What Is a Good Battery Charger ?

[hooligan6a]

I am shopping around for a good battery charger. What is a good 30 to 40 amp
charger?

[Jentine]

I installed one of these last winter and couldn't be more pleased.

Truecharge Battery Charger | Truecharge2 20A, 40A, 60A | Xantrex

I bought the 60A model to ensure enough power for now and any future additions.

[hooligan6a]

I was looking at that one. Defender has the 20amp for $240. I like the fact that you can use 110v and 220v.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by hooligan6a

I am shopping around for a good battery charger. What is a good 30 to 40 amp
charger?

I don't need one. Nor do I have one....................

But............

From past research I would buy from.........

IOTA Engineering Emergency Fluorescent Ballasts, Emergency Lighting Inverters, and AC/DC Power Converters

[Jentine]

I looked at that one last year and did not find it to have an equalization mode. That took it out of the running.

[Therapy]

Hmmmm...

[DeborahLee]

I have found Pro Mariner to be very good. I'm really impressed with their customer service. No hassel sent it in and a new one showed up 5 days latter. Could not have asked for more.

[colemj]

I just ordered an Iota to replace a blown Trucharge. They are much more advanced and rugged chargers and cost less. Be sure to get the IQ4 enabled ones. The non-IQ4 are designed to be used more as power supplies.

Here is a 55 amp one for $204 USD: Iota DLS-55 12 volt 55 amp regulated battery charger

That was the first one that came up on a search - you might find them cheaper.

Mark

[colemj]

oops, sorry, I didn't see Therapy's link!

The IQ4 versions have an equalization mode.

Mark

[sailcruiser]

For what type of batteries? Also Therapy why 55 amp? I thought 20ish was recommended or does this depend on he size of the bank(s)? I'm doing the same research. Maine Sail recommended victron, iota or master volt. SC

[motion30]

Originally Posted by Therapy

I don't need one. Nor do I have one....................

But............

From past research I would buy from.........

IOTA Engineering Emergency Fluorescent Ballasts, Emergency Lighting Inverters, and AC/DC Power Converters

I have two and recomend them completely

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by sailcruiser

For what type of batteries? Also Therapy why 55 amp? I thought 20ish was recommended or does this depend on he size of the bank(s)? I'm doing the same research. Maine Sail recommended victron, iota or master volt. SC

I just found the site as a reference.

Size would depend on your bank (both the number of batteries and size of your wallet ) and needs.

It is just what I ended up with as a decision after years here and elsewhere making lists of what I would put on my boat once I had one.

My boat came with a charger/inverter. Works fine. No need for a new one..........yet......

PS Victron and Mastervolt have good reputations too.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by DeborahLee

I have found Pro Mariner to be very good. I'm really impressed with their customer service. No hassel sent it in and a new one showed up 5 days latter. Could not have asked for more.

Sounds like good service but why was it bad?

I would prefer never having to send one back.

[Hudson Force]

I've had a few over the years,- Xantrex suits me best.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

I've had a few over the years,- Xantrex suits me best.

That is what I have and it works great (not that I use it much) but they don't have such a great name any more.

Why is that?