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Posts: 25
| I have been looking at buying an onboard charger for a while now and i see fleet has them on sale and i might get it but i know nothing about them! How do they work, i mean like how does it charge the battery? I probably sound really dumb asking this but i want to find out how they work. Thanks! |
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Posts: 574
| You attach color coded cables to the battary/s... mount it, and it has a normal electrical cord coming off of it that you plug into the wall or extension cord..
Saves you the time of hooking up a charger or chargers each time since it will charge them all at once.
They should have how powerfull they are listed on them.. I have a 3 bank 20 amp (I think) myself..
Goodluck
Edited by Jason Bomber 6/6/2011 9:46 AM
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Posts: 156
| I recently purchased one of the Bass Pro 5/5 models for my little 16 foot side console. It was very easy to install. As long as you read and follow instructions that should be no problem. As far as charging goes it is literally as easy as plugging in a light. Once it is hooked up you simply plug it in.
After: 1) Rolling my ankle carrying a battery down a set of stairs to the boat last June, and 2) Burning out a $50 charger sitting in my boat when it got wet in Sept in Canada (wasted 1/2 day of fishing driving to Kenora to get a new charger!) it was simply a "no brainer" to forget about the $120 and buy the charger. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | all onboard chargers are not created equal and you do get what you pay for so especially if you are purchasing a 3 or 4-bank charger, do your homework and consider what brand you buy. pay attention to details of mounting location and how you rig the portal for plug-in. when done with some pre-thought, they become a fantastic convenience ...
this year i went another step on the output side and rigged a power-distributor ... just made so much sense to me and i'm very happy with the results. organized, logical and reliable power ... what a concept!! |
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Posts: 109
Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | I often considered going with the on board charger as I feel what Makintrax73 is saying. Several years we have been lugging the ol battery(s) to the cabin from 150 feet away. Depending on which cabin were staying, climbing the hill will make you feel every step with a 60 pound battery on your hip. Thanks for advice on doing your homework before you buy. Would anyone recommend a top quality onboard charger for a 2-bank?....
Edited by TET62 6/6/2011 6:06 PM
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Posts: 3
| I like dual pro, have never had an issue with it. As I understand it they did change hands a while back, but they do seem to be keeping the same high standards. They are US made and of course more expensive than the imported units from China.
Also, try to mount it so the leads don't need to be lengthened, as ideally you want the factory terminal ends against the battery. Senses the battery properly this way.
http://www.dualpro.com/products/default/
I realize many here have more powerful chargers, and some probably need to, but I do seem to remember being instructed at some point that over 10A per bank can shorten battery life. I know I have a 10A 3 Bank and have never been happier.
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dw
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Posts: 5874
| 10A per bank is plenty. You get over 15A or so, and it can cause heat to build up near the posts connections, and this will shorten battery life.
Recommendations are MinnKota, Guest and DualPro. |
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Posts: 109
Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | Thanks....... linxlvr & Shep for the input, advice and suggestions I think I have a mid summer project coming this year!
Edited by TET62 6/7/2011 5:32 PM
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| Do you know anywhere in the Appleton Wi area that carries 3 bank dualpro battery chargers? |
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Posts: 5874
| Pamps Outboard in Green Bay has them. Tell Wendy I sent you. |
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Posts: 139
| go Dual pro or Guest chargers. Both top notch. |
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Onboard Charger