Mixing Battery Types - Which charging profile to use on the onboard charger?

[JKTrevecca]

Good afternoon - If I run 2 gel batteries for my accessories + 1 lead acid (liquid) battery for cranking but can only set the charging profile of my on-board charger 2 charge all 3 banks the same, which profile should I select? Gel? Lead Acid?

My understanding is the gel batteries need a lower voltage charge to prevent damage. Correct? If so, would charging the lead acid on the Gel profile damage it or have any adverse impact on it?

Thanks in advance!

-- Jason

 

[alldodge]

I would not mix Gel with Lead acid or AGM. Mixing lead acid with AGM can work, but IMO there is no way it will work correctly with Gel

 

[GA_Boater]

If the motor has a charging system, let the motor charge the starting battery. Keep the two gel accessory batteries separate on their own wiring. Then you have no possibility of damaging any of the batteries or charger.

 

[JoLin]

If the motor has a charging system, let the motor charge the starting battery. Keep the two gel accessory batteries separate on their own wiring. Then you have no possibility of damaging any of the batteries or charger.

Sounds like good advice to me. As Alldodge noted, flooded lead-acid and AGM are similar (they're technically both lead-acid). Gel cell is a different animal and has a different charge profile.

My .02

 

[plenty of fish]

I have two 8D battery's on my 3870. One for the house and the other is for the starter battery. Yes they are heavy and I haft to have someone to help move them when needed. I am thinking about adding another 8D or two golf cart battery's to the house side to increase the amp hours while on the hook. I am just not sure which way to go.