Battery Charger Recommendations

[Gus]

Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations on a good battery charger. Smart charger, conditioner, desulphator, whatever you want to call "good". School me please!

Uses will be for Deep cycle thru ATV/Sled batteries. AGM's included.

Looking forward to what you guys like.

Gus

[TruthWalleyes]

I bought a cheap one from FF this year after buying 3 new interstate deep cycles. It is a Raider Smartcharger. Goes from 2a, 8a, 12a, auto. In any mode it won't overcharge a battery. Think I paid $25. Nice small package and had done a fine job so far.

[Down Deep]

Chargers have been perfected over the years and most have the same features. While it is possible to spend big bucks I don't think it's necessary. I bought a Milwaukee for $35 at Northern Supply about 5 years ago and it serves my needs perfectly. The only recommendation would be to buy one that is compact and sleek in construction. Having a unit that has some sort of built on storage capacity for the cables and cord is a plus especially when you haul it around.

[BobT]

For you deep cycle boat batteries the best option is a smart charger. A smart charger uses multiple charging cycles designed for maximizing your battery charge and life.

[titelines]

I picked up a Schumacher Ship-N-Shore portable charger a few years back and it's been great. I charge automobile batteries, boat/marine, deep cycle, ATV, 12v and AGM batteries with it. It has a built-in tester, shows voltage as well as % charge. It also has different charge settings for the various battery types and switches to a trickle charge when the battery reaches 100%. Great for those times I forget it's plugged in

[gunner55]

+1 for the Schumacher

[witgey&water]

I personally like the LS series from Interactor. I have both the Schumacher Ship-N-Shore and the Interactor LS1206 and have seen were the Interactor will charge an old or deeply discharged batteries that the Schumacher would not.

[Lund79]

I have a Black and Decker smart Charge. I love it. Has variable battery types, variable amp, alternator check, reconditioner, float charge, etc. Like stated previously, it will detect the battery and change the charge rate.