AGM Battery Charging Recommendation Between Smart Charger or Solar Panel

Updated 02/14/2022 | Published 02/13/2022

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Question:

I have instaled odyssey AGM deep Cycle Battery like auxiliary batery to run fridge, water pump and tire inflator when need.I own Toyota Tundra TRD off road, do not use my truck often and I would like to keep my batteries full charged all the time to be ready when I going to camping. I am wondering what is best to keep batteries fully changed using smart charger or solar panel. Thank you

asked by: Stevan K

Expert Reply:

If your trailer is going to be parked near an outlet when you aren't using it then a smart charger will be more cost-effective and still sufficiently charge your battery, but if your trailer isn't near an outlet then you'll need to go with solar panels. I personally like the solar panel setup the best because it means your batteries can virtually be charged anywhere there is sun but a lot of this has to do with your budget so below is what I recommend out of either system - pricing can be found on the product pages:

Wall Smart Charger
NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - # 329-GENIUS10

Solar Panel Charger
Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D
Solar Panel # RED56VR
Mounting Brackets # RED79VR
MC4 Cable # RED38VR

For the best of both worlds you can install the Redarc The Manager30 Battery Management System # RED88FR which can integrate the solar panel equipment mentioned above plus it has a plug for AC (standard wall outlet) power, but for the occasional camper this would be considered overkill. The BCDC and The Manager30 can also be set up for pulling power from your Tundra as well.

Attached are some review videos to check out.