Deep Cycle Battery Charger

Deep Cycle batteries consistently require recharging with a deep cycle battery charger.  Deep cycle batteries are completely different than starter batteries.  Starter batteries start engines.  A car battery is a starter battery (except electric cars).  Starter batteries supply a high amount of electricity for a short time, as in starting the car.  Deep cycle batteries provide a supply of electricity for an extended period of time, as in electric cars or golf carts.  These batteries should always be recharged with a deep cycle battery charger that is specifically designed for recharging deep cycle batteries. 

As with all batteries, it is best to slow charge a deep cycle battery.  It is highly recommended that these batteries be recharged after each use.  The state of charge should not drop below 80%.  This is very important to help prevent build up on the plates inside the battery.  The depth of discharge and the state of charge greatly affect the production of build up on the plates.  Build up will kill the battery.  Never let the deep cycle battery discharge below 10.5 volts.  Keeping the battery fully charged with a deep cycle battery charger encourages a longer life expectancy.  The 20% rule should be applied when selecting a deep cycle battery charger.  The battery charger amperage should not exceed 20% of the battery Ah rating (a 100Ah battery would use a 20 Amp or lower charger).  The charger should be able to fully recharge the battery in 8 to 12 hours.  When storing a deep cycle battery, charge it with a float or low current continuously to prevent damage. 

The SE-70MA – 10 Amp Deep Cycle Battery Charger is manufactured by Schumacher, a leader in the industry.  This deep cycle battery charger is a versatile 12 and 24 volt charger.  It can be used for a car battery, also.  The charger carries 10 Amps and can charge a deep cycle battery in 7 to 10 hours.  It can charge a car battery in 3 to 5 hours.  It will not overcharge batteries and is fully automatic.

The Schumacher SS-51A-PE ship ‘N’ Shore Fully Automatic/Manual Charger is another, less expensive, option.  This deep cycle battery charger is fully automatic or can be operated manually.  It carries 10 Amps and can be used to charge 12 volt batteries or deep cycle batteries.  The dual bank allows for charging two batteries at the same time.  This battery charger can fully recharge a deep cycle battery in 7 to 11 hours and a car battery in 3 to 5 hours.

These Schumacher battery chargers can be found on Google, Yahoo, or Amazon.  The SE-70-MA is priced around $111.00.  The SS-51A-PE is priced around $49.00.