On board charger mounting question

[Fishin Dood]

It is going to be mounted to a vertical aluminum panel inside a compartment. I'm wondering if I should mount it tight to the aluminum or space it out 1/4" or so from the aluminum panel. This charger can get really warm. I'm wondering if having it mounted tight to the aluminum would help dissipate heat through the aluminum or if having an airspace behind it would be better. Any thoughts?

The last charger I had got very hot also and i'm thinking that is what killed it.

[SpecialK]

I would put spacers behind it. A stack of washers would work well.

[Whoaru99]

I think it's about 6 of one, half dozen of the other on an aluminum plate. If it were carpet over the aluminum, like mine, I spaced it in that situation.

[FM_Mike]

Minn Kota recommends that you do not attach the charger directly to the aluminum. They suggest a spacer of some kind. Not sure all manufacturers recommend the same.

Minn Kota explained this on their web site if you or anyone care to read up. This may only deal with the newer chargers as the last one I mounted, I mounted directly with NO spacers and had no issues. Just an FYI.

I used some nylon washer I got at the local hardware store (50 cents) and used them as a barrier between the charger and the aluminum mounting surface. Plus it provided extra ventilation for the charger as well.

Mike