I was in the Durango WallyMart recently and noticed a display of Vector
battery chargers with outputs ranging from 1.5Amps to 100Amps. They are all "smart" three-stage chargers and some of them (12Amps and up) have the capability to check your alternator output and, more importantly, can desulfate a
battery (repair the damage done by over-discharge). I was very impressed with the whole line and the prices.
This is the first time I have seen an inexpensive ($17) small smart charger that can be used for
battery maintenance during long-term storage -- it even has three ways to connect to the battery (clamps, hardwire or cigar lighter plug). Were I to put the RatHaus in longterm storage (heaven forbid!), I would put one of these on it with the converter unplugged (presuming I had a converter, which I don't).
One of these smart chargers beats the heck out of replacing or upgrading a converter to properly charge the battery.
Max
Amps -- Price($)
1.5 ----- 17
6 ------- 25
10 ------ 40
12 ------ 50
20 ------ 58
35 ------ 69
100 ----- 90
At the Durango WM, the chargers were located by the auto maintenance desk.
Vector also makes inverters and JumpIt-type battery sets and sells remanufactured stuf online.
http://www.vectormfg.com/site2/frontpages/company.htm#
Pete in the RatHaus