We re going to be dry camping next week for 4 days. We have 2 12v "marine deep cycle" batteries under a year old. Our on board charger is a Wfco 45 amp. I know they are basically junk and I should get a PD 45 amp.The Wfco almost never goes into 14.4 volt mode.Can I add a stand alone charger to help bring my batteries back up in the morning off an inverter generator ? Will the additional charger put out the 14.4 ? How many amps do yo recommend as an add on ?Sorry about all the questions, I don't want to damage anything and can't afford the PD yet.

just a cost referencethe 40amp Vector that some of us have, was Near $100 when it was availableno longer being mfg, don't know why, maybe NOT enough profit margini would not get anything less than 20-25 amps unless it was emergence have to have, i can't see paying $49 for a 15amp charger

“How many amps do yo recommend as an add on ?”Batteries slowly lower what they will accept as the charging process proceeds. That’s why the absorbion phase takes so long. Solar is perfect for bulk, absorb and float.

MrWizard I have seen you on here for years and recognize your knowledge of electrical problems. I am glad you responded.If I add a 25 amp stand alone, it is 25 more amps but still only 12 v or 13.6 volts. If I use the stand alone in addition to my WFCO 45 will I get a quicker charge ?

I will also be using a Wen 2000 I generator to charge. I have the direct 12 v charge cables that plug straight into the generator.Would this be a better option ?

dockmasterdave wrote:I will also be using a Wen 2000 I generator to charge. I have the direct 12 v charge cables that plug straight into the generator.Would this be a better option ?Probably not - read the owners manual or go on-line to find one. Most of the generators that use direct 12V charge cables only put out about 10A through them.Bill

additional battery charger | Good Sam Community

twodownzero
Explorer
Feb 11, 2019
Boon Docker wrote:
Plug into the generator and use the converter you already have to charge the batteries for the 4 days. It will not hurt the batteries in that short period of time.

+1. And install a solar setup as a long term solution.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 11, 2019
Hi,

Yes, you can "stack" chargers. Some play well together, and some do not.

The real limitation is that 12 volt marine should only be drained by 20%. So a 100 amp-hour jar gives you 20 amp-hours to work with.

Have you switched to led bulbs?
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 11, 2019
Hi,

You can do it--but the output is unregulated. If there is an eco switch--it must be turned off. Mine does only 7 amps. This may be the worst way to recharge.

dockmasterdave wrote:
I will also be using a Wen 2000 I generator to charge. I have the direct 12 v charge cables that plug straight into the generator.
Would this be a better option ?
rickeoni
Explorer
Feb 12, 2019
Just get a PD9260 and use it as a stand alone charger.
babock
Explorer
Feb 12, 2019
Your flooded lead acid batteries aren't going to charge much more that 15% of their capacity. If you have 2 12V 90AH marine batteries, they likely won't accept more than 25A anyway.

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