SOLVED which home car battery charger?

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Batman

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#274471 24-Aug-2020 06:43

was looking at home car battery charger for the wet (non lithium) car battery ... and they range from a few quid at the warehouse to a few hundred bucks ...

which one is a good one to buy?

the specs range from 5 amp to 25 amp, 7 stage to 9 stage?!

edit - vehicle = van with lots of electrics - i recall the AA fitted a "bigger than standard car" battery

thanks for any recommendation

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#2548461 24-Aug-2020 06:44

here's a link from the repco website

https://www.repco.co.nz/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-chargers-power-accessories/battery-chargers/c/1862917995

thanks for any pointers

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#2548466 24-Aug-2020 07:11

so i've narrowed down to repco 16amp 6v/12v for $189 and repco 12/24V 25 amp for $349

https://www.repco.co.nz/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-chargers-power-accessories/battery-chargers/repco-battery-charger-9-stage-6v-12v-16-amp-rbc16ss3/p/A1289357

https://www.repco.co.nz/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-chargers-power-accessories/battery-chargers/repco-battery-charger-9-stage-12-24v-25-amp-rbc25hdss3/p/A1289358

gbwelly

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#2548467 24-Aug-2020 07:17

CTek MXS 5.0. Should be about $130 -they are often well overpriced so shop around. They come with a quick connect terminal you can put on your battery so it's easy to just plug in whenever you come home and park up. Is there a reason for needing 16-25 amps?

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#2548471 24-Aug-2020 07:30

This Supercheap Auto one has worked well for me for a couple of years. I borrowed a similar one from my neighbour that looked to be many years old, so they should be fairly reliable.

martyyn

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#2548476 24-Aug-2020 07:53

I have a CTek for my garage queen. If your vehicle is doing any sitting around it's the one to get.

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#2548478 24-Aug-2020 07:57

Thanks sounds like the recp 16amp is most bang for buck?

(more amp is more speed right?)

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#2548481 24-Aug-2020 08:04

Batman: Thanks sounds like the recp 16amp is most bang for buck?

(more amp is more speed right?)

Yes, but if your battery is getting into a state like that perhaps you should look into solving the underlying issue? (e.g. Alternator maybe?)

Maybe tell us more about the use case?

The CTek is good for maintaining a battery in a vehicle that isn't being used often, and good for reconditioning a battery with issues.

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#2548482 24-Aug-2020 08:05

High current might be good if you need to charge your batteries from flat really often. For most people the maximum current makes no difference. I'd be looking more at the quality of the product than the maximum current delivered.

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#2548484 24-Aug-2020 08:08

gbwelly:
Batman: Thanks sounds like the recp 16amp is most bang for buck?

(more amp is more speed right?)

Yes, but if your battery is getting into a state like that perhaps you should look into solving the underlying issue? (e.g. Alternator maybe?)

Maybe tell us more about the use case?

The CTek is good for maintaining a battery in a vehicle that isn't being used often, and good for reconditioning a battery with issues.

Yes I've called the mechanic but they are fully booked for a while.

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#2548486 24-Aug-2020 08:09

gbwelly:
Batman: Thanks sounds like the recp 16amp is most bang for buck?

(more amp is more speed right?)

Yes, but if your battery is getting into a state like that perhaps you should look into solving the underlying issue? (e.g. Alternator maybe?)

Maybe tell us more about the use case?

The CTek is good for maintaining a battery in a vehicle that isn't being used often, and good for reconditioning a battery with issues.

Van is regularly used but battery not charging

gbwelly

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#2548489 24-Aug-2020 08:14

Batman:

Van is regularly used but battery not charging

Ah I see, probably any of them will do the job until you can get the alternator working properly again. I still think you'd be running the gauntlet even starting the day on a fully charged battery, good luck!

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#2548494 24-Aug-2020 08:35

gbwelly:

CTek MXS 5.0. Should be about $130 -they are often well overpriced so shop around.

This, great charger and works on a range of batteries from small 7ah SLA, to large 700+ CCA car batterys. also has battery recondition function

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#2548498 24-Aug-2020 08:52

Ok understood thanks everyone

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#2548506 24-Aug-2020 09:21

FYI - Repco has a ctek value pack of a MCS5.0 battery charger, a rubber protector and a 500mAh power bank for $139. That price is from 26th Aug - 6th September.

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#2548508 24-Aug-2020 09:23

Thanks

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