When my 2/10 amp trickle charger died ~20 years ago, I bit the bullet and bought a real battery charger. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? YES! I can start an American diesel engine with completely flat batteries in about 5 minutes. I can start a Vanagon with a completely flat battery in the time it takes to slide the seat forward and attach the leads. I can charge my 7.5 AH Honda 70 battery without boiling the electrolyte.  I can test a starter motor on the bench. (Which I intend to do in about an hour.) Spend the money and never worry about a battery charger again.

Mine is similar to this: <http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SE-4022-Wheeled-Battery-Charger/dp/B00030BFQA/ref=sr_1_1?i>

I use a booster battery (hot start) when I’m traveling.

A real battery charger is one of the best tool purchases I’ve ever made. I use it at least every couple months. It turns what was a couple day job into a couple minute job.

Jim

Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own mind.
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

> On Jan 10, 2015, at 3:26 AM, Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Good morning to all
> My 20 year old Sears craftsman battery charger went south yesterday trying to trickle charge my Westy main battery! Does anyone have a recommendation for a new charger? Reading all the reviews of all the ones out their sure is confusing. Many horror stories of the Chargers burning etc. batteries exploding etc. any thoughts? Any suggestions?
> Dennis
> 
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury Vermont