View Full Version : Question from the Book, "On board Chargers for Dummies"
Steve
01-23-2003, 06:23 AM
I am looking into purchasing an on-board charger for my boat and have been researching different brands, sizes, amperage, etc.
Now...my question is this, if I have only one battery to charge and I purchase a dual bank charger, can both banks of the charger be hooked up to the one battery to lessen the time it takes to charge the battery? Why or Why not? The plan here is to expand to two batteries at some point, but for now, one battery is doing the job.
Thanks from the reader of "On board chargers for dummies"
Steve
Dutchman
01-23-2003, 06:55 AM
Hooking both to the same battery would not be recommended. You should be able to cap off the other charging outlet with out damage until you need it. A good charger should recognize a "no draw" and just idle on that bank, and not put out any current. I would recommend Guest chargers. I'm not getting one in my new boat but I sure wish the one that comes with it was a Guest.
" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "
Crappie Kid
01-23-2003, 07:21 AM
My CSI DualPro 5+5 amp charger is designed for 1 or 2 batteries. Hook up 2 separately and get a 5 amp charge for each. It is also designed to hook both up to a single battery, so it then becomes a 10 amp charger. Its in the manual, I heard it directly from them, and I have been using it that way for 3 years.
Husky
01-23-2003, 07:39 AM
I asked Sue D. the same question regarding hooking both sets of leads to one battery and the answer was that it would cause no harm. The battery with two sets of leads will charge faster.
Husky
01-23-2003, 09:33 AM
My post above was if you are using a Guest charger it causes no harm. Other chargers may not work the same way.
Sue D
01-23-2003, 01:24 PM
Steve,
It depends on the charger and the manufacturer. Guest has some chargers that you need to hook both leads up to a single battery and some chargers that you can just tape up the extra lead. Give me a call toll free at Guest at 1-888-483-7865 ext 135 and I would be happy to recommend the best charger for your boat.
Have a great day!
Sue D.