3 best on board battery charger

An on-board battery charger is a device used primarily in the context of automotive and marine applications to charge batteries while they are still installed on a vehicle or boat. These chargers are designed to be permanently mounted or "on-board" and are a convenient way to maintain and charge batteries without the need to remove them from the vehicle or boat. Here are some key points about on-board battery chargers:

Installation: On-board battery chargers are typically hardwired directly to the vehicle or boat's electrical system. They are usually mounted in a secure location, often near the battery compartment, for easy access.
Multi-Bank Charging: Many on-board battery chargers feature multiple charging banks, allowing them to charge and maintain multiple batteries simultaneously. This is especially useful for vehicles or boats with multiple batteries, such as those used in trolling motors or RVs.
Maintenance Charging: These chargers are designed to provide a maintenance charge to keep batteries in good condition during periods of inactivity.They are ideal for vehicles or boats that may sit unused for extended periods.
Automatic Charging: On-board chargers often feature intelligent charging algorithms that monitor the state of the batteries and adjust the charging voltage and current accordingly. This helps prevent overcharging and undercharging, which can damage batteries.
Waterproof or Weatherproof: Since they are installed in vehicles or boats, on-board battery chargers are often built to withstand exposure to the elements, making them waterproof or weatherproof.
Compatibility: On-board battery chargers are available for various battery types, including lead-acid, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), and gel batteries. It's essential to choose a charger that is compatible with the type of battery you have.
LED Indicators: Many on-board chargers have LED indicators that provide information about the charging status and the condition of the batteries.
Safety Features: These chargers typically include safety features such as reverse polarity protection and spark-proof connectors to prevent accidents during the charging process.
Versatility: On-board battery chargers are used in a wide range of applications, including boats, RVs, golf carts, and other recreational vehicles, as well as in industrial equipment.
Efficiency: They are designed to be energy-efficient, converting AC power from a wall outlet into DC power suitable for charging batteries while minimizing energy waste.

On-board battery chargers are a convenient and reliable way to keep vehicle and marine batteries charged and maintained, ensuring that they are always ready for use. When selecting an on-board battery charger, it's crucial to consider factors such as the type and size of the batteries you need to charge, the number of battery banks you require, and the charger's compatibility with your specific application. Proper installation and maintenance are also essential for safe and effective operation.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best on board battery charger on the market

ProMariner 43012 ProSport 12 12 Amp, 12/24 Volt, 2 Bank Generation 3 Battery Charger

ProMariner

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Professional Mariner was founded over 35 years ago with one premise; to make boating more enjoyable! We pioneered a robust line of fully automatic, on-board marine battery chargers that provided the marine industry with a mainstream method of charging batteries in a short time without the need for storing or carrying portable battery chargers on-board. We haven’t looked back since. Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream is a leave—in conditioner. It has no hold and will not increase amount of curls but will condition wavy to curly hair, defining and refreshing curls while protecting against frizz. Digital Multi-Stage Performance Charging: Fully charge and extend the life of your batteries - automatically charges, conditions and safely maintains all batteries on board for maximum time on the water

2 Year Warranty
Energy Saver Mode
Storage Recondition Mode
Built-in Quality and Safety
Distributed-On-Demand Technology

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this charger come with qiuck disconnect plugs on the positive and negative terminals
Answer:	No, the charging cables are bolted directly to the battery terminals - you would have to modify your installation for quick disconnection
Question:	how long are the supplied battery wires for this unit
Answer:	Supplied with prewired 6' cables for 2 batteries. Factory extensions are available separately.
Question:	Mine did not come with a terminal that connects to a battery. Am I supposed to buy an adaptor for it
Answer:	I am in the process of returning the one i got. the model number was 43012m21, not just 43012. I contacted ProMariner and they told me that i was sent a custom model that had some female plugs on them without any adapters. I am a little annoyed because i paid more for this one than another link on amazon because this was in stock. I almost cut the cords and put on my own connectors but i felt that buying a new item i should not have to do this. you can buy the male adapters for the connectors but you would probably be paying about 15 to 20 dollars for making your own cables. amazon should be sending me the correct model currently but im hoping they dont just send me another custom model. hope this helps other people because it took some work to figure this one out.
Question:	This charger comes with Intense Curl Cream? Where are the charger spec's
Answer:	First of all What is Intense curl cream?

Guest 2711A ChargePro On-Board Battery Charger - 10A/12V, 2 Bank, 120V Input

Guest

Based on 520 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Every Guest charger has dedicated battery charging, sensing and control per bank. The easy to read graphics indicate the status of each battery bank through the charging process. ChargePro’s low profile flangeless extruded aluminum housing is sealed by gaskets with heavy duty end caps for 100% waterproof performance to IP67. This new construction design delivers an increase in charging and thermal management performance. The new ChargePro Series is up to 40% lighter while increasing durability and ease of installation over prior generations of older technology epoxy filled plastic body chargers. All high frequency, digital charging technology. Microprocessor and software control for precision, fully automatic 5-stage performance charging. Expanded LED charge status monitor. Wiring and battery fault detection. Auto-maintain energy saver mode. All models are pre-wired for easy installation. For all 12 volt flooded and AGM lead acid batteries. In-line fuses for maximum DC wire protection. AC and Cord Length: 6'.

