Forum Discussion

Snowman9000's avatar
Snowman9000
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013

Harbor Freight Mexcharger Question

Prior to going on a recent dry camping trip, I tested my new Mexicowanderer HF Charger. 2/10/55 or whatever it is. If I understand it, for regular charging, it should be set at 10 amps and Start, which should yield about 17-18 amps and no tapering.

The battery was at 12.3v, so not deeply discharged, when I tried it. It put out the 17 amps, but the voltage was only 13.1. Is that how it works? I thought the voltage was going to be in the upper 14's. I didn't try it on the trip, I left it home due to space constraints, given the above performance.

11 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    You said you attached it to the battery turned it on and the voltage went up A LITTLE, where as you expected A LOT.

    The problem is not the charger..

    What you are seeing is the charger/battery ratio... Give it time and the voltage will continue to climb. You have a big battery there, takes time to raist the voltage with a fairly slow charge.

    now if you tried to pump say 60-100 amps into that battery, THEN you'd see a bit jump in voltage, but at 10 amps, not so much.