Are you looking for the best battery charger for the Trojan T-105? You’re in the right place!
Choosing a good charger will help you extend the life of your Trojan T-105 battery. A poor choice will shorten this period. In this guide, we look at 4 of the best chargers for the Trojan T-105 currently available on the market.
In the second part of our story, we will answer some of the most popular questions about using the Troyan T-105 battery, properly charging it, etc.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 4 Trojan T-105 battery chargers. We have a clear favorite in mind, but all the batteries in this list are pretty good at doing the job.
The 4 Best Chargers for Trojan T-105
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Progressive Dynamics PD9245CV | Check Price |
 | Iota DLS-45/IQ4 | Check Price |
 | Black + Decker BC15BD | Check Price |
Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV (Editor’s Choice)
The Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV battery charger featuring an embedded charging controller continually maintains the vehicle’s battery and supervises voltage status. Reverse polarity protection checks damage that could result due to inappropriate battery lead connection. High voltage protection feature shields battery converter/charger from voltage surges while low line voltage defense shuts down converter mechanically when the input voltage is not sufficient.
Features
- Solid-state converter/charger designed specially for delivering pure DC power to all 12V automotive AGM, gel cell, and flooded batteries
- Automatic thermal protection
- Includes 15amp electrical cord and built-in charge wizard
- Input: 105-130 AC voltage, 1000W, 50/60Hz
- Output: 13.6V DC, 60 amp
Pros
- Prevents gadgets and devices from getting damaged due to low voltage fluctuations, thanks to low line voltage protection
- Electronic current limiting mechanically decreases output voltage the moment maximum capacity is achieved.
- Converts AC power into clean and pure DC power, thereby offering safe and bankable service
Cons
- The capacitor should have been robustly bonded to the circuit board to prevent them from coming apart during vibrations
- Casing fixed with pop or tubular rivets that have to be drilled out every time you open the cover
Progressive Dynamics PD9245CV
The PD9245CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series battery charger/converter by Progressive Dynamics comes with an inbuilt charge controller that consistently checks voltage. It is a solid-state converter charger that monitors your deep-cycle batteries on an autopilot basis, delivering pure DC power to any and every 12V appliance and lighting circuit. Reverse battery protection functionality safeguards the charger/converter from damage arising out of the reverse battery lead connection.
The high voltage protection mechanism shields the PD9245CV from sudden and unexpected voltage surges or spikes beyond 135V. Electronic current limiting mechanically brings down voltage output once peak capacity is attained, thereby protecting the Progressive Dynamics battery charger/converter PD9245CV. In case of insufficient input voltage, the charger shuts down automatically, thanks to low line voltage protection, thus protecting gadgets from damage.
Features
- Includes 15 amp electrical cord
- It also comes equipped with a built-in charge wizard (controller)
- Input: 105-130 AC voltage, 50/60Hertz, and 725W
- Output: 13.6 DC voltage ,45amps
- Clean DC power delivery guarantees reliable and safe service.
Pros
- The reverse battery protection feature eliminates chances of damage owing to faulty battery lead connection.
- Variable speed smart cooling fan regulates converter/charger temperature and adjusts speed accordingly.
- Automated thermal protection ensures converter output at safe levels if the unit temperature is above preset levels, thus safeguarding the charger from damage (owing to overheating)
- A solid-state converter/charger ideal for supplying clean DC power to almost all 12V appliance and lighting circuits
Cons
- Many campervans, RV, and motorhome owners have reported that a longer pendant cable would have been more convenient
- Dubious charging algorithm (equalizing voltage is 14.4V and not 15.5V as it should be)
- Terminals not conducive for fitting two-gauge stranded cord
IOTA DLS-45/IQ4
The IOTA DLS-45/IQ4 is the most performance-oriented 4-stage battery charger/converter you can choose for your Trojan T-105. The IQ smart technology mechanically delivers a boost charge for a preset/preprogrammed time after that reverts to the float stage, provided the DLS voltage has stayed in the long-term phase for more than a week. You may not know how the IOTA DLS-45/IQ4 performs, but the battery works efficiently and in silence.
The battery bulk charges at 45 amps and raises the voltage to 14.8V to maintain and sustain the maximum charging current. At absorption mode, the voltage plummets to 14.2V. The charge current could initiate at approximately 30amps and drop by almost 80%, settling at about 8amps. The IQ4 is perfectly companionable with all kinds of 12V lead-acid batteries like gel cell, AGM, and flooded batteries.
This heavy-duty battery converter/charger has been designed painstakingly to ensure that it serves as a significant power-supplying unit. Simply put, this battery charger/converter enables the user to maintain a nominal 12V DC load up to 45amps.
Features
- Compatible for charging a wide gamut of 12V lead-acid batteries such as gel, AGM, and flooded batteries
- Converts nominal 108-132AC to 13.4DC voltage
- 4-stage battery charging: equalization, float, absorption, and bulk
- It comes with a built-in IQ4 smart charge controller
- DC no-load output voltage: 13.6V
- Max continuous output amperage: 45amps
- Output voltage tolerance (no load): +/- 7%
- Maximum continuous power output: 600W
- Max inrush current (single cycle): 40 amps
- Overload and short-circuit protection
- Thermal protection
Pros
- Smart charge controller performs four fundamental charging functions: absorption, bulk, seven-day maintenance cycle, and float.
- Easily converts 108-132 AC voltage to 13.4 DC voltage for both 12V (battery) charging and DC load operation.
