On-board chargers--best and worst?

[Chris B.]

I'm upgrading to a 24v trolling motor and plan to add a 3-bank on-board charger. I've looked at the specs and prices for chargers from XPS, Minn Kota, Pro Sport, and Dual Pro Xtreme.

My problem is this: after checking various online forum comments including those on Bass Pro's own site, it seems they all fail way too often for my taste.

I'd really appreciate any feedback pro or con on your own on-board charger experiences before I buy mine.

Thanks!

[Greg_Cornish]

I've had 2 BPS 2 bank charger on my pontoon for 4 years charging two 12v trolling batteries. Still puts out a steady charge as powerful as the day I bought it.

[Ken C.]

3 years now on my DualPro 3-bank without any problems at all.

[Chris B.]

Greg, what brand is the one you have been using?

[rmd]

Hey Chris I been using the dualpro 3 bank charger for 9 years and haven't had a problem yet ?
George@RMD

[BIG DADDY BLUE RANGER]

my 3-bank dual pro lasted about 7years...... I was happy with it..

I went with dual pro again...... actually they sent me a refurbished model really cheap

[Greg_Cornish]

Greg, what brand is the one you have been using?

doh I just edited my post and put in the brand name. Bass Pro.

[Chris B.]

Thanks guys, really appreciate your help. Looks like Dual Pro is the way to go. I'll place the order tomorrow.

[scottsweet]

You ought to consider the Stealth1 Charging system. AC/DC charging all your batteries whether you are plugged in or running your big motor. The best full charge to your batteries from a charger available anywhere on the market.

Wonder why you are buying batteries every 18 months to 2 years....it's because the Dual Pro and the many other brands are overcharging your batteries and they get weak early.

Call me if you have any questions. 818-448-3366.

Scott

[TOPSTICK]

XPS® i 5/5/5: 2-1/2"x7-1/4"x10-3/4"
38-528-260-00 XPS I 5/5/5
DC SYSTEM 12/24/36 15 AMP
3 BANK
11 LB
$149.99
on sale 129.99 had this charger on my tracker and it worked great charged the start,and both trolling motor batterys nvr had a problem with it..its on sale also 129.99
i got the dual pro 3 bank on my stratos and it work like a champ also.

i would get the bass pro 129.99 smokin deal

[Smile_n_Jax]

The Stay_n_Charge system works as well or better than the Stealth 1 and is a lot cheaper. I have it on my truck/boat and it keeps my batteries fully charged.

www.stayncharge.com

[Topwater All Day]

I am on my second BPS XPS i5/5/5 charger in just over a year. It's made by Pro Mariner and they do stand behind their product, but I wish the first one hadn't gone bad! Kinda sucks having to pull one out and mount a new one. They are cheap though...I got my original one on sale at BPS for $119 last year. Hope this one lasts a little longer than 10 months!

Rob

[Brian]

Dual Pro = Best charger and best customer service.

[Ron C]

Pro Pak. They are made by the Cul-M-Rite people and are smaller, lighter, and more efficient that any other on-board charger (even Dual Pro). They also have GREAT customer service (should you ever need it).

Here is the link: http://www.propakcharger.com/

[TritonBrent]

I have the Dual Pro and it works great. Get the highest amprage charger that you can.

[tunaman]

I have a 4-bank DualPro for charging on land, and a Stealth on-board charger for on the water. This combination works great for me, and (knock on wood) I haven't had any battery issues for two years now. The Stealth really works great on bigger waters where I make long runs.

Roger

[Ringer]

I have the Stealth that was in my boat when I bought it. I never thought a system could charge four batteries from the 250 Yammie just running around the lake but it does. Also has a regular charger you plug in. Amazing system and it works. I never worry about my batteries unless it is super windy out.

[Steve45]

I've had my Dual Pro 3 bank charger for 7 years and not one problem with it. Steve

[kopper_bass]

Chris,
Dual Pro- hands down. If for no other reason, their customer service and standing behind their product, if it should fail.

I had the 4 bank Dual Pro from day 1 on my boat. A week after the 5 year extended warranty was up, it starts acting up. Crazy right? i'm thinking i am in for the cost of a new one - ugh! Well just 1 phone call and the company says "No problem, Merry Christmas. You pay the shipping, and we'll send you a replacement".

$35 bucks later i am back in business and confident again that my batteries are being well maintained.

You can't beat that kind of service! They have my loyalty.

Kopper_Bass

[Chris B.]

Kopper, from your experience and others I'm finding out Dual Pro really treats their customers right and their units seem to be more reliable than most.

Really appreciate everyone's feedback--super valuable. To me this is what Westernbass is all about.

[Marc]

Chris, Dual Pro does have great customer service...the problem is that they have way to much experience using it. They seem to work great as long as you don't run in rough conditions, but I know from first hand experience that rough water pounding causes them to short. I have gone through 4 of their chargers, and yes they replaced them with no problem, but they don't replace the failed Rolls batteries that were shorted because of them.

That is when I switched to the Stealth1 charger, and there is not another one like it on the market despite other's claims. I like this system so much I have been prostaffing for them, even though my new boats always came from the factory with Dual Pro chargers.

If you really want something dependable and keeps your batteries in great shape, you owe it to yourself to evaluate the Stealth1 system. If you just want something cheap, email me cause I have a couple of unused 3-bank chargers (other brands) I would sell for cheap.

Check out which battery charger KVD, Larry Nixon, and most of the other touring pros depend on day in and day out; Stealth1!

ciao,
Marc
Stealth1 Prostaff

[Don]

my dual=pro developed a short in it. It didn't charge one of my batteries.Where do you get one of these stealth 1 chargers and how expensive are they and do they hook up just like my dual-pro?

[Don]

my dual=pro developed a short in it. It didn't charge one of my batteries.Where do you get one of these stealth 1 chargers and how expensive are they and do they hook up just like my dual-pro?

[kopper_bass]

Don,
I would certainly consider giving dual-pro a call and see if your unit is under warranty. even if its not, they have a great swap program where you can get a refurbished unit for cheap and send yours back.

Good Luck,

Kopper_Bass

[Marc]

Don,

You can reach Stealth1 at www.chargeontherun.com or 888-588-4506.

They are smaller, lighter, and easy to install. They have great customer service as well.

[Chris B.]

Chris, Dual Pro does have great customer service...the problem is that they have way to much experience using it. They seem to work great as long as you don't run in rough conditions, but I know from first hand experience that rough water pounding causes them to short. ...
ciao,
Marc
Stealth1 Prostaff

Marc, thanks for your inputs. I've spent quite a bit of time checking my needs, mfgr specs & claims, support, and cost. I still think Dual Pro stacks up well but I realize they aren't perfect.

On your Dual Pro experience in rough conditions, I'm thinking it may be worth my time to make a shock-absorbing mount.

Anyhow, I really appreciate your feedback. I'll consider switching to Stealth if the Dual Pro unit flames out.