How do you guys charge your batteries?

[PowerstrokeNC]

If I want to use a battery tender type of charger....isn't there a trick to how you can hook 2 x 12v chargers up to make them work with a 24v setup? Such as hooking each one to its own battery directly, Or am I dreaming?

 

[littlebob]

Yes, but they wouldn't equalize the charge as a 24v would. For the price of two twelve volt units, you should be able to
find something.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365179_200365179

 

[m16ty]

Just use two 12v chargers and hook one to each battery. It's better to charge them both seperatey anyway.

 

[SEAFIRE]

We have a 24v battery charger our mechanic got from NAPA.....

 

[greg burns]

Battery Tender

Battery Tender makes a model with dual 12 volt banks. When I stored my Deuce last winter, I disconnected the dog bone between batteries and the positive and negative cables. The tender seemed to maintain a full charge all winter.

greg

 

[NickAir]

Check the military solar chargers/maintainers. Around $200 surplus.

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

Thanks everyone

 

[rapidins]

Try looking at boat chargers. Most of them are made to charge two 12 volt or one 24 volt battery.

 

[shenkmen]

ProMariner 10 - amp ProMite Battery Charger

ProMariner ProMite Battery Charger. Fully automatic multi - stage charging. Charges and conditions batteries with a built-in safe maintenance mode for long and short term storage: Safe for lead, GEL and AGM batteries; Waterproof and shock resistant... saltwater tested for coastal boating; 100% epoxy filled, molded housing; Built-in protection, reverse polarity, ignition and temperature protection; LED power and charge indicators; Quick power and charging status; Pre-wired for easy install; 10-amp (12 / 24V, 2-bank, 9 x 5 1/4 x 3 1/2") 13-amp (12 / 24V / 24+ENG, 3-bank, 9 x 5 1/4 x 3 1/2");

 

[greg2560]

That is not a bad buy but http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365179_200365179


If you take 2 http://www.harborfreight.com/5-watt-solar-battery-charger-41144.html run them in series got the same thing float charge. No heavy duty fast charge....How old are your battery ??? Humm little lost gen not working???

 

[Rustygears]

Like folks said, you really need to charge/maintain each separately for best results. Use two inexpensive 12V units instead of a fancy and expensive dual unit. Contrary to other advice, you cannot equalize two separate batteries connected in series with a single 24V charger. You will be able to charge the combination, just like the truck alternator does, but the weaker battery will dominate the charge condition of the combination. Also, if you use two independent 12V chargers/tenders, there is no reason to remove the dog bone cable that connects them. You might want to remove it for security or accidental discharge reasons, but there is no battery maintenance-related reason. Please be sure to keep the cells properly filled with DI or distilled water, not tap water. That is essential to proper and long-life operation.

 

[NickAir]

Is there any problems with charging one battery with a 12 volt charger while in place with truck cables are hooks up?

 

[Rustygears]

No issue as long as the motor isn't running. If you turn on any load when doing that, like trying to start the engine, you may damage the charger if the internal resistance of he charger is less than the battery it is connected across.

 

[kennys@wi.rr.com]

I have a 24 volt battery tender that works great. Last winter when I didn't use it the batteries would go dead in a couple days. I'd plug the tender in and in a few hours the truck would start like it had new batteries in it. What's nice is how it will not over charge and cause the batteries to boil over like a normal charger will. Just my take it for what it's worth.

 

[NickAir]

Is there any draw/load on a deuce or 5 ton when shut off. Just wondering what draws the batteries down over time.

Appreciated the understanding of the load issue while charging.

 

[Rustygears]

All batteries self discharge over time, even with no cables connected and no load applied. Lead-acid discharge faster than other types, but can take a beating that will kill other battery types. With the master switch off, there is no load applied to the battery in a stock configuration. The mil radio rig bypasses the master switch because I is attached directly to the battery and even in the 'off' position, has some minute leakage currents, so if it is attached, the truck battery will discharge a little faster.

 

[NickAir]

Good info RustyGears.

Anyone thought of a, disconnect switch at the battery box. Any advantage, other than doing electrical work? I was thinking security and prevent discharge. I am learning.

 

[Rustygears]

Lots of folks do that for the reasons you indicate. Search the threads on this site and you'll see lots of posts on the topic of disconnect switches, where to hide, etc.

 

[Katahdin]

Less than two months ago I had a starting solenoid stick together while turning the engine over for a pre-flight hydrostatic lock test. That was not a fun feeling....I had to jump out of the cab and yank the dogbone cable between the batteries to get the starter to shut down. After that incident I put in a battery disconnect switch and feel relieved its now there.

I use 12 volt chargers and the cheap tenders, but you may want to put the tenders in the cab. One of mine got water logged from either the rain or snow this spring, glad it was cheap!

 

[NickAir]

Ok, for reasons of:
security, battery drain, and solenoid sticking, is all good enough reason for me to intall a battery disconnect switch. Good answers guys.