Weatherproof battery charger?

[Zebu Fellenz]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking for an automotive 12v battery charger that's waterproof/weatherproof. I see marine chargers that are listed as waterproof, but they seem to be designed for permanent installation and I'm looking for something portable.

Right now I'm using a NOCO Genius 10 that despite the well-sealed appearance is not especially water resistant. It died after sitting out in a light rainstorm and thankfully came back to life after drying out for a few weeks.

-Thanks

 

[bonneyman]

The one you store inside!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I recently bought one of these.

Blue Smart IP67 Charger Waterproof | Victron Energy

The Blue Smart IP67 Waterproof Charger is the new professional battery charger with built-in bluetooth. Find a Victron Energy dealer near you.

www.victronenergy.com

IP67 rated which is submerged 0.5 M for 30 minutes.

 

[Sumboodie]

I just close the hood or stick it under, or put something over top

 

[moab11]

I'm a big fan of the Ctek chargers, not sure about waterproof, but I've had one in my engine bay for years without an issue.

 

[dogdog]

Not ctek but other brands, do what post #5 did and stuff it in the engine bay and close hood for over night charging.

 

[BrandonV]

BatteryMINDers are IP65 IIRC.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I recently bought one of these.

Blue Smart IP67 Charger Waterproof | Victron Energy

The Blue Smart IP67 Waterproof Charger is the new professional battery charger with built-in bluetooth. Find a Victron Energy dealer near you.

www.victronenergy.com

IP67 rated which is submerged 0.5 M for 30 minutes.

That's pretty slick. Unfortunately, it seems like all the waterproof chargers available are designed more for permanent install. Bluetooth control is also a mixed bag IMO, I suppose not having buttons/controls on the charger makes it easier to waterproof.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I suppose I should explain why I'm looking for this thing that doesn't seem to exist.

I use the charger on a wide variety of equipment, most of it is outside while charging, some of it doesn't have a hood or other protected area to set the charger. Sometimes I'm charging batteries that are completely out in the open.

I want to not have to worry if a storm's coming or if I need to charge a battery in the rain. I think for now I'll just get a plastic toolbox for the NOCO, modify it so cables can be connected with the box closed. Size the box to also hold a jump pack, battery tester, etc so I can grab the box and hopefully have all the options at the ready.

 

[4xdog]

I'm a big fan of the Ctek chargers, not sure about waterproof, but I've had one in my engine bay for years without an issue.

Same here! I like CTEK and have used them outside, under a closed hood, for years. That seems to be plenty of protection for them.

 

[cherrybomb]

I suppose I should explain why I'm looking for this thing that doesn't seem to exist.

I use the charger on a wide variety of equipment, most of it is outside while charging, some of it doesn't have a hood or other protected area to set the charger. Sometimes I'm charging batteries that are completely out in the open.

I want to not have to worry if a storm's coming or if I need to charge a battery in the rain. I think for now I'll just get a plastic toolbox for the NOCO, modify it so cables can be connected with the box closed. Size the box to also hold a jump pack, battery tester, etc so I can grab the box and hopefully have all the options at the ready.

I don't know of anything on the market,but I really agree you have to build your own.Pay attention to the lid where the handles are attached,for water getting in

 

[rust in the eye]

I suppose I should explain why I'm looking for this thing that doesn't seem to exist.

I use the charger on a wide variety of equipment, most of it is outside while charging, some of it doesn't have a hood or other protected area to set the charger. Sometimes I'm charging batteries that are completely out in the open.

I want to not have to worry if a storm's coming or if I need to charge a battery in the rain. I think for now I'll just get a plastic toolbox for the NOCO, modify it so cables can be connected with the box closed. Size the box to also hold a jump pack, battery tester, etc so I can grab the box and hopefully have all the options at the ready.

A Rubbermaid "Action Packer" tote would serve well for this. They have a lid with latches that also serve as handles. You may want to make some provision for ventilation when you do this.

 

[bigredcornhead]

Just cut slits/holes in a plastic Folgers coffee can and run wire connections inside the can. Seems to keep my chargers very dry. I've seen people use those takeout contains with same amount of success.

 

[RTM]

That's pretty slick. Unfortunately, it seems like all the waterproof chargers available are designed more for permanent install. Bluetooth control is also a mixed bag IMO, I suppose not having buttons/controls on the charger makes it easier to waterproof.

If you were to attach clips to that charger's lugs, it should work as a non permanent mount. Weight doesn't seem too bad for the /7 or /13 at 4 pounds. What else is there driving you away? Besides maybe price, which I can't find right now.

Based on the fins, I think that might be better at heat control than a NOCO in a box.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

at else is there driving you away? Besides maybe price, which I can't find right now

The one I posted has different 12V models 7, 13, 17 or 25 Amp and 24V models 5, 8 or 12 Amp.
Prices on the 12V started around $100 I used bluetooth when I first got it (I don't recall it being necessary) but now I just plug it in and lights on the unit tell me when it is done.

Same company, more portable but IP65 rating (splash/dust proof) 12V 5Amp $85 but they have other models. They offer an optional rubber "cage" for these. https://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energ..._LaMJ5jAwcWB-5c3Czrs7sqisdLThtnkaAihlEALw_wcB

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

If you were to attach clips to that charger's lugs, it should work as a non permanent mount. Weight doesn't seem too bad for the /7 or /13 at 4 pounds. What else is there driving you away? Besides maybe price, which I can't find right now.

Based on the fins, I think that might be better at heat control than a NOCO in a box.

The more I look at it the more I like it. I was a little put off by the bluetooth but if it doesn't need to be connected to setup/use there's no real issue, so long as it works plug in & go I'm happy.

I also looked at the newer NOCO offerings and saw this:

https://no.co/genpro10x1

It'd do everything I need I'd just need to swap the ring terminals for clips.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

Same company, more portable but IP65 rating (splash/dust proof) 12V 5Amp $85 but they have other models. They offer an optional rubber "cage" for these. https://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energ..._LaMJ5jAwcWB-5c3Czrs7sqisdLThtnkaAihlEALw_wcB

I like the look of these a whole lot! Bluetooth access is cool but the mode button and indicator LEDs on the charger for quick setup and check are more my speed. I think this is the one to get.

-Thanks!