Looking for an automatic battery charger without breaking the bank

[ultrarunner]

You are good...

Mine is actually in a 1950 Plymouth that was modified with higher compression... V8 and High Compression were often more that a match for 6V

 

[sixdogs]

I wonder if they make a modern charger for my 8 volt battery?

Yes, someone does. I have seen 8 volt chargers and even trickle charges.

 

[sixdogs]

Many thanks to those who recommended the Genius charger. I bought one and am glad I did.

 

[ultrarunner]

Thank you for posting your feedback...

 

[sixdogs]

Thank you for posting your feedback...

Then let me expand a little further on why I like it. First of all, it hooks up easy in that the clamps hook to the battery posts easy and without damaging the battery. No more twisting and scraping. The charger is intuitive in picking the battery type and such. Just a couple clicks. As well, it can safely be left on overnight with no issues and can "desulphate" , "rescue", "repair" or whatever you want to call it to save a battery. Using this method on my prior charger as well as charging before winter I have been able to coax as much as 14 years out of a battery. I have four years on a two year lawnmower battery. I am dumbfounded over that but have done it multiple times.

I view a good battery charger as something that pays as opposed to costs. Many of us are charging a dozen or more batteries and every little bit helps in money and time.


One downside of this charger is that there are different models. I bought the $60 (Amazon) 3.5 amp model and leave it on overnight but I might also buy the next model up--7.5 ? amp- as well for $80 (Amazon). I have used good chargers for years and this is the best. My two cents here but I know what I'm doing on this.

 

[murphy1244]

What model # did you buy? 3500?

 

[sixdogs]

What model # did you buy? 3500?

Yes, 3500. That's the 3.5 amp charger and if you are in a hurry sometimes it might also be worth having the next model up in amperage. I think the slow charge aides in making things last longer. Also before you charge any battery, remember to discharge it a bit first to remove any surface charge. not sure why that is but if I turn the lights on for a minute before I start I get a better charge.

I just replaced my 2003 (?) L4300 Kubota battery and still have a same era B7800 with the original battery. I changed out my 2005 Toyota Tundra battery two or three years ago because I figured it was old and yet the core still powers other things and shows no sign of quitting.

 

[murphy1244]

Yes, 3500. That's the 3.5 amp charger and if you are in a hurry sometimes it might also be worth having the next model up in amperage. I think the slow charge aides in making things last longer. Also before you charge any battery, remember to discharge it a bit first to remove any surface charge. not sure why that is but if I turn the lights on for a minute before I start I get a better charge.

I just replaced my 2003 (?) L4300 Kubota battery and still have a same era B7800 with the original battery. I changed out my 2005 Toyota Tundra battery two or three years ago because I figured it was old and yet the core still powers other things and shows no sign of quitting.

I have 3 of those I keep my tractors on them. I have a craftsman charger starter for if i'm in a hurry. but i'm old so not in any real hurries anymore.

 

[Cougsfan]

Anyone with the new smart chargers better keep an old dumb charger around for when you get a really dead battery. The smart chargers wont start to charge if they cant read some voltage,

So why do they call them "smart chargers" then? Even I would be smart enough to recognize the battery is dead and needs charged.

 

[3930dave]

So why do they call them "smart chargers" then? Even I would be smart enough to recognize the battery is dead and needs charged.

Old analog chargers were simple, and would put out power into just about any load - Gary is right, keep your old chargers around, for a really flattened out battery you are trying to recover.

New era smart chargers have some good features - they are compact vs. their current output, can adjust output for different battery chemistries (ex. AGM) and ambient temperature, and may have de-sulphation modes. Being micro-controller based, when most of these new chargers see too low a voltage on the battery load, they will not fire up - Can't remember the brand, but I seem to recall one new charger that had a Force On function, for those situations.

One thing I like about many of the small smart chargers is they are IP rated - well sealed against moisture and dirt - nice for outdoor use, or under-hood mounting.

Rgds, D.