Auxiliary Battery Charger For Optima Blue Top Battery

Question:

I am looking for a 12V input to 12V output auxiliary battery charger the battery will be used to run a 12,000lb winch ran off a optima blue top battery, I would like it to charge and maintain the battery while it is plugged into the tow vehicle. will this device be sufficient enough to keep the battery charge while it is plugged in and being towed

asked by: Shaw

Expert Reply:

The better alternative would be the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V # 331-BCDC1225D. This product is ideal for battery banks rated between 75 and 200 amp-hours. The dual input allows this device to pull from two different sources such as solar panels. If solar is connected the Redarc Battery Charger will pull from solar energy before tapping into the vehicle's battery. The battery isolator function prevents the charger from pulling power from the start battery when the vehicle is off.

Alternatively if your vehicle has a 7 way connector, you can tap into the auxiliary circuit located at the 1'oclock position on the 7 way, and run a charge line with # 10-1-1, and # DW05745-10 to your auxiliary battery's positive terminal, and a ground wire to the trailer frame. This will create a trickle style charge and keep your battery topped off while you drive. This will not increase the charge in the battery, it will just keep it maintained.

expert reply by: Bryce D