Page 1 of 2

Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 19:52
by what2do
I'd like to invest in a good quality smart charger that will live up to it's claims. Does anyone have an opinion, good or bad, regarding these chargers?
Cheers, Mitch.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 20:01
by lloydy
i have a ctek mxs25 (25amp) they do lesser amp ones as well for more reasonable money. Sterling do a couple as well.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 20:47
by ninja.turtle007
I have the same as Lloyd. Expensive but it does put out 25A (tested) when required.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 20:51
by what2do
100% positive.....at the moment. Cheers guys.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 20:54
by AdrianC
Another happy CTek user here, but "only" the 5A.

How big a charger do you need? How much are you taking out of the battery, and how big's your leisure battery/ies? How do you tend to camp? Don't forget the alternator's charging the leisure(s) as well as the starter whenever you're driving, on top of the hookup.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 21:37
by what2do
No leisure battery here I'm afraid. Just my main battery. Open to recommendations as to weather I purchase a 5A or 25A.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 21:47
by ninja.turtle007
My ctek charger is for my leisure batteries. For bench charging I use a cheaper charger http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/28106129 ... =95&ff19=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Noisy when the fan runs but works okay.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 21:53
by lloydy
if you only have one battery id go for a 5amp ctek or similar. 25amp is a bit overkill, mine charges 3 batteries which total over 200AH.
it would be a waste for you. 10% of your batteries AH seems to be a figure used to size a charger

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 21:59
by what2do
Most helpful guys, no point me paying for excess that won't be utilised.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 22 Apr 2014, 22:04
by what2do
Just googled the ctek chargers. One question, are the cig adapters for charging the vehicles battery instead of clipping the crocodile clips onto the battery?

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 23 Apr 2014, 07:11
by lloydy
Haven't seen one with a ciggy lighter? Just croc clips and rings. Like this
http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-mxs5 ... wgodUwQAFg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 23 Apr 2014, 08:04
by AdrianC
what2d wrote:Just googled the ctek chargers. One question, are the cig adapters for charging the vehicles battery instead of clipping the crocodile clips onto the battery?
Assuming your ciggy socket's wired to be permanently live, and you don't exceed the fuse for the circuit (usually 10A), then it'd certainly do that job.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 23 Apr 2014, 13:49
by what2do
Now then, choices, choices, choices. Mxs 5 charger OR mxs 5 test and charge? Quite a bit of difference in price but would you say that it's worth having the extra facility? Mitch.

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 23 Apr 2014, 16:35
by lloydy
i'd probably just buy the normal one, or maybe shop around and see if you can get the test one cheaper somewhere.
Mine doesn't do the test thing and ive never needed it

Re: Smart charger review

Posted: 23 Apr 2014, 17:32
by max and caddy
I have a c tek charger and also a aldi one....they seem to do the same job without any issues...the c tek is water proof however.