Battery charger/maintainer and their respective AMP's

[BiTurbo_Bro]

I'm in the market for a cheap battery charger for my truck as some weeks we use the wife's car, specifically one that can charge various battery types as I'm looking to go the dual-battery (possible lithium setup) setup next year but not quite sure what the different stages and/or charging amps is best to get.

Got recommended a 'projecta' charger, link below, by one of the ARB 4x4 shops in town which I'm keen to get but they have quite a variety of different models. Currently looking at either the "Charge N’ Maintain" and "Pro-Charge" models. Any suggestions on which to get? Looking for a decent all-rounder that's not too heavy on my pocket, but I'm stumped on the different charging AMPS and their respective applications. Any good suggestions on these?

https://www.projecta.com.au/battery-chargers

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[OregonRangerTremor]

The ONLY one I recommend is the Deltran Battery Maintainer. My Ranger is plugged in right now. I have it on all our vehicles, motorcycles, show cars, even lawn and farm tractors. I have 5 of them and have used them for 30 years. Reliable, lengthen battery life and your vehicles are always ready to go. I purchased the 6' extension cord for it as the 18" that comes with it (battery side) is too short as I thread the plug out the grill so I do not need to open the hood all the time.
Here is the model and amp you want and I verified this with the Deltran Company:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068XCQU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here is the 6' extension: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725FJKFW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They also make a 12' extension or you may want another 6' extension if your needs meet that for the actual unit end.

 

[OregonRangerTremor]

The ONLY one I recommend is the Deltran Battery Maintainer. My Ranger is plugged in right now. I have it on all our vehicles, motorcycles, show cars, even lawn and farm tractors. I have 5 of them and have used them for 30 years. Reliable, lengthen battery life and your vehicles are always ready to go. I purchased the 6' extension cord for it as the 18" that comes with it (battery side) is too short as I thread the plug out the grill so I do not need to open the hood all the time.
Here is the model and amp you want and I verified this with the Deltran Company:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068XCQU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here is the 6' extension: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725FJKFW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They also make a 12' extension or you may want another 6' extension if your needs meet that for the actual unit end.

 

[BiTurbo_Bro]

Thanks for the suggestion, I should have mentioned I'm based in Australia, Amazon does deliver from US but it will only arrive 23 Dec and shipping is an additional $20. In the market for one sooner rather than later.

 

[BiTurbo_Bro]

Thanks for the suggestion, I should have mentioned I'm based in Australia, Amazon does deliver from US but it will only arrive 23 Dec and shipping is an additional $20. In the market for one sooner rather than later.

does the amps really matter? e.g. more is better?

 

[OregonRangerTremor]

does the amps really matter? e.g. more is better?

Yes the amps matter. I at one time bought the incorrect one and it eventually fried my battery. This one sends low current and maintains the battery so once, to full capacity...it maintains it there, does not overcharge. More is not always "better". I have a show car that at times may get driven 2 times a year. I can go out their right now and it will fire right up.
Also; what ever you do order, make sure it is compliant with what ever your voltage is in your Country (not sure if you are 110 or 220 volt system)

Add: You may find this unit in-stock in your local auto stores. Just an idea. Glad to have an Aussie in here!

 

[AzScorpion]

Do you guys get Ford Pass points there? If so you can buy this one with them which is what I did because it was free with the points. If not I still recommend it as it works great, just a little more expensive than the one Craig listed which is another great choice.

https://accessories.ford.com/products/ford-performance-5-0-smart-battery-charger-maintainer

 

[wanted33]

Beltran, and Battery Tender are both good maintainers. When I'm away I use a .75 amp Battery Tender Junior brand on the Ranger. It's not designed to jump start a vehicle, but it slowly keeps my Rangers battery up to snuff until I get home.

CTek is also a very good brand. They make the ones for the Chebbie Corvettes, and from the picture Dave @AzScorpion posted it appears they also make the Ford one also.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-40-206-...ocphy=9010583&hvtargid=pla-461267516060&psc=1

 

[Peragrin]

I have one of these in my basement. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F37P7H3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

I have my lawn mower, RV,generator, and a couple of my kids power toys batteries (12volt gel batteries). The basement stays warm all winter. I am constantly getting food out of the fridge/freezer down there so once a week I swap what is getting charged.

That way they all get maintained. I am hoping that it will also restore the lawn mower battery as it had a rough year.

 

[BiTurbo_Bro]

Beltran, and Battery Tender are both good maintainers. When I'm away I use a .75 amp Battery Tender Junior brand on the Ranger. It's not designed to jump start a vehicle, but it slowly keeps my Rangers battery up to snuff until I get home.

CTek is also a very good brand. They make the ones for the Chebbie Corvettes, and from the picture Dave @AzScorpion posted it appears they also make the Ford one also.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-40-206-...ocphy=9010583&hvtargid=pla-461267516060&psc=1

The CTEK's are sold locally in store so might give that a go, especially seeing that Ford re-brands these for the trucks.

 

[BiTurbo_Bro]

Do you guys get Ford Pass points there? If so you can buy this one with them which is what I did because it was free with the points. If not I still recommend it as it works great, just a little more expensive than the one Craig listed which is another great choice.

https://accessories.ford.com/products/ford-performance-5-0-smart-battery-charger-maintainer

No Ford pass points that I'm aware off, had a look at their website as well and they don't stock these, will get the CTEK branded one which is stocked locally.

 

[wanted33]

The CTEK's are sold locally in store so might give that a go, especially seeing that Ford re-brands these for the trucks.

That's what a lot of folks do with their Corvette's.

 

[taildraggerpilot]

The Ford Performance charger / maintainer is just a rebranded CTEK. It’s probably the best you can buy for portability, quality and ability.

 

[troutspinner]

Your post seems to allude that you want a permanent mounted charger in the truck? With that thought in mind, I use a Noco Genius Gen5x3 3 Bank charger on my boat, permanently mounted. When I get home, I grab the plug and plug it in and forget about it.

It charges each bank at 5 amps. Each bank however is selectable as to what type of battery you’re charging, Lead, AGM or Lithium and it is “smart” if you will and automatically maintains and conditions the batteries when plugged in.

They sell different bank and amp amounts. Amp amounts dictate the time required to charge. In my setup, if I deplete my 60AH batteries down to 50%, it takes 6 hours to fully recharge. In your instance, I would think low amps would work well as you’re mainly maintaining.

Noco always has sales or coupon codes that can be found on the internet and you get a lot for your money IMO.

 

[Dgc333]

I have been using this one that I got at Harbor Freight for several years now on my Barracuda that sits for weeks in the winter.

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