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jwstrout's avatar
jwstrout
Explorer
Jun 16, 2017

Best Stand Alone Charger?

Hello All,

I just upgraded the single 12 volt battery on my hybrid travel trailer to dual US Battery 6 volts. I purchased a Boondocker "smart" converter/charger to install into the original Elixir 45 amp panel that is in the trailer. So I believe I have handled the "smart" charging needs of the new batteries, when they are installed on the trailer, and when plugged into shore power or when using my generator.

My trailer is not stored in a location where I am comfortable leaving the batteries on the tongue. In the future, I will design, and build a locking system. But for now, I am removing them when I am not using the trailer, and storing them in my garage.

So here is my question.....

I am in need of a reasonably priced charger that will both charge, and maintain the 6 volt batteries while they are in storage. I would like to find something that kind of does its own thing, and doesn't require constant monitoring. It would also be nice if I could use the charger for my other vehicle batteries. So what would you guys recommend?

I have looked at the NOCO genius G3500, the Deltran Battery Tender Plus, and the Schumacher Speed Charge.

Any reviews of the aforementioned chargers or suggestions on something else would be great.

Thanks,

Jeff

24 Replies

  • jwstrout wrote:
    I have looked at the NOCO genius G3500, the Deltran Battery Tender Plus, and the Schumacher Speed Charge.


    If you're considering NOCO you should also take a look at CTEK Chargers. Since my built in WFCO 8955 converter never bulk charges at 14.4 volts (as it's supposed to do) I turned it off and instead use a CTEK Mulit US 7002 which does achieve a proper 14.4 volt bulk charge. During the winter I use it in my workshop to maintain the trailer battery ... not inexpensive, but works great. :B
  • I recommend the 8 amp Battery Minder brand. The rest are good also but get 5 amps minimum.
    JMHO
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I'm still using my VEC1093DBD Portable Black & Decker 40AMP Smart mode charger...

    I also have a smaller 10A smart mode charger I picked up from WALMART...

    Seems like they are wanting us to use the 14.8VDC model smart mode chargers now for the two 6V GC2 batteries in series... My on-board converter/charger is a PD9260C and it only puts out 14.4VDC in BOOST charging mode. I am also just now going to a 6V GC2 battery bank so may have to deal with some changes here myself later on...

    I have been running multiple 12V 85AH batteries in parallel since I purchased my OFF-ROAD trailer in 2008. Just last season the Interstate batteries started to fall off on performance and gave up the ghost... Not bad I reckon for many 50% to 90% charge cycles over the years...

    Just now building up a new battery bank and going to use two groups of two each 6V GC2 batteries in series to give e around a 440AH capacity battery bank. Most of my camping is OFF-ROAD back on a creekside spot somewhere or up on a close by MTN Ridge...

    I don't know if we can get away with using the 14.4VDC charger modes and just count on charging longer or not when charging the 6V GC2 batteries...

    Roy Ken

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