Shumacher Battery Charger/Maintainer Issues....again

**htr2133** · 03-20-2021, 03:02 PM

Hoping some of your electric technical wizards can help me out here.

I'm now on my 3rd Shumacher charger with microprocessor, maintainer mode, etc. These things are just not lasting for me! I don't think I'm using them hard at all. I don't leave these on constantly or anything. Are the newer models just not made to last? I'm getting tired of buying new chargers every other year or so!

My current model SE50 which has 3 charge rates. When I plug in the charger is does the initial light flash like it should then when I select any charge rate it clicks, the "charging" light comes on for about 5 seconds but you can NOT hear the "hum" like it does when it is truly charging. Then you hear the same click and it all shuts off. I cut and reattached the alligator clips already. I've tried every setting. It did this once before last year and then worked again as normal several times.

Is there anything simple I can might try to get this charger to work? Anything I can test that is simple?

Pretty frustrated. As far as I'm concerned the advanced tech in these chargers pales in comparison to the reliability of the simple one I bought 20+ years ago that is still going strong!

**GrumpyLoomis** · 03-20-2021, 04:06 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm still on my OLD ones and love them. I will be watch this.

**Barnacle Bill** · 03-20-2021, 04:20 PM

All the newer chargers are made to be left on 24/7 when the boat is not is in use. This also prolongs the battery life quite a bit. I use to have some Shumachers for car and truck and they didn't last very long. I've had several BPS chargers over time and never had any problem with them.

**Locator79** · 03-20-2021, 05:20 PM

I burned through those type chargers for years. Spend a little more and get an onboard charger. Keeps batteries topped off and simple.

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**Atimm693** · 03-20-2021, 05:32 PM

You can try taking them apart and see if there is a loose wire or something inside.

I have a big roll around Shumacher that quit. Took it apart, had a laugh at all that was in it, just a transformer about the size of a softball, and a circuit board about the size of a postcard. 90% empty space. Anyway, I found a wire that had come unhooked from the transformer, connected that and it's worked fine since.

I have had a smaller 5 amp Shumacher charger/maintainer for a couple years now without any trouble, granted I don't use it all that much.

**htr2133** · 03-20-2021, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the info guys! Unfortunately I am still rocking the jonboat w no decking or storage so there is really no good place to mount on-board and hide wires to front battery and starting battery at back of boat. I just need a portable charger that will last more than 2-3 years. I'm calling Shumacher on Mon. and if they don't offer to repair mine or send me another, I'm never buying another Shumacher product again. I have 0 expectations bc there is no warranty at this point. Just hoping maybe they do the right thing.

In the mean time, I will search for a better brand in a portable charger. Glad to hear some have had good results from BPS branded chargers. Any other recommendations?

**shadboy** · 03-20-2021, 07:36 PM

I've been through the same thing. Now, I'm using a cen-teck from Harbor Freight. It looks like the old type, but it's not as heavy. Seems to be working well. I think it's two (maybe three) years old.

**Crawpee** · 03-20-2021, 08:47 PM

I use use 2 of the 30 dollar Viking chargers at harbor freight and 2 years so far and still going strong.

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**htr2133** · 04-01-2021, 03:18 PM

thanks again for the replies, weirdest thing, after trying 10 times the day I wrote this post, I put the thing back on the next day and it worked.

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