Schumacher Battery charger issues

[htr2133]

i purchased a Schumacher automatic 12v charger (ssc-1500a) from wm 4-5 years ago. I wanted a charger that would maintain my battery automatically once it was charged. I must say I have been really disappointed. The fan started making a horrible noise within the first 18-24 mths. It finally stopped completely. Since I typically only use the 2amp charge rate I wasn't too worried. A few months ago the display started throwing an "error" or "bad battery" code and I noticed it was no longer switching to float/maintain mode.

I assumed since my battery was purchased in 2011 it was the issue. I took it and had it tested and the rep said it didn't test bad but needed to be charged. That should have been my first clue the charger was the issue bc that battery had been charged for over 24 hrs. I went ahead and replaced the battery. Now the charger is throwing the same codes on the new battery.

I called the company and of course they were helpful to point out the control panel is probably faulty but it's not covered under warranty. I called the servicer who tried to sell me a new charger since it was cheaper than fixing mine 😡.

I am really surprised by this charger, I purchased a Schumacher charger when I was 13 and it is still an excellent basic charger that I gave to my dad. My grandpa has this brand as well and his is probably from the 70s and still works great. I guess the newer ones which are all plastic and computerized don't hold up?

Has this been anyone's experience and what is a good option for a portable automatic charger that will last more than 5 years?

Thanks.

[shuorc]

Bought a low end Schumacher charger on sale from Tractor Supply, it failed after about 3 months and was told the warranty was only 30 days. Wasn't too happy so went to Sears and got a Diehard charger and have been happy with it so far. Have since repaired the Schumacher and rests on the shelf as a backup unit. Wouldn't buy another one.--shu

[SeaRay]

I bought a used 2000 Tracker about 8 years ago. It had a 2 bank 10 amp on board charger that has the BPS logo on it. It is waterproof and stays connected all the time. All you have to do is plug it in. It automatically monitors and maintains the battery. It has been flawless since 2000, 15 years. If and when it dies, I will get another just like it. I had always done the separate charger thing until I got this unit with the boat and it made a believer out of me. Too easy and too efficient not to use.

[wilbur]

I was given a charger by Don himself back when he was driving a funny car in the early 70s and still have it an it still works fine.

[Cray]

htr,I have one of those and it did the same thing. Used it very little on previous boat before I installed onboard. Just used for vechicals and mowers. Took apart and plastic everything. No help through them, basically throw away today. Got one like Wilbur's from mid 70's that is like a times, just keeps on ticking.

[Swampseed]

I have a Shumacher that is also newer but different model and the fan also sounds like its going to blow up!!! Wont ever buy another one.

[Defiant]

I have found that Shumacher chargers are total junk the older ones were ok but the newer ones way overcharge batteries I checked one with a voltmeter and it was charging at 15.7 Volts that's way to high I would never buy one

[Sovran]

I have been completely happy with my Schauer ChargeMaster solid state smart charger 2/4/6. I have had it for many years and works perfectly for charge, maintain and desulfination. Comes with a 2 year warranty. Great deal for the $40 I paid. My only regret was wishing I had ponied up another $30 and bought the 2/8/16. Since it is solid state, it has no fan or other moving parts to wear out. I have used it on AGM, deep cycle, and starting batteries.

[Defiant]

I have been completely happy with my Schauer ChargeMaster solid state smart charger 2/4/6. I have had it for many years and works perfectly for charge, maintain and desulfination. Comes with a 2 year warranty. Great deal for the $40 I paid. My only regret was wishing I had ponied up another $30 and bought the 2/8/16. Since it is solid state, it has no fan or other moving parts to wear out. I have used it on AGM, deep cycle, and starting batteries.

The older ones were decent the newer ones overcharge almost like equalization voltages over 15 volts is way to high to be charging I have seen a bunch of them do it when you can smell battery acid from across a room its boiling the crap outta it . Just saying to watch out and check the voltages shouldn't be over about 14.7 volts

[wasabi]

I have this Vector brand charger and it also developed a noisy as heck fan. The noise goes away after a minute or two. I bet it is the same inside as the Schumacher, although this one has worked very well for me for 7 years.