Looking for an automatic battery charger without breaking the bank

sixdogs · Jan 1, 2016

My prior automatic battery charger from Sam's club has conked out. Or at least I think so because I don't hear the fan run when I plug it in. It seems to charge OK--I think-- but not sure. So I figure it's time to start looking for a new one. Unfortunately, there are way more of them than I can evaluate.

I'd like one that is automatic in that it can adjust its charge as the battery gains and can also desulfate and do AGM batteries like an Optima. I've got some of those. I looked at Sam's Club and they had a big rolling stationary charger of a good brand name for $125. It had 100 amp boost power which I don't need plus I really don't want to spend $125.

I just need something to charge batteries for over the winter and to keep them in good shape. What do others have for battery chargers that they like and have had good results with?

murphy1244 · Jan 1, 2016

I use a NoCO genius G3500. It will do what you asked are made in Ohio and are 85.00 for this model.

https://no.co/

3930dave · Jan 1, 2016

As I have other chargers for heavier lifting, my favourite newer style maintenance charger is this CTek 3300. Has an AGM and low-temperature FLA setting, and is well sealed against dust/moisture.

Battery Chargers - CTEK Battery Chargers

I like the size vs. power output - 3.3 amps is useful, and the case size is small enough to tuck into small nooks.

Rgds, D.

Coyote machine · Jan 1, 2016

There is also battery tenders, like this: Battery Tender Plus 12 Volt 1.25 Amp Gel Cell Battery Charger (Non-CEC): BatteryMart.com

Msamt · Jan 2, 2016

I second the noco genius

Jaeger · Jan 2, 2016

Hard to go wrong with the NOCO G3500 model (I 3rd it) simple, easy to use USA made, and about 100x cleaner than the old clunky metal chargers.

It's far cheaper in the long run than buying a new battery, plus its charger rate is faster, with no chance of an overcharge.

Just don't forget to disconnect it (they're small enough to shut the hood on!) before driving off.

J

Garandman · Jan 2, 2016

Very pleased with the Clore 4512, which is $53 on Amazon.

Clore Automotive

ultrarunner · Jan 2, 2016

murphy1244 said:
I use a NoCO genius G3500. It will do what you asked are made in Ohio and are 85.00 for this model.

https://no.co/

Darn you guys... looks like I'll be buying one.

3930dave · Jan 2, 2016

ultrarunner said:
Darn you guys... looks like I'll be buying one.

TBN needs a warning banner:

Use of this site may lead to finding things you need, but didn't know about....

....can be tough on the bank account

Rgds, D.

ultrarunner · Jan 2, 2016

I find things I never knew I needed...

As to batteries, I do have a lot of them... at least 50 but some are just lead anchors in vehicles that have been stored for decades.

It can be a challenge keeping the other on a rotation schedule...

About half are 6 volts and the other 12 volts with a few 8 volts in the mix...

Mendonsy · Jan 2, 2016

NoCo is selling the G3500 on Amazon for $59.95 with free shipping.

gwstang · Jan 2, 2016

3930dave said:
TBN needs a warning banner:

Use of this site may lead to finding things you need, but didn't know about....

....can be tough on the bank account Rgds, D.

.........And my arse if the little red head finds out how much you guys cost me on here. Something else I just have to have now! :ashamed:

ultrarunner · Jan 2, 2016

Mendonsy said:
NoCo is selling the G3500 on Amazon for $59.95 with free shipping.

I was going to post this link for the same price except is is just below the free ship threshold...

One thing I have learned the new smart chargers don't seem to do and that is take a battery that is stone dead.

My old commercial charger will over time and then I can switch to a smart charger or I have had a bad 6 volt and put it with a better 6 vold in series and got the charger to start on the 12 volt setting.

dragoneggs · Jan 2, 2016

I'm a big fan of the Battery Tenders. Have three tending to my generator, tractor, and ZT mower.

Amazon.com: Deltran Battery Tender (021-0128) 1.25 Amp Battery Charger: Automotive

ultrarunner · Jan 2, 2016

No complaints with tenders... have regulars and juniors.

I would like to have one charger that is excellent with sulfated batteries...

Often I will buy a vehicle with a brand new battery that was put in and forgotten... someone dropped it in and then forgot about it and this happens a lot for old classic cars that sit around a lot.

Trillium Farm · Jan 2, 2016

Same here Dave the very same machine, wouldn't look at any other make about $50 on sale

DFB · Jan 2, 2016

I should make the investment in one of these chargers. (I like this desulphation feature)

I never seem keep motorcycle batteries alive very long ever. They always seem crap out on me in a season or two. I have plenty of trickle chargers, and my standby manual 6/2 sears that I always fall back on and I have had that one more than 30 years. After a 10/2 Century branded charger fried out on me in less than 5 years use I bought a fully automatic Diehard branded one 12/2/75 on sale not long ago for a very good price and totally do not like the way it operates. One reviewer said that he felt it never really shuts of and overcharges your battery which I feel is true. I cooked a motorcycle battery leaving in plugged in and just by watching the light saying it was full charged.

I recently got one of those SOLAR battery and system testers marketed by CLORE that gives an electronic read out on batteries CA/CCA. I like that using that unit and like the thought of knowing more than just a surface voltage reading on a battery. Ctek has there own model too. And there are probably others.

murphy1244 · Jan 2, 2016

I own 3 Genius chargers and would not but any other. TBN has cost me thousands of dollars.

Msamt · Jan 3, 2016

ultrarunner said:
I find things I never knew I needed...

As to batteries, I do have a lot of them... at least 50 but some are just lead anchors in vehicles that have been stored for decades.

It can be a challenge keeping the other on a rotation schedule...

About half are 6 volts and the other 12 volts with a few 8 volts in the mix...

3930dave said:
TBN needs a warning banner:

Use of this site may lead to finding things you need, but didn't know about....

....can be tough on the bank account

Rgds, D.

Just a buncha folks helping to spend each others money, good thing this thread wasn't in the attachments category, that gets really expensive...

Garandman · Jan 3, 2016

DFB said:
//
I recently got one of those SOLAR battery and system testers marketed by CLORE that gives an electronic read out on batteries CA/CCA. I like that using that unit and like the thought of knowing more than just a surface voltage reading on a battery. Ctek has there own model too. And there are probably others.