[twistedge]

Thanks Len,

I'm also thinking that my Hyperion RC charger can handle the job, but I'll find out when I actually do the test. (The marine battery is for a trolling motor on a current boat project). I will buy a small battery tender to maintain it over the winter, but I'm planning to do the main charge cycles with what I have.

I think you may have reversed the the plate design for the type of deep cycle batteries I'm talking about. Everything I've seen says that Deep Cycle uses larger, more robust plates. (Battery University Link)

[stegl]

As it was explained to me any years ago the makeup of the plates is what I was referring to. Yes you are correct in stating the plates themselves are much thicker/heavier with the true deep cycle to handle the more charge and discharge cycles. Yes Pb/acid battery usage/application can turn into a pretty deep conversation with the various types available and there are so many good sites on line available with excellent information from manufacturers.

[twistedge]

A very solid point Len... I'll definitely do some research into the make up the plates themselves. Thanks for the clarification.

[stegl]

I prefer to use a quality deep cycle battery that is fillable ( when needed) with DISTILLED water and not river,well or tap water as the minerals will shorten the life every time. All deep cycle batteries are not equal. Have tried many times with my father in law on that point to make that and overcharging a killer for any battery. He keeps wondering why he has to change his rv battery every 2 years and I am into my 8th year . Just had mine tested and it is working just fine. The annual cost of that battery keeps shrinking every year.

[Warbird_ace]

We just purchased a used power wheels vehicle for our kids, and it comes with the smaller, 12v sealed lead acid batteries. Since it didn't come with the stock charger, I used my hobby charger and alligator clips. Set for 1amp charge rate, the battery took the charge wonderfully. Plus, with the automatic shut offs and safety parameters, I feel more comfortable charging with my hobby charger as opposed to a regular Canadian Tire unit.

[stegl]

As long as a charger is rated as an automatic low rate charger you will be fine but I might mention that those sealed lead acid batteries do have a limited life cycle. my understanding they were really meant for standby low draw power supply for house alarms and similar.

[moo]

batteryuniversity.com

black and decker 2/6/10A smart battery charger works for me, iirc $13 at the clearance centre