How often do you charge your phone? What about your headphones or your computer?  We use numerous devices throughout the day that require charged batteries to function. Vehicles—from cars and trucks to boats and RVs—are no exception.

In many cases, all it takes to keep a vehicle battery charged and functioning is to operate it. Leaving a car or boat to sit idle for months at a time is a recipe for a dead battery. Take the time to regularly keep it juiced up with a Schumacher Electric battery charger.

But, how do you know what kind of battery charger to buy? The answer depends on the type of battery, vehicle, and use case. Some chargers are used for a specific period of time and removed quickly. Others are more forgiving when it comes to battery overcharging. Have questions? You can always refer to your battery’s user manual for more information or contact us if your answer can’t be found in your manual.

Let’s look at some of the common terms related to batteries and battery chargers. Then we’ll talk about options you have for charging your batteries.

Common Terms Related to Batteries and Battery Chargers

Before we talk about the chargers themselves, familiarize yourself with the following terms. Different types of chargers are appropriate for different batteries. Charging speeds can vary based on amperage, voltage, and length of time spent charging:

• Voltage describes the pressure from a power source that pushes electrons through the conducting loop. It’s measured in volts. Many batteries are classified first by their voltage. Common voltages for batteries are 6 volts (for lawn tractors and motorcycles, or 12 volt and 24 volt for larger vehicles.
• Amperage is the overall strength of an electric current, measured in amperes, or amps.

Battery chargers often have different amperage depending on their purpose. Common charging rates include 2-amp, 10-amp, 12-amp, or 15-amp charge rates. Higher amp ratings will lead to faster charging, but exceeding the recommended rate for your battery could lead to dangerous situations. Always check your battery’s specifications to find the optimal safe charging rate.

Types of Battery Chargers

Schumacher Electric sells many different types of battery chargers. The two most common types we offer are manual battery chargers and automatic battery chargers. These two charger types have key differences in their operation. Follow the instructions to preserve your battery’s life and stay safe.

Manual Battery Chargers

Manual battery chargers charge the battery they’re attached to regardless of the battery’s charge level. They do not cycle or shut down by themselves. Instead, they’ll push current at the selected setting until you disconnect them from the charger.

If you’re using a manual battery charger, keep an eye on the ammeter as you charge. This will ensure you know when full charge is achieved.

You can also use a hydrometer or voltmeter to determine the level of charge. Stop the charging process as soon as the battery is fully charged. Failure to do so could result in battery damage, property damage, and even injury.

Automatic Battery Chargers

Schumacher automatic battery chargers will stop charging and switch to a Maintain Mode (Float-Mode) once the battery is fully charged. Automatic chargers don’t impact battery life or safety as much as manual ones. But they shouldn’t stay connected for indefinite periods of time or as maintenance chargers.

What is maintain mode (float mode) charging?

Maintain mode, also called float mode, charging is a technology used in many Schumacher automatic chargers and maintainers. It keeps batteries charged by delivering small amounts of current to the battery when necessary. If battery voltage drops below a preset level, the charger will begin to charge it once more. It continues to switch between the two modes as necessary. Most Schumacher automatic chargers use microprocessors to help manage the charging process.

How Microprocessor Controlled Charging Works

These differ from chargers with transformers in key ways. Microprocessor controlled chargers use algorithms to monitor the charging process and make adjustments based on the information about the battery’s current voltage and charge.

Fast charging in this way doesn’t negatively affect battery life or performance, and it can even help prolong battery life. The best part about microprocessor controlled chargers is that they can be connected for a longer period of time. For faster, safer, and more efficient charging, use a microprocessor controlled charger.

Trickle Chargers

Another type of maintenance charger can be left attached to a battery for a day or two out of the month. These chargers are called trickle chargers. Unlike float chargers, however, they have no sensor to determine when or if a battery is charged. Like manual chargers, they’ll continue to deliver current until disconnected.

How to Use a Trickle Charger

To use a battery trickle charger, connect it like you would any other battery charger. Use it once per month, and let it run for no longer than a day or two. This will keep your battery adequately charged and maintained without running the risk of boiling the electrolytes out of your battery or damaging its exterior plates through overcharging.

Solar Chargers

Solar chargers draw energy from the sun via solar panels and convert it into usable current to charge your batteries. In many cases, solar chargers may be left installed on vehicles for longer than a day or two.

Despite their ease of use, using a solar charger may result in overcharging. In these cases, a charge controller may be recommended for additional protection from this overcharging process.

