Are low amp (5 Amp) chargers ok to use?

[Nascamper]

Hello,

I just bought my first golf cart for running around the campground and house (97 EZGO TXT) and I don't trust the charger that came with it. The previous cover has been removed and there is a jumper wire being used inside of it.

I would like to buy a new charger for the new 6 new Interstate (Trojan) batteries I bought and I see many charger choices. I'll typically use it for an hour or so a day running around the campground and can charge it every night, so would a 5 amp charger be ok for my needs and are they ok to use? I realize that it will take 6+hours to charge the batteries which is not an issue. I'm more concerned with keeping the new batteries healthy for as long as I can.

Thank you,
David

[teecro]

If you are truly concerned with keeping your new batteries in tip top condition then in my opinion you do NOT want to use this charger as it it too SMALL to charge your batteries deep down which is what stimulates the production of hydrogen bulbs. You would be truly better off buying an Accusence Charger from DPI that utilizes the float charge so that once it is finished with the proper high amp charge that replaces the energy used it then switches to a low amp float charge to keep your batteries fully topped off... Trying to switch between an old "jumpered" charger and a little 5 amp charger is really going to be a recipe for disaster....

[Volt_Ampere]

With new batteries you do not want to skimp on the charger.

[Nascamper]

Thank you the advice. I will play it safe and buy the DPI charger.

[scottyb]

These guys steered you right - the rule of thumbs is the bulk rate (highest rate) of charge should be close to 10% of the battery capacity. That equals about 20a for 6v batteries and 17-18 amp 8v batteries

[JohnnieB]

Attached are a couple of latest charts from Trojan.

Note that the on-charge voltage chart now lists Bulk, Absorption and Finish charge phases for modern multi-step chargers.