Finding your car battery drained or device batteries dead when you need them most is no fun. It leaves you stuck and scrambling for a power source. According to the experts at Clore Automotive, the best way to avoid the hassle of being stranded without the ability to start your vehicle or charge your gear is to make sure every car, truck, boat, or RV has its own trusty 12-volt battery charger onboard and at the ready.
Revive Dead Batteries Fast
These 12-volt battery chargers are designed specifically for charging and maintaining lead-acid batteries of the size typically used for vehicle electrical systems. So if you turn the key and your engine clicks but will not crank over because of a depleted battery, hooking up a 12V charger directly to your battery post terminals can often provide the boost needed to get your engine started within minutes.
Charge Your Devices on the Go
It’s not just about getting your car or boat started. Having your own battery charger allows you to conveniently charge or top off all your electronic devices requiring 12 volt DC power while traveling too. Most chargers have a standard “cigarette lighter” style 12V socket you can plug gadgets right into. No more worries about running out of juice for things like smartphones, tablets, GPS units, fishing equipment, laptops and other electronics that you count on when driving.
Types of 12 Volt Battery Chargers for Vehicles
There are a few primary options of 12V chargers suitable for vehicle use:
- Portable chargers: Ranging from compact 1-amp units for light duty up to 50-amp wheeled chargers for heavy loads, these versatile portable chargers connect to your car battery to provide emergency starts or device charging. Store in your trunk for on-the-go portable power needs.
- Onboard or “smart” chargers: Permanently installed under the hood or inside the vehicle, these integrate directly with the vehicle electrical system for automatic charging and battery maintenance while idling or plugged into shore power. Convenient and fully automatic solution.
- Solar chargers: Mount solar panels onto RVs, boats, sheds and more to harness clean renewable energy from sunlight and convert it to charge your 12V battery bank. An eco-friendly option for camping and remote off-grid locations where shore power access is limited.
Selecting a Reliable 12-Volt Charger
Researching and choosing a quality, efficient 12V charger suited for your vehicle’s battery system is key to harnessing its benefits fully. When selecting a unit, be sure to:
- Match charge amperage rating appropriate for battery size.
- Check output voltage matches your battery system.
- Look for safety features like temperature monitoring.
- Choose reputable established brands you trust.
- Find where to install/store it conveniently when not using.
Installing a suitable 12V charger as backup facilitates easy access for emergency starts or device charging needs. Plus ongoing use provides proper active maintenance charging of your battery.
Conclusion
You never know when you might leave your lights on accidentally overnight or experience unexpected battery problems that leave you stranded. Compact and affordable 12-volt battery chargers provide reliable emergency starting power and device charging to get you back on your way quickly. They are also useful anytime for battery maintenance. Taking advantage of the faster charging abilities, safety mechanisms, and advanced technology offered by today’s smart 12V chargers guarantees every trip is smooth sailing by keeping your vehicle battery primed and accessories charged. Be prepared by never leaving port without the backup support a battery provides. You’ll have confidence that both your battery and devices stay powered up to handle any situation while traveling.