Which Battery Charger Should I Buy?

The choice of battery charger depends upon your battery and needs. Buy a trickle charger or manual charger for occasional charging where you’ll be monitoring the battery as it charges. For anything else, an automatic charger gives you powerful flexibility and peace of mind.

Where to Find Battery Chargers

Don’t let a drained battery put a damper on your plans. Use one of the many trusted battery charging products available from Schumacher Electric. Keep the juice flowing to your car, truck, ATV, boat, or other vehicles. Shop our full line of battery charging products today.

As the winter chill fades away and spring bursts into full bloom, it’s time to dust off your outdoor motorized toys and get ready for some outdoor fun! From ATVs and personal watercraft to motorcycles and boats, your collection of recreational vehicles holds the promise of adventure and excitement. However, after a season of hibernation, it’s essential to ensure that your vehicles are in top-notch condition for optimal performance. In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role of battery chargers, battery maintainers, and jump starters in getting your marine and power sport vehicles revved up and ready for action this spring.

Assessing Battery Health: The Key to a Smooth Start

Before you can hit the trails or cruise the waves with your favorite rides this spring, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle’s battery is in optimal condition. Whether you’re dealing with a 6-volt battery in your child’s ride-on toy or a 12-volt battery in your ATV, a smooth start begins with a healthy battery. Here are some essential steps to assess the health of your batteries and ensure they’re ready for action.

Visual Inspection

Start by visually inspecting the battery for any signs of damage or corrosion. Look for cracks, leaks, or bulges in the battery casing, as these could indicate internal damage or electrolyte leakage. Additionally, check the battery terminals for corrosion or buildup, which can hinder electrical conductivity.

Voltage Check

Using a multimeter or voltage tester, measure the voltage of the battery to determine its health. For 6-volt batteries, any reading below 6 volts is suspect, while for 12-volt batteries, it should not read below 12 volts.^[1] If the voltage falls below these levels, it may indicate a discharged or weak battery that requires charging or replacement. However, keep in mind that lead-acid battery voltage can vary based on variables such as ambient temperature and battery type.^[2]

Load Testing

Perform a load test on the battery to assess its ability to deliver power under a simulated load. This test helps identify weak or failing batteries that may not hold a charge or provide sufficient power to start the vehicle. Many automotive supply stores offer load testing services, or you can invest in a battery load tester, such as the Schumacher BT-100, for home use.

Battery Age

Consider the age of the battery when assessing its health. Most lead-acid batteries outdoor recreation vehicles have a lifespan of around 3 to 5 years^[3], depending on usage and maintenance. If your battery is approaching or exceeding this timeframe, it may be prone to failure and should be replaced as a preventative measure.

Electrolyte Levels

For batteries with removable caps, such as flooded lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte levels and ensure they are within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Low electrolyte levels can lead to reduced battery performance and lifespan, so top up the electrolyte with distilled water if necessary.

Professional Inspection

If you’re unsure about the condition of your battery or if it’s exhibiting signs of failure, consider seeking a professional inspection from a certified mechanic. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate steps for repair or replacement.

By carefully assessing the health of your power sport, motorized toy, or marine battery before springing into action, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and enjoy uninterrupted fun in the great outdoors. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in ensuring a smooth start to your spring adventures!

Charging Up: The Importance of Battery Chargers

When it comes to getting ready for springtime adventures, one of the most crucial steps is ensuring that your vehicles’ batteries are fully charged and ready to go. Whether you’re charging up your children’s ride-on toys, revving up your ATV, or prepping your personal watercraft for some fun on the water, a reliable battery charger is your best friend. Here’s why regular battery charging is so important and how the right battery charger can make all the difference:

Preserving Battery Life

Batteries, whether 6-volt or 12-volt, are essential components of any motorized vehicle, and proper charging is key to preserving their lifespan. By maintaining the correct charge level and avoiding deep discharges, you can significantly extend the life of your batteries and ensure they provide reliable power season after season.

Preventing Dead Batteries

There’s little worse than eagerly anticipating a day of outdoor fun, only to find that your dirt bike won’t start due to a dead battery. Regularly charging your batteries with a dedicated battery charger helps prevent this scenario by keeping them topped up and ready for action. A good all-around battery charger to consider is the Schumacher SC1344 Wireless Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer. It features wireless monitoring and is compatible with 6-volt and 12-volt batteries.

