come over and work on theirs because their families lack tools and space. It's what we wanted our home to be like but.....Darned kids.

Sounds like mine. I believe they were made by Associated. I have replaced the manual/auto switch, the meter and the carry handle. It is still chugging away. Had to do a little metal work to make the new parts fit. As long as the transformer is good it is reparable. There are just a pair of rectifier diodes, the little 'auto' control circuit board with a few easily replaced components and the SCR that cuts the power in 'auto'. I think there was also a circuit breaker.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Buckaroo5]

I have the Clore Pro-Logix PL2320. They make very good chargers and are well respected in the automotive repair sector....about $70 from Amazon. It is a smart charger up to 20amp max but also maintains at 2 amps. Important to note that if your battery is completely discharged, it will not start-up automatically (trying to check for reverse polarity hook-up but doesn't see any voltage). You can, however, override the smart control feature to get it going as described in the manual. Once it see's a little bit of voltage, it takes off on automatic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ESQW08/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Buckaroo

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't know that Ctek or NOCO are really any better than Schumacher.

Not a true "automatic" charger, but the Ritz 126ST is made in the USA and looks like it is built like a brick ********* ! 6 and 12V. 20A with 60A boost. it will "automatically tapers to a slow charge". This is not a "maintainer".

 

[JiminAZ]

Yep that RN/Ritz reminds me of my old Craftsman.

So here's what I decided to do:

1) Put a dedicated 15 amps per bank two bank charger in the boat for the trolling motor batteries. Just plug it in after a trip and quit fooling around. The charger is pretty smart with all the charge phases (which are more or less bulk charge/taper/equalize/maintain).

2) Ordered a CTEK 7 amp smart charger. For topping up it should be fine. I am curious to try out the desulfonation cycle on iffy batteries. And the amps are low enough that it won't get smokin hot (I hope), plus it has a temperature compensation circuit of some sort. Compact and simple.

The kids can use the jumper cables more and my charger less for their dead or mostly dead batteries. The low amp charger will be a "deterrent" to (mis)use.

In the camper I have a "stupid" 40 amp power supply that charges (and boils) the batteries. I can use it for bulk charge then use the ctek for tuneups.

If I really like the CTEK I'll step up to one of their 25 amp models and keep it under lock and key with my good drill bits, micrometers, etc ha ha.

One feature I liked that CTEK has (and probably NOCO and others) is the ability to prewire to the terminals with a quick connect so all I have to do is plug in the charger to the quick connect and go. I can think of a few uses for that capability. It also has a power supply mode which you can use to keep the 12v system powered up when you change a battery and avoid loss of radio presets, etc.

Thanks to all for your comments. They really helped me focus my thinking.

 

[bulletpruf]

Hijacking this thread instead of starting a new one...

I have the old Schumacher one that you roll around. I'd like to upgrade and downsize. I don't really need a trickle charger; if that becomes an issue, I'll buy a dedicated trickle charger.

What I'm looking for is something that will start charging a battery that's completely dead, something that can bring a dead battery back to life, one that's automatic, has a high-amp starting feature, and one that will charge at least lead and AGM batteries.

This Schumacher looks pretty good to me - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLLRM8R/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thoughts?

Thanks

Scott

 

[pbon]

That Schumacher does look good on paper. I am in the market also. My old Craftsman still works, but I am not sure any of these new chargers will last decades. I don’t necessarily need the starting feature. I had been looking at the Noco G7200 that I think is being replaced with the Noco Genius 10.

 

[bulletpruf]

That Schumacher does look good on paper. I am in the market also. My old Craftsman still works, but I am not sure any of these new chargers will last decades. I don’t necessarily need the starting feature. I had been looking at the Noco G7200 that I think is being replaced with the Noco Genius 10.

Yes, Schumacher looks good on paper and has excellent reviews, too.

The Noco Genius 10 looks good as well, but I often need the starting/boost feature, which this doesn't have. I guess I could use my lithium jump start battery or jumper cables, but I'd prefer to have that feature on my charger.

