battery/charger dilemna

[Major Mark]

went out Saturday for what may be the last time this year (Wisconsin), and luckily checked out the boat Friday evening. Found my cranking battery completely dead! It's been about 6 weeks since I used it last (due to work problems). Put a trickle charger on it overnight & was nervous all the way to the launch on Saturday. Fortunately the Opti cranked right up & put out a good 14 volts all day. Now I''m wondering if I have a short of some kind, if the Interstate battery is dead after only 7 months, or ?????



When I bought the rig, I let the dealer talk me out of the Guest 2631 3 bank charger I wanted (at the advice of members of this site) in lieu of a Dual Pro SE 2 bank he had in stock (not my 1st mistake with this Bozo! in hind site. The 1st mistake was buying from him).

Now I need to go back to my original choice & get a 2631, but have a few questions.

1)Does the 2631 have maintainer technology in it to know not to overcharge if left plugged in between fishing trips (dealer said he didn't think so when I bought my rig but he didn't stock Guests, thus the DP SE)? (or even all winter)?

2)Is the 2631 my best option as far as Guests are concerned?

3)Whats the difference between a 2631 & a 2631A I've seen on some sites?

BPS doesn't even offer the 2631 (online anyways), Cabelas has it for $319, I found a site that has it for $269.

4&5)Can I do any better on price, & has anyone even dealt with this Defender company? http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|51495|985|316471&id=986

6)What are the size specs of the 2631 (so I just put it in the same place as the Dual Pro)?

7)Anyone interested in a almost new Dual Pro SE 2 bank-10 amp per bank charger?



Thanks

Maj

 

[Greg Meyer]

You can plug in your GUEST (When you get it... you'll be so much happier) because, and you can have the dealer call Sue to get educated, you can plug it in and forget it... it actually helps your batteries "stay" charged and healthy

 

[Jim B]

The 2631 is a good unit. I have had one in my boat going on 6 years now, its been flawless for me. I just pl;ug it in and forget it.



FYI on the Opti, from what im told by a friend who owns one it always draws a little current from the battery even when its off. He had the same peoblem as you where his boat sat for a bit and he had a dead battery. Her also went out and got a 3 bank and just leaves it plugged in all the time, no more problems.

 

[Bill Gintzel]

I replaced a Dual Pro with the 2631. Bought it on ebay for considerably less than retail. It was new in box and has performed flawlessly. I leave it plugged in all of the time. It actually fits the space better than the Dual Pro!



Bill

 

[Major Mark]

anyone know if there is a difference between a 2631 & 2631A..or are they the same critters?

 

[Sue DeLelys]

Mark,



Sorry for being late for this. 2631 and 2631A are electrically the same charger, they just look different. The A version came out about 1 1/2 years ago. They both have the maintainence mode, will not overcharge your batteries and can be used to store your batteries long term at full charge.



As for what charger is best for you, that depends on battery size and how often you fish. Give me a call toll free at Guest and I would be happy to recommend the best chgarger for you. My number is 1-888-483-7865 ext 135 and I am here Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM EST.



Have a great day!



Sue D.

 

[Major Mark]

ordered a 2631 today!