Faster Charging Times

While some vehicles, such as children’s ride-on toys, may come with battery chargers, they often have limited charging capabilities and can take a long time to fully charge a battery. Investing in a high-quality battery charger specifically designed for 6-volt or 12-volt batteries can significantly reduce charging times, allowing you to get back to enjoying your toys more quickly. For example, Schumacher’s Charge ‘n Ride CR5 3-Amp 6-Volt/12-Volt Universal Battery Charger for Ride-on Toys charges three times faster than many included chargers.

Versatility and Compatibility

Not all battery chargers are created equal, and choosing the right charger is essential. Look for a charger that is compatible with your specific vehicles’ battery voltage or purchase a dual 6-volt/12-volt charger to accommodate the various vehicles. Additionally, opt for a charger with adjustable charging rates or multiple charging modes to suit different battery types and sizes. A good choice is the Schumacher SC1281 Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Jump Starter, which is compatible with standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries and features fully automatic operation and an internal microprocessor that automatically detects the voltage of connected batteries and adjusts the amperage rate during charging.

Maintenance Charging

In addition to charging batteries from a discharged state, many modern battery chargers also offer maintenance or trickle charging modes, so you don’t need to purchase a separate battery maintainer. These modes deliver a low, constant charge to the battery, helping to prevent self-discharge and sulfation, which can occur when batteries sit unused for extended periods. For example, the Schumacher SC1444 Two-Bank Battery Charger and Maintainer can charge and maintain two batteries at once and employs float mode monitoring to maintain batteries after charging is complete.

Safety Features

When selecting a battery charger, prioritize safety features such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and reverse polarity protection. These features help safeguard both your batteries and your vehicles against potential damage or accidents during the charging process. The Schumacher SC1319 Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer features an array of safety features designed to protect you and your vehicle.

By recognizing the importance of charging up your vehicle batteries with a reliable battery charger, you can ensure they’re always ready to go when adventure calls. Don’t let dead batteries put a damper on your springtime fun—charge up and rev up for endless hours of outdoor excitement!

Maintaining Power: The Role of Battery Maintainers

Battery maintainers play a crucial role in keeping your vehicles’ batteries healthy and ready for action, especially during periods of storage or infrequent use. Unlike traditional battery chargers, which deliver a bulk charge to bring a battery to full capacity, battery maintainers provide a low, constant charge to keep batteries topped up without overcharging or damaging them.

Benefits of Battery Maintainers

• Long-Term Battery Health: By maintaining a constant charge level, battery maintainers help prevent sulfation and self-discharge, two common causes of battery failure.
• Convenience: Battery maintainers are designed for set-it-and-forget-it operation, making them ideal for use during extended periods of storage or when maintaining multiple batteries.
• Compatibility: Many battery maintainers are compatible with both 6-volt and 12-volt batteries, making them suitable for a wide range of recreational outdoor vehicles. For example, the CRAFTSMAN CMXCESM259 Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer works with standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle 6-volt and 12-volt batteries.
• Versatility: Some battery maintainers offer additional features such as desulfation modes or bad battery detection, further extending their usefulness throughout the year.

How to Use a Battery Maintainer^[4]

• Connect the Maintainer: Simply connect the battery maintainer to your vehicle’s battery using the provided cables and connectors.
• Select the Mode: Depending on the maintainer model, choose the appropriate charging mode or setting for your battery type and size. Fully automatic maintainers may choose the optimal charging modes without user input.
• Set It and Forget It: Once connected, the battery maintainer will automatically monitor and maintain the battery’s charge level, ensuring it stays in optimal condition.

Ready for Anything: The Lifesaver That Is a Jump Starter

A jump starter is a must-have tool for anyone who owns any type of vehicle with a starter battery, providing peace of mind and a quick solution in the event of a dead battery. Whether you’re stranded on a trail with your ATV or stalled on the water with your personal watercraft, a reliable jump starter can get you back up and running in no time.^[5]

Features of Jump Starters

• Portable Power: Most jump starters are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your vehicle or store onboard your boat.
• Multi-Functionality: In addition to jump starting vehicles, many jump starters also feature built-in LED flashlights, USB charging ports, and even air compressors for added convenience. Schumacher’s SL1639 Portable Power Pack and Jump Starter features 1000-amp jump starting, a 2.4-amp USB port that will charge a range of devices, and a three-mode LED light.
• Safety: Modern high-quality jump starters, such as those manufactured by Schumacher, incorporate safety features such as reverse polarity protection and spark-proof technology to prevent accidents and protect both the user and the vehicle.
• Jump Starting, Charging, and Maintaining: An all-in-one battery charger, battery maintainer, and jump starter is a smart addition to your garage. These combination units, such as the Schumacher Pro SPR1629 Battery Charger, Engine Starter, and Maintainer features a range of functions and charging modes for full-service battery care.