Here's the Genius 10 -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W3QT226/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[American Locomotive]

In my experience, almost all of the consumer-grade "electronic" or "smart" lead-acid battery chargers will die after some time. My 40-year-old Schauer "automatic" (but is actually pretty dumb) battery charger takes a lot of abuse, and still charges fine.

"Smart Chargers" are all well and wonderful until you realize that the vast majority of vehicles have very dumb charging systems that more or less just bring the battery up to 13.8-14.4 volts as fast as they can. I've seen automotive alternators ram 80+ amps into very depleted batteries before.

Also, the "start/boost" feature on the small "portable" chargers is basically useless. The big roll-around ones actually have sizeable transformers capable of moving some current, the only thing "start/boost" does on the small ones is make them buzz angrily without actually improving your chance of starting.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ordered the Schumacher. Should be here today or tomorrow.

 

[sberry]

I might be tempted to pull the case off and see what went wrong? I think I fixed something in it once, best unit I ever had. I don't bake on the jump with it though.

 

[mautotech]

I've had the largest portable Rizk battery charger for a couple years now and love it. It's a dumb charger so it will charge dead batteries no problem. Some of my friends had gotten them since then as well.
I've said it before; the fit and finish on the Rizk chargers is horrible, but they are built like a tank and work fantastically.
Unfortunately, it appears that their website is down so I don't know if they are still in business.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I've had the largest portable Rizk battery charger for a couple years now and love it. It's a dumb charger so it will charge dead batteries no problem. Some of my friends had gotten them since then as well.
I've said it before; the fit and finish on the Rizk chargers is horrible, but they are built like a tank and work fantastically.
Unfortunately, it appears that their website is down so I don't know if they are still in business.

I was just going to ask if Rizk was still in business. Their Fecesbook page gives (586) 757-4700. Maybe I'll call in the morning.

 

[ImportTuner]

Ordered the Schumacher. Should be here today or tomorrow.

Good luck on the Schumacher .. used to make excellent chargers and other electronics. Now everything is made in China. I ordered a Schumacher SC-1000A 2/6/10A three months ago. First one was DOA, second one was working for 1 charge and then died, and the third one lasted 1 week, 2 batteries got charged and started making popping noise. Sent back and got my money back
Ordered a 2000 watt inverter on Cyber Monday (was 50% off). Received it on November 13, and guess what, DOA. Currently waiting to hear about a replacement.

 

[MrGoods]

I've been a long time fan of QuickCharge battery chargers... they're no-nonsense bulletproof chargers that last for years (a lifetime). I first discovered them back when I was buying/selling industrial equipment frequently... I replaced MANY on-board chargers on forklifts/similar equipment. I currently have the 12v 60 amp 4 bank charger in my garage along with a few 24v/48v on board/standalone chargers. They can be found on the cheap pretty regularly on eBay and elsewhere (check auctions). As an example, here's a 25amp 12v on-board charger for $150 or best offer. As far as capabilities, they have dip-switches internally that can be changed based on the type of battery you're charging, check the website, it goes pretty in depth into battery charge theory/why "smart chargers" are BS, and how durable their stuff is (in the exceedingly rare case that a charger fails, they'll repair it no questions asked... I have first hand experience that backs that up as well).

 

[theoldwizard1]

I might be tempted to pull the case off and see what went wrong? I think I fixed something in it once, best unit I ever had. I don't bake on the jump with it though.

Really old chargers are dumb, stupid simple. Mechanical timer, big *** transformer, possibly with 2 set of winding (6V and 12V) and a big rectifier. Probably no/minimal "filtering" (capacitors).

 

[bulletpruf]

Good luck on the Schumacher .. used to make excellent chargers and other electronics. Now everything is made in China. I ordered a Schumacher SC-1000A 2/6/10A three months ago. First one was DOA, second one was working for 1 charge and then died, and the third one lasted 1 week, 2 batteries got charged and started making popping noise. Sent back and got my money back
Ordered a 2000 watt inverter on Cyber Monday (was 50% off). Received it on November 13, and guess what, DOA. Currently waiting to hear about a replacement.

I'm sure it's made in China but I'm ok with that if it works. EDIT - just checked, it's made in Mexico.

Reviews were very good on Amazon (4.5 stars) so I'll be surprised if it's junk.

Thanks