For 12 and 24 volt battery systems requiring 5 amps per battery
Dedicated battery charging, sensing and control per bank
Built-in safety: reverse polarity, over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature and ignition protection
100% Waterproof (IP67) and shock resistant
2 year warranty

User questions & answers

Question:	Will cutting and extending the battery cables void the warranty
Answer:	YES, anything you do to alter this charger will void the warranty!
Question:	my battery for my trolling motor seems to run low before I’m done fishing Would this work to give it a boost
Answer:	That depends on age of your battery and do you charge it before & after your fishing trips. Note: you said battery, does that mean you have one battery for trolling motor? If so why are you asking this question on a 3 bank charger (a 3 bank charger charges 3 batteries at the same time)? If your trolling motor battery is over 3 years old and after you charge it for 3 hrs, let it set for 3 hours and test the voltage of the battery with a good Volt meter. If the volt in the battery is less than 12.5 V, you need a new battery, charging will not make your battery last any longer while fishing. You need a good strong 12V Deep Cycle single charger battery for trolling motors (for sure with one battery). Good luck.
Question:	I purchased the 5/5 12volt is it normal for the charger to be really hot to the touch it is connected as directions
Answer:	I have the 5/5/5. When the batteries are low and charging the charger will get very warm. It should not burn your hand but it does need to have good ventilation. When I mounted my I installed stand offs so the unit can get as much air around it as possible. As the directions state, do not mount it directly to carpet or wood.
Question:	Will this charger (2720A) replace the Guest
Answer:	You have to know the specs on both ones.

Product features

Intuitive LED Display

Easy to read LED user display indicates the status of each battery bank through the charging process.

Fully Automatic Multi-Stage Performance Charging

ChargePro’s 5-Stage Performance Charging algorithm is fully automatic and designed to maximize battery performance and extend battery life of all 12 volt Flooded and AGM lead acid batteries.

100% Waterproof & Shock Resistant

100% waterproof (IP67) and shock resistant for all fresh and saltwater applications.

Heavy-duty Strain Reliefs

Durable construction prevents cable strain and breakage.

In-line Safety Fuses

Provides maximum DC wire protection with reverse polarity, over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature and ignition protection.

Low Profile & Lightweight

Low profile sealed aluminum housing is potting free contributing to a 40% lighter design, allowing more efficient heat dissipation, increasing longevity.

Guest 2707A ChargePro On-Board Battery Charger 8A / 12V, 2 Bank, 120V Input

Guest

Based on 244 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Guest on-board battery chargers have been redesigned from the inside out with the customer in mind. Our newest generation on-board marine battery chargers include leading advancements in digital charging technology and waterproof design/construction. Every Guest charger has a dedicated charging, Sensing and control per bank. The easy to read graphics indicates the status of each battery bank through the charging process.

12v 8 amp 2 bank on-board battery charger
built-in safety: reverse polarity, over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature and ignition protection. in-line fuses for maximum dc wire protection.
100% waterproof (ip67) and shock resistant for all fresh and saltwater applications
dedicated battery charging, sensing and control per bank
for all 12 volt flooded and agm lead acid batteries. 2 year warranty
Fit type: Universal Fit

User questions & answers

Question:	How long are the charging wires? The charging unit will be mounted 8 feet from each battery, will they reach
Answer:	They will not reach. I estimate that the leads from the charger are 3-4 feet.
Question:	why does this take so long to ship
Answer:	Can't answer that fully, probably supply and demand. If they are not in stock , can't ship until they have stock????
Question:	Can you extend the cable that connect to the batteries since I need 8 foot
Answer:	I would try to mount unit in different spot 1st. Sure u can extend any wire, guessing warranty would b voided then...
Question:	How long are the charging cables ? I saw one answer 3 to 4 feet. A more accurate measurement would be a big help
Answer:	I didn't measure them, but I think they are more like 6 feet.

Product features

Intuitive LED Display

Easy to read LED user display indicates the status of each battery bank through the charging process.

Fully Automatic Multi-Stage Performance Charging

ChargePro’s 5-Stage Performance Charging algorithm is fully automatic and designed to maximize battery performance and extend battery life of all 12 volt Flooded and AGM lead acid batteries.

100% Waterproof & Shock Resistant

100% waterproof (IP67) and shock resistant for all fresh and saltwater applications.

Heavy-duty Strain Reliefs

Durable construction prevents cable strain and breakage.

In-line Safety Fuses

Provides maximum DC wire protection with reverse polarity, over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature and ignition protection.

Low Profile & Lightweight

Low profile sealed aluminum housing is potting free contributing to a 40% lighter design, allowing more efficient heat dissipation, increasing longevity.