Charging 12v deep cycle battery

[eharris]

I am sure this will sound like a really stupid question to some but oh well.... Can I charge my 12v deep cycle battery at home while it is still hooked up in the boat?

If it helps, I have a deep cycle battery that is currently wired to a fuse block. The only thing on the fuse block currently is a stereo. I plan to add a fishfinder, 12v outlet and maybe an electric trolling motor connection. I have this system totally separate from my starting battery and related systems.

Evan

[MattPark]

Yes, just don't use a trickle charger, use one that shuts off completely when the battery is full. Battery Tender is the name brand unit, there are cheaper units that work fine, too.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to hook the charger up to both batteries while it's parked. Ever since I started doing that, I have had zero battery issues in the past two years.

[Riverteeth]

Originally Posted by MattPark

Yes, just don't use a trickle charger, use one that shuts off completely when the battery is full. Battery Tender is the name brand unit, there are cheaper units that work fine, too.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to hook the charger up to both batteries while it's parked. Ever since I started doing that, I have had zero battery issues in the past two years.

Why wouldn't a person use a trickle charger?

[baitsauce]

I think the issue has to do with which brand of trickle charger, maybe? But I haven't had any issues hooking up a trickle charger. I ususally hook the thing up the night before I go and let it charge until I hook up the boat the next morning.



//

[MattPark]

Trickle chargers don't shut off when the battery is full. That can overheat and/or damage the battery. They are fine to charge a battery, but for maintaining a battery you want a float charger.

For a quick overnight charge, any charger is fine. I'm talking about leaving one on all the time when it's not in use.

[ling killer]

Originally Posted by baitsauce

I think the issue has to do with which brand of trickle charger, maybe? But I haven't had any issues hooking up a trickle charger. I ususally hook the thing up the night before I go and let it charge until I hook up the boat the next morning.



//

same, +1

[baitsauce]

Originally Posted by MattPark

Trickle chargers don't shut off when the battery is full. That can overheat and/or damage the battery. They are fine to charge a battery, but for maintaining a battery you want a float charger.

For a quick overnight charge, any charger is fine. I'm talking about leaving one on all the time when it's not in use.

That makes sense. Its never been an issue for me. I don't leave the charger hooked up when not gonna to use iit for awhile.

[Wren]

Good question, I will charge my batteries over night with a charger that has a timer selector....it is not fun to have a low battery in the middle of the ramp...I know

[Orca]

In answer to the original question - Yes, you can leave the battery and all connections as is, and charge away in the boat no problem.

[Get Bit]

Get the Battery Tender mentioned above and all your problems will go away. All you have to do is hook it up when you get home from fishing and you will never have to worry about your battery not having juice again.


Get Bit

[Smj]

Be sure the charger you're using on a deep cycle is putting out 14+ volts and at least 6 amps when bringing the battery up from a discharged state.

Smj