How to Use a Jump Starter^[6]

• Connect the Cables: Determine whether the vehicle is negative grounded or positive grounded.^[7] For negative ground vehicles, attach the positive (red) clamp to the corresponding positive terminal on the dead battery and connect the negative (black) clamp to the vehicle chassis or engine block, ensuring a secure connection.
• Power On: Turn on the jump starter and wait for it to indicate that it’s ready to deliver power.
• Start the Engine: Once the jump starter is ready, attempt to start the vehicle as you normally would. If successful, disconnect the jump starter and allow the engine to run to recharge the battery.

Spring Maintenance Tips for Various Motorized Toys

As you prepare to unleash your outdoor motorized toys for springtime fun, it’s essential to perform some basic maintenance tasks to ensure they’re in top condition and ready to hit the road or water. Here are some spring maintenance tips for common types of power sports and other outdoor recreation vehicles.

ATVs, Dirt Bikes, and Four-Wheelers

• Inspect Tires: Check tire pressure and tread depth. Then replace any worn or damaged tires.
• Fluid Check: Inspect oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels, and top up or replace as needed.
• Clean Air Filter: Remove and clean the air filter, or replace the filter, if necessary, to ensure optimal engine performance.

Personal Watercraft and Boats

• Inspect Hull: Check the hull for cracks, chips, or other damage, and repair as needed to prevent water intrusion.
• Check Safety Equipment: Ensure that life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment are in good condition and readily accessible.
• Test Electronics: Verify that navigation lights, depth finders, and other electronic equipment are functioning correctly.

Ride-On Toys and Golf Carts

• Check Battery: Inspect the battery for signs of corrosion or damage, and ensure it is fully charged and ready for use. If the battery needs replacement, check out Schumacher’s Charge ‘n Ride replacement ride-on toy batteries, such as the TB1, TB3, and TB4.
• Inspect Wheels: Check wheels and tires for damage. Next lubricate axles and moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
• Safety Check: Verify that all safety features, such as seatbelts and brake systems, are in good working order.

Safety First: Essential Precautions When Working with Batteries

Working with batteries, whether charging, jump starting, or performing maintenance, requires caution and attention to safety to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some essential precautions to keep in mind when working with batteries:

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to shield against acid spills and electrical hazards.
• Avoid Sparks: When connecting or disconnecting cables, ensure they are properly insulated and avoid creating sparks, which could ignite battery gases.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all battery chargers, maintainers, and jump starters to ensure safe and proper operation.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of potentially hazardous battery gases, such as hydrogen sulfide.^[8]

Enjoying Spring Adventures: Hit the Road (or Water) with Confidence!

With your outdoor recreation vehicles charged up, maintained, and ready to go, it’s time to embark on springtime adventures with confidence. Whether you’re exploring off-road trails on your ATV, cruising the waves on your personal watercraft, or enjoying a leisurely round of golf in your cart, the possibilities for outdoor fun are endless. So, grab your gear, buckle up, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

[1] “How to Test a Car Battery with a Multimeter,” AutoZone, https://www.autozone.com/diy/battery/how-to-test-a-car-battery-with-a-multimeter, Accessed 7 March 2024.

[2] Beale, Alex, “Lead Acid Battery Voltage Charts (6V, 12V, & 24V),” Footprint Hero, https://footprinthero.com/lead-acid-battery-voltage-charts, Accessed 7 March 2024.

[3] “How Long Do Car Batteries Last,” AAA, https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-long-do-car-batteries-last, Accessed 7 March 2024.

[4] Note: Always read and follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s user manual.

[5] Note: Marine batteries should be returned to shore before charging or engine starting.

[6] Note: Always read and follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s user manual.

[7] Nearly all vehicles manufactured since the early 1960s are negative ground.

[8] “Lead Acid Batteries,” Concordia University, https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjupe7g7eKEAxWOIEQIHaq0DnEQFnoECDEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.concordia.ca%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fconcordia%2Fservices%2Fsafety%2Fdocs%2FEHS-DOC-146_LeadAcidBatteries.pdf&usg=AOvVaw11IZcsA6PqiLswYiTAibhl&opi=89978449, Accessed 7 March 2024.

