Battery charger recommendations

[Mattyb]

Hi guys

I have 4x100a batteries for my house bank and after doing the initial research it seems a charger around the 80a mark will be best. They are flooded batteries and I have a Honda 2000 gen that I would like to use to run the charger for the odd top up etc. can anyone make some recommendation of better brand chargers to point me in the right direction?

[careka]

the best

Victron Energy - Inverter/chargers - Inverters - Battery Chargers - and more

[Stu Jackson]

80A may overload your generator. You'll have to do the 12/120 conversion.

Here's a good charger: Wiring & Installing A Battery Monitor - SailboatOwners.com

[btrayfors]

The Iota series of chargers are still the best bang for the buck. They're not marine-rated, but I have no problem using them and installing them in diesel boats. The DLS-75/IQ4 will run fine with a Honda EU2000i charger. A good source for these chargers is Arizona Wind and Sun.

BTW, I've had two of these -- a DLS55/IQ4 and a DLS45/IQ4 in 24/7 service for five years. Also installed several on client's boats. Great little charger.

The most sophisticated charger around these days is the Sterling Pro Ultra. The 60A model -- the largest one they have at present -- would be appropriate. I've tested and installed several of them and they're great. The ProMariner Ultra series is the identical charger, but with a shorter warranty.

Bill

[David M]

Some chargers will allow you to set the maximum charge rate so that you do not overload your portable gasoline generator.

You can then change that rate for when you are tied to the dock where the dock outlet has a higher total number of watts available.

[Stu Jackson]

David's right, like this, for example:

Power Share feature on Link 2000

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

David's right, like this, for example:

Power Share feature on Link 2000

I think Link does the trick only with specific chargers. The function per se is built into the charger not into Link.

(?)
b.

[Stu Jackson]

Could be. Was only pointing out the possibility to someone who may need to reduce his load.

[Mattyb]

Stu and David,

So you are saying going by that link that the Honda generator won't be able to accommodate a charger that has more output than 20amps? I only plan on using that gen for charging and there are no marinas where I am. This is pretty crucial as it will save me a lot of money if I only need a 20amp charger.

Thanks for all the suggestions, lots of research to do now

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by Mattyb

Stu and David,

So you are saying going by that link that the Honda generator won't be able to accommodate a charger that has more output than 20amps? I only plan on using that gen for charging and there are no marinas where I am. This is pretty crucial as it will save me a lot of money if I only need a 20amp charger.

Thanks for all the suggestions, lots of research to do now

A honda 2000 will be able to charge 80 amps (at 12vtdc)

The sterling charger mentioned above is absolutely terrific. For living on the hook, one nice thing it has which few others have is a true and easy to use equalization function.

[Mattyb]

Hey Bill it states on the website that the Iota dls75 only takes up to 132v ac so how would that go with 240v output on the Honda ?

[Mattyb]

Sterling does look the nuts! Think I will go with this. Now to just find the best price. Found one for $855 is this around what they go for?

[Mattyb]

Charger problem solved. Just bought one off US eBay for $500. Thanks everyone

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by Mattyb

Hey Bill it states on the website that the Iota dls75 only takes up to 132v ac so how would that go with 240v output on the Honda ?

Mattyb,

You never stated that you had a Honda with 240VAC output. We (all) were assuming you had the Honda EU2000i with 120VAC 60 cycle output.

In any case, the Sterling has "worldwide power input", so will accept either 120VAC 60 cycles or 240VAC 50 cycles input.

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Sterling. And, yes, $500 is the price range for the 50 or 60 amp Sterling on the discount market.

Bill

[Mattyb]

Thanks Bill


Yeah I always forget to put that I am in oz! Thanks mate