trickle chargers

[Chris]

Are the reg auto trickle chargers bad for batteries? When I come home from a weekend and my trolling battery is way down I often attach a trickle charger and leave it on until the next weekend,...is this very bad?

[vetspet(ind)]

i'm no expert...used to use a trickle charger but they can overcharge a battery given time...i think i have read on the posts that it is good to use a more powerful charge initially and then once most of the battery is recharged to use the trickle charger..not sure if this is factual info...steve

[Twacker]

Vetspet is correct it is good to let the batteries have-it at first this cleans the plates. He is correct that you can over charge if the charger is not designed to read voltage and regulate. Also when checking voltage the most accurate way is to use a specific gravity tester. This may not be posible if it is a maintance free battery.

Good luck

Jig-um if you Got-um

[Dodge1]

Go to section #6 on this web page http://www.marine-electronics.net/techarticle/battery_faq/b_faq.htm

[Lund AnglerMJ]

That style of charger does work, but can overcharge a battery and shorten the life. I work for a company that uses batteries,well maintained,and they last year's. They are in a stand-by power supply,and the chargers that maintian them do a great job. If you take your battery,and install the new on-board charger's made,you'll get superior life from your investment.I've got some 7 yr old batteries,and they are in perfect shape.#1 BIG ONE Any charge devise will cause electrolyte loss;fliud is lost. Period.Look at your water level. Use distilled water,and look at them,once a month.Between uses,the battery should be maintained at full charge. Next is keeping it there.A trickle charge is just delivering power,at no regulation.The new on-board chargers have micro-processor's that will read the battery,as we sleep,and charge it as needed. Next is the Equalizing of the battery. This is like us,lifting weight's. It makes the battery strong.It condition's the plates.It also keep those plates in perfect condition to accept a charge and max. energy storage,is possible. We don't call it equalizing anymore,but it's a big thing to longevity.This is when the charge is brought up to as much as 15-17 vdc.This should be done,maybe twice a year. Taking the boat out,and discharging the battery as far as you can is good for it too,when it's new! Do this for the first 2-3 times,use the trolling motor,till it's almost dead. The battery will take a charge better if this is done.After all is said and done,man buy a new on-board charger. It will give you year's of use from the investment of a battery.