Battery charger? - Page 2

Jeff Stout · 02-18-2021, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Bennett

I/We have two of the Schumacher SC1281 chargers. I have had mine for 8-10 years with no troubles.
When we got Terr's car I got one just like and and love them both. About $100. at Walmart etc.

This is what I bought new for 79.00. Schumacher sc1281

4ordracer · 02-19-2021, 03:28 PM

I bought the big optima charger for my bracket car. 2 optima red tops. When I got the charger, there was a broken piece. Called customer service and no problem, we'll send a replacement. Returned the broken one in the same box which included a return label (no cost to me, except the trip to ups). Three years later (iirc warranty was 2 years), the screen that showed you charging rate dies. Still charges but no idea of the rate of charge. Call customer service looking to buy a replacement screen. Was told they Don't sell parts, but they asked about the serial number. Calls me back and they said they would ship me a new one, no charge. I was surprised as it was past warranty.
That's my idea of customer support!

voltdr · 02-19-2021, 09:23 PM

You didn't say what brand of battery you are using. My advice is to use the same brand of charger as battery. The batteries we are using nowadays are not like the "old" days. Charging rates, balancing of cells, maintaining of charge, not over charging. These are all things to pay attention when choosing the best battery charger for you setup. And by all means buy a spare.
Dan
SC4698

Run to Rund · 02-21-2021, 09:41 AM

I have the 20 amp Odyssey charger and like it. It performs a system check, charges, conditions, and maintains.

Paul Merolla · 02-21-2021, 10:30 AM

I use a Schumacher SC1304 and really like it. Fully automatic, and lets you choose between lead/acid, agm, or gel types. Also it has strain-reliefs where the cables connect to the clamps...most chargers I've owned in the past fail at this joint. $65 on Amazon.

02-19-2021, 03:28 PM	#12
4ordracer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 5 Likes: 0 Liked 9 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Battery charger? I bought the big optima charger for my bracket car. 2 optima red tops. When I got the charger, there was a broken piece. Called customer service and no problem, we'll send a replacement. Returned the broken one in the same box which included a return label (no cost to me, except the trip to ups). Three years later (iirc warranty was 2 years), the screen that showed you charging rate dies. Still charges but no idea of the rate of charge. Call customer service looking to buy a replacement screen. Was told they Don't sell parts, but they asked about the serial number. Calls me back and they said they would ship me a new one, no charge. I was surprised as it was past warranty. That's my idea of customer support!

02-19-2021, 09:23 PM	#13
voltdr Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 700 Likes: 77 Liked 87 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Battery charger? You didn't say what brand of battery you are using. My advice is to use the same brand of charger as battery. The batteries we are using nowadays are not like the "old" days. Charging rates, balancing of cells, maintaining of charge, not over charging. These are all things to pay attention when choosing the best battery charger for you setup. And by all means buy a spare. Dan SC4698 __________________ Dan Foley SC 4698

02-21-2021, 09:41 AM	#14
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 574 Likes: 6 Liked 44 Times in 22 Posts	Re: Battery charger? I have the 20 amp Odyssey charger and like it. It performs a system check, charges, conditions, and maintains.

02-21-2021, 10:30 AM	#15
Paul Merolla Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Papillion, NE Posts: 596 Likes: 195 Liked 232 Times in 57 Posts	Re: Battery charger? I use a Schumacher SC1304 and really like it. Fully automatic, and lets you choose between lead/acid, agm, or gel types. Also it has strain-reliefs where the cables connect to the clamps...most chargers I've owned in the past fail at this joint. $65 on Amazon.