How to Hook Up an Onboard Battery Charger

An onboard battery charger is really a series of battery chargers in one box that can charge several batteries at the same time. They may be used for any application that contains more than one battery, marine, automotive, RV, campers and aircraft. You can check the state of charge on any one particular battery while in use. An onboard unit eliminates the need for multiple individual chargers and unequal charging time. One plug does it all. This charger works best when all batteries are grouped together.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Set of wrenches
• Set of pliers

Instructions

1. Unwrap the wires on the onboard charger and check the length. The charger should be located in a position easily visible and where all wires reach the batteries.

2. Locate a good mounting position and install the accompanying screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

3. Install the wires onto the battery terminal posts. Keep the wires in order by starting with the wires on one side of the charger and working with the next in line. This is simply so you know which battery condition you are witnessing. Remove the battery terminals with a wrench or pliers, depending on type of battery. Place the wire over the tightening stud and retighten the terminals.

4. Charge the batteries by plugging the charger cable into a household outlet. The state of charge can be monitored on the charger by the LED lights.

Tips & Warnings

• If one or more of the batteries must remain distant from the charger and if wire must be added to reach, use a 10-gauge or larger wire. Too small a wire will result in too much resistance and lower charge rate at the most distant battery.