Reccomend a Battery Charger?

[newie]

In need of a new charger, looking for a three stage to charge/maintain vehicle batteries, as well as for the rv. Hoping to spend around $100 or less, any input would be appreciated!

 

[Chris Pucci]

I have always just used the el cheapo one from the local discount store. For as little as I use it it has been fine for years.

 

[Scout-It-Out]

You can get a battery tender jr for about $30. As far as the battery charger I just get them at the auto parts store. Not much help I guess. I didn't need the jump start feature so mine is just a 15a.

 

[Robert Kenney]

I have had the "tender" , a harbor freight version and a sears version of the tender. All are awesome 2amp units. The only one I will buy now is the sears version because it is way cheaper. $22.50.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871219000p?mv=rr

 

[Doc Stewart]

Amps is amps. Volts vary. Most chargers put out 14.5 volts to charge your auto/truck starting battery which is fine for any 'wet' lead-acid battery.

When you get into charging optimas or agm types, lower and slower is better for the battery: 13.5 volts at 2 to 6 amps.

For restoring tired 'wet' batteries, an older charger that will put out 16 - 18 volts at 2 to 4 amps will regenerate the tired battery when a standard charger will not. Do be careful doing this: if the battery gets hot, cease and desist as it is too sulfated to regenerate and May explode. Btdt.