Prepare for Spring with Schumacher

Prepare for Spring with Schumacher – As winter gives way to spring, it’s time to start paying attention to your lawn and garden once again. Before you start your springtime outdoor chores, it’s best to make sure that your equipment is in working order and ready to tackle all the garden tasks on your list.

Schumacher can help you get the best out of your lawn and garden, whether you are tending a lawn that’s the envy of your neighbors or planting a vegetable garden. We can help you charge and maintain your riding lawn mower’s battery or power grow lights in your greenhouse.

Maintain Your Lawn Mower’s Battery

Spring is the time of year when your lawn will emerge from its winter dormancy. As it begins to grow, make sure your lawn tractor is ready to work. While lawnmowers are essential for anyone with a yard, most of us will leave ours unused for months of the year. This risks a dead battery.

When should you charge your lawn tractor’s battery? Schumacher recommends charging the battery before storing the lawn tractor for the winter, before starting it for the first time in the spring, and before starting if it has sat unused for an extended period.

Schumacher has a wide range of battery chargers and maintainers uniquely suited to prevent or remedy a dead battery.

The Schumacher SC1586 1A 6V/12V Battery Charger and Maintainer

Is designed especially for motorcycles, lawn tractors, and other light-duty batteries. It offers fully automatic charging—simply plug in and go—and is compatible with most battery types, including lithium. Once a connected battery is fully charged, it will automatically maintain that charge and preserve battery health.

The Schumacher SC1588 2A 6V/12V Battery Charger and Maintainer

Has a bit more power than the SC1586. In addition to light-duty batteries, it is strong enough to charge power sport, car, and boat batteries. It also offers fully automatic operation, and it is compatible with standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries. For added convenience, the SC1588 features a quick-connect harness that allows you to connect the battery to the charger in seconds. The perfect edition to your spring battery maintenance toolbox.

If you have multiple batteries to charge and maintain, you might consider the Schumacher SC1410 2A 6V/12V Two-Bank Battery Charger and Maintainer

This charger allows you to charge or maintain two batteries at the same time with a 2 amps of output per bank. Fully automatic operation means it’s easy to use and it offers both clamps and ring terminals, giving you two ways to connect your batteries. This unit can be mounted permanently to a wall in your garage or you can use the hook to hang the charger outside your work area. It is compatible with standard, AGM, and gel batteries.

No matter which you choose, having a Schumacher battery charger and maintainer on hand will ensure your lawn equipment is in top shape and ready for whatever the season brings.

Give Your Vegetables a Boost

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “There aren’t enough hours in the day.” Well, sometimes your plants feel the same way. While springtime sees our days get longer, some gardeners like to give their seedlings and other plants a boost with a few extra hours of sunlight. If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse, it is easy to supplement the hours of natural light you’re given with grow lights, which are an economical and easy-to-implement solution. Greenhouse owners can also use grow lights to remedy uneven lighting, banishing the dark corners that are present even in these light-filled structures.

But what do you do if your greenhouse lacks AC power to run your grow lights? Traditional gas generators can supply power, but because they emit carbon monoxide, they are dangerous to use inside any type of structure. The fumes emitted by a gas generator can kill a person and your plants won’t appreciate the fumes either. Even if placed outside your greenhouse, gas generators can still be a nuisance. They are quite loud, spoiling the serenity of your garden.

Schumacher has the solution for safely powering your greenhouse—a lithium-powered generator. Schumacher’s lithium generators provide portable power on demand and because they are fume- and fuel-free they are safe to use indoors and operate silently.

The Schumacher SL1467 880 Wh Lithium Generator

Is an excellent choice for providing power to your greenhouse or portable power anywhere in your garden. In addition to grow lights, you can use the SL1467 to run a wide variety of electric devices, including fans, TVs, speakers, smartphones, and laptops. A built-in 1000W pure sine wave inverter means you can safely operate even sophisticated electronic appliances from your SL1467 lithium generator. With 880 Wh available, the SL1467 will run up to 35 hours on a single charge and it can be fully recharged in only 10.5 hours. You’ll also have numerous output options with a Schumacher lithium generator. The SL1467 features two household 120V AC outlets, four USB ports, two 12V DC output ports, and a 12V DC accessory socket.

Enjoy the Season

With a little preparation and some help from a few Schumacher products, you’re ready to enjoy the spring season without worry. Schumacher is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your lawn and garden equipment and ensuring it remains in top condition for many years to come.