Shopping for car battery charger

[rkpatt]

I am looking for recommendations for a reliable car battery charger 8-12 amp max with an automatic taper to trickle is good enough. Nothing fancy but not junk. Prefer < $50 if possible. - Thanks

 

[diyjake]

I have this one from Harbor Freight and it works good:
https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...or-controlled-battery-charger-63299.html

I bought it at one of their sales for like $29, I don't think I would have paid $49 for it.

 

[Wolf359]

How about this one? It's the Schumacher 8 amp charger and maintainer. Right now about $20. Only has one review but that's because it's new. Not sure why it's a new model, looks like the old SC3. You'd be hard pressed to find a 2 amp charger for $20 let alone an 8 amp one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DM22XTN

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by Wolf359
You'd be hard pressed to find a 2 amp charger for $20 let alone an 8 amp one.


Truth.

Don't go cheap on a battery charger, it just isn't worth it

 

[vitez]

https://no.co/products/charging/multipurpose

Awesome products, multiple settings, great clamps. I have the G1100 and G4.



For old school, excellent quality, made in USA chargers:

https://www.usabatterychargers.com/portable-battery-chargers

I have their 126ST, bought it for the boost setting.




http://www.centurytool.net/K3152_1_Century_10_2_55_Amp_6_12_Automatic_Charger_p/k3152-1.htm

My most used charger is a Motomaster branded (Canadian Tire's house brand) Century. Love the flexible cables in our -25°C winters.

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by vitez
https://no.co/products/charging/multipurpose

Awesome products, multiple settings, great clamps. I have the G1100 and G4.
Noco is trash, look up the AvE vid on youtube.

Originally Posted by vitez
For old school, excellent quality, made in USA chargers:

https://www.usabatterychargers.com/portable-battery-chargers

I have their 126ST, bought it for the boost setting.
Those are cool!

 

[doitmyself]

The battery chargers by Clore Automotive have received pretty good reviews by other BITOG members, especially with your limited budget. The PRO-LOGIX PL2310 is one example and it can be found for around $60 mail order.

https://www.cloreautomotive.com/sku.php?id=502

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by doitmyself
The battery chargers by Clore Automotive have received pretty good reviews by other BITOG members, especially with your limited budget. The PRO-LOGIX PL2310 is one example and it can be found for around $60 mail order.

https://www.cloreautomotive.com/sku.php?id=502
I used to recommend these. That was until mine started going nuts a little over a year after purchase. If you read the reviews on Amazon, you will find a lot of similar cases. My recommendation is to find something else.

I would say to look at BatteryMinder, but it'll be above OP's budget.

 

[E365]

Originally Posted by diyjake
I have this one from Harbor Freight and it works good:
https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...or-controlled-battery-charger-63299.html

I bought it at one of their sales for like $29, I don't think I would have paid $49 for it.


I have one too. Works well. I think the build quality is better than any of the $50-$70 Schumachers I have.

The only thing I don't like is once the charge cycle is complete and it switches to maintenance mode, the screen goes (and stays) blank. I wish stayed on saying its maintaining.

 

[rkpatt]

That HF model looks like it would suit my needs. The Everstart 25 amp model in stock at Walmart for $36 looks just like it and Walmart is close to me. It is strange how bad the ratings arre compared to HF.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-25A-Smart-Battery-Charger/138121225


WM also is selling that Shumacher 8 amp charger for $20.

 

[Y_K]

Cheapskates

 

[bobdoo]

I use a CTEK Multi US 25000 to charge two in-parallel trolling motor batteries, and two in-parallel sump pump batteres. I also have a CTEK MUS 4.3 for the cycle and lawn tractors.

I believe these to have the best charging programs, and the US 25000 can balance cells.