Mexicowanderer, I don't have a manual charger -- just a standard automatic version. I am not sure that the increase in battery life would offset the expense of getting a manual charger. But thanks for the idea -- I will keep it in mind!
However, I can create a higher charge using the DC output of my Honda generator than with the AC charger -- so maybe I will try that. I think I understand how the lightbulb will limit the output of the generator. But since the output is in the range of 8 amps, I might just try to use it directly.
Landyacht, these are not dual purpose, according to the label -- they are just for deep cycle use. I can tell you from five years of bouncing and tilting on very bad roads that these batteries do not leak. I don't know why they don't, but they don't. And they use very little distilled water -- every few months, I add about a total of an ounce for the two batteries -- almost nothing. I add just enough water so that the level forms that saucer-shaped "meniscus" within the fill tube. (I am not sure these are the right terms, but everyone who has topped off the battery water will know that moment when the level gets high enough so that the surface tension in the water causes it to "cup.")
