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24v Battery Charger Recommendation

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Nep6012, Feb 8, 2019.

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  1. Nep6012, Feb 8, 2019
    #1
    Nep6012

    Nep6012 New Member

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    My 10 years old Newmar PT-24-95W stopped working this week. It has power going to the charger but it's dead. It's charging three banks of Group 31 97ah gel batteries. Newmar thinks it's the power supply and they can fix it for $640 plus my cost to ship to California. I'm thinking it's not worth putting $700 into an old charger.

    Looks like replacement options are Newmar, Mastervolt and Victron. Victron 100 costs substantially less than the other two. Welcome opinions.
  2. Capt Ralph, Feb 8, 2019
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    We started installing the Victron chargers a couple of years ago. Big or small, it's good stuff.
    It's usually the fine details that guide us in determining the mfg for our customer.

    If your finding a great reduction in price, your looking at the wrong charger in your comparisons. Victron does offer cost reduced charging systems but the better chargers compared to the better chargers from Master Volt or Newmar are pretty close is purchase price.

    If your just shopping prices to maintain a 24Vdc bank, Look at ProMariner.
    If your shopping for the best, your already looking at the top suppliers, just look at the upper equipment.
  3. Capt J, Feb 8, 2019
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I would just go with a new Newmar…...I have the same unit on a yacht I manage, and while it hasn't lasted long term.....I had to have it replaced once under warranty......but it's been good the last 4-5 years......all of your battery cables will line up and if you switch chargers those will be a nightmare...…. Wards marine electric in Fort Lauderdale usually stocks that model and they're around $1100 I think.
  4. Nep6012, Feb 8, 2019
    #4
    Nep6012

    Nep6012 New Member

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    I'm not looking to find the lowest priced charger, but if none stood out as being better then I just assume spend less. I actually like the Pronautic chargers but they don’t have any large 24v chargers.

    Capt J makes a good point about the cables. If I choose something other than Newmar I need to make sure the existing battery cables will work.

    I called Mastervolt and they told me that only bank one provides the full rated amps - the other two banks are limited to 10 amps. Newmar and Victron and can utilize the available amps across all banks.
  5. Nep6012, Feb 10, 2019
    #5
    Nep6012

    Nep6012 New Member

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    Capt Ralph - what are some of the fine details you like about the Victron?
  6. Capt Ralph, Feb 10, 2019
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I have installed Master Volt and Victron chargers. Both seem light weight but preform well. I think the companies are across the street from each other.
    I stand by either mfg on product performance.
    I have a better connect with Victron and our inverter, battery, BMC / Charger customers seems to be very impressed and happy with a team support on sales and installation.
    Each mfg seems to change their model specs often. My favorite charger from Victorn is supported but not available for retail any more. A problem I had with M V a short while ago. It's just a way technology changes, near every day.
    I'm not trying to be a sales guy here, just helpful and answer your question. Please check the attached PDF for some details that I think you are seeking.
    I also respect the Newmar products. I feel a bit over priced but they do support all of their products well.

    Bottom line; I have leaned towards Victron products well and for the small boat, offer a very good value.
    The other mfgs commented on also offer good value, just not this month.

    Attached Files:

  7. Nep6012, Feb 10, 2019
    #7
    Nep6012

    Nep6012 New Member

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    Thanks. The model that I would need is the Skylla 24/100 (3). I have 10 97ah batteries with 3 banks. I was told the charger should be sized at approximately 10% of the total amp hours being charged. It looks like the size will work and the cabling is in nearly the same position as my old Newmar.
  8. CaboFly, Feb 10, 2019
    #8
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    My Newmar died last summer and I too chose to not have them refurbish the unit. After looking around I replaced with the replacement model from Newmar and have been happy. Only gripe I have is the replacement model mounting pattern is an 1/8th different. I mean really...

    Check Hodges Marine for pricing and if they carry the larger model you are needing. They have great pricing.

    Attached Files:

  9. Capt Ralph, Feb 10, 2019
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    That's the Charger I was looking for. Was afraid they dropped it. You will luv the LED bars for each bank.