Maintaining mutiple batterys

[Aaron Lariscy]

I have 3 batterys right now that I need to maintain and only have one battery charger/maintainer. Would it be possible to wire them all in parallel and hook the maintainer up that way? I realize it wouldn't be a good idea to charge them this way but I am just talking about a trickle charger for maintenance. Two are deep cycle and one is starting, any thoughts?

 

[Zum]

I've read a few different veiws on this subject.
The one that makes the most sense to me is...
12 volts is 12 volts and the charger will only see the batteries,as one big 12 volt source.
I wouldn't try it,if I knew one/more battery is bad or very weak.(due to possible quick discharge)
The voltage will settle out at the lower 12 volt level if left in parallel after charged.

This is my view,I'm pretty sure it won't be everyones.

 

[flatboat]

on board 3 bank chargers ain't cheap, but they take the trouble out of chargin'. it charges the bat that needs it and not the ones that don't just a lot easier than moovin the charger to each battery , specialy when time is tight.

 

[TNtroller]

check out BPS, I think they have a new OB charger that charges the batt(s) that need charging by re-directing the power to that batt. Don't remember the cost, but did not appear too unreasonable if memory serves. Another option for you to consider is a BatteryMinder, I have one for the boat, directions indicate you can wire the batts in series or parallel but have not done it.

 

[Aaron Lariscy]

I plan on buying an onboard charger whenever I get the restoration done on my boat I'm just looking for a way to maintain them while I am working on it.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I maintain three batteries with one charger - not that big a deal, just charge one battery at a time, they will hold there charge so you do not need to have the charger always hooked up