What I learned about maintaining batteries while boondocking

Chum lee wrote:

DanNJanice wrote:
Just curious, is anyone concerned about the high voltage output from these fast chargers? I know the smart charger that I have at home ramps up to 16V when it is charging. Is there a chance that other electronic devices could be damaged if used while charging?

In the video, if you look at the size of the battery cables and clamps coming off the portable charger, there is NO WAY they could handle 75 amps (@+-12V nominal) for more than a few seconds without overheating, hence the term "engine start or boost charge." It's designed to put substantial amps in a near dead battery short term for starting purposes, not long term bulk charging. If you have the proper power supply, you don't necessarily need excess charging voltage to quick charge a battery. Yes, excess voltage (above +-15.5V) can damage 12V electronics and resistance type electrical consumers. Typically equalization is a low amp, higher voltage process not meant to be used for bulk charging. Kudos to the 12 amp charger in the video for bulk charging @ 17 amps. My older Schumacher 10 amp charger won't. The circuit breaker trips in a few minutes at anything above 9 amps continuous but it does eventually get the job done. A smart charger would be a better solution.

Thanks for posting the video.

Chum lee

Totally agree with your cable size comment. In fact, the WFCO would do a much better job if RV makers would put something bigger than #8 gauge wire (in my case) running 10' or more. (I think the WFCO is getting a bad rap due to improper wire size.) I'm sure this is why my WFCO goes to a trickle charge way too early which is why I used the stand alone charger.