- It helps sustain the battery, enabling it to deliver full-rated current even when the latter’s capacity plummets considerably
- The voltage is programmed for delivering the maximum current for the stipulated period to reduce stress on the battery from the heating of its cells.
- Checks self-discharging of cells by delivering a float charge
Cons
- It could get somewhat noisy at times
- A remote monitoring panel that connected to the charger/converter would have displayed what it was doing
Black + Decker BC15BD
The Black + Decker BC15BD battery charger/maintainer rejuvenates your RV’s battery, thereby breathing new life into your motionless motor home. All you’ve to do is attach the battery charger clamps to the battery’s terminals and press down on charge. And the charger springs into action without fuss and continues to perform optimally.
The High-frequency automatic battery charger excels in charging at three distinct stages, switching automatically from fast to top-off to trickle charge. The BC 15BD Black + Decker battery charger comes perfectly handy for setting and maintaining any 12V marine or wet, gel cell, or AGM automotive battery.
Features
- Battery voltage: 12V
- Power: 0-15amps
- Single-touch automatic charging
- Alternator check functionality
- Reverse polarity protection
- ETL/CEC compliant
Pros
- Monitors battery and alternator at the same time
- Fully automated high-frequency battery charger with 40amp engine start functionality
- Charges 40% faster compared to traditional battery chargers.
- It comes with battery clamps for charging the vehicle’s battery without removing it
Cons
- Many customers have complained of the unit not functioning as per the user’s expectations
- Several customers have said that the company, rather than charging a dead battery, indicates “FLO,” meaningfully set when it’s not
Frequently Asked Questions About Charging Trojan T-105 Batteries
Can I Salvage a Dead Trojan T-105 Battery?
Can you revive a dead Trojan T-105 battery? Whether you’ll be able to breathe new life into your dead T-105 battery depends on the length of time the battery has been lying idle, i.e., dead. If your T-105 has been flat out for 3-4 months, you can revive them up nearly up to their output voltage.
However, the salvaged T-105 may only be good enough for starting your RV. The revived battery may not deliver enough juice for powering up the onboard electrical/electronic accessories in your campervan.
How to Pick the Best Charger for a Trojan T-105 Battery?
If you want to make the most of your Trojan T-105 battery, steer clear of a single-stage battery charger/converter. Instead, choose a 4-stage smart battery charger/converter such as the Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV or the IOTA DLS-45/IQ4. You can rest assured your T-105 will stay in service for at least 8-10 years, provided you buy a quality 4-stage converter/charger.
How long the Trojan T-105 will remain functional will depend on many charge/discharge cycles, level of use, and care. A pair of 6V T-105 batteries will set you back by nothing less than US$900. So if you take good care of your T-105s, you can bet they might last for 7-10 years, thus enabling you to make substantial savings.
When selecting the best 4-stage battery charger/converter for T-105, you can choose from Progressive Dynamics or IOTA. IOTA is as good as Progressive Dynamics but is more affordable and is more compact, and lightweight. It ultimately boils down to a matter of personal preference. A good rule of thumb is comparing and matching your existing battery charger/converter’s amperage with the one you intend to purchase.
You are talking about matching amperages; many RV and golf cart owners’ mistakes for aligning line amperages (50amp or 30amp). Checking line amperage and comparing the amperage of the battery charger/converter is not the same thing. A 4-stage battery converter/charger usually has a 12V rating, while your RV plug has a 110V rating.
How to Charge a Trojan T-105 Battery
Before using your Trojan T-105 battery for the first time, make sure you charge it entirely owing to the possibility of self-discharge during storage or shipping. You should follow the proper steps for charging/recharging for optimal performance and maximizing the battery’s longevity. The Trojan-105 has been designed with meticulous care to go through several hundreds of recharge and discharge cycles.
However, you should bear in mind that overcharging or undercharging the T-105 battery can drastically reduce the battery’s functional life. The majority of chargers for deep-cycle batteries like the T-105 are preprogrammed and automatic, while a few are traditional that calls for setting the amperage and voltage manually. Follow these steps for adequately charging/recharging a T-105 battery:-
- Before charging, make sure the charger has been correctly set or programmed for deep-cycle gel, AGM, wet or flooded batteries.
- Never charge the battery if it feels very cold to the touch.
- Ensure to charge/recharge in an area or space that is well-ventilated
- Do not charge if the ambient temperature is more than 50°C (122°F)
- You should fully charge the battery after every use cycle.
- You must use the battery for at least half an hour after a full charge.
- Depth of discharge, charger output, and battery size will influence the battery’s time to charge the battery fully.
- Though it is highly recommended to allow for temperature variations during charging (to boost the battery’s longevity), it is mandatory for gel and AGM batteries.
- If you’re using a lead-acid battery, ensure not to discharge it fully before recharging (as these batteries don’t come with a memory function)
- Avoid discharging your T-105 that exceeds 80% depth of discharge. Taking this precaution minimizes and eliminates chances of overcharging or battery dying out permanently.
What’s the Trojan T-105 Battery, and How to Care About It?
The Trojan Battery Company is one of the most reputed manufacturers of semi-traction and deep-cycling batteries worldwide, producing them since the 1020s. One of Trojan’s bestselling deep-cycle batteries is the T-105 that you’ll find under the hood of an RV, campervan, motorhome, and golf buggy.
The Trojan T-105 is an incredibly versatile battery that not only aids in restarting your RV but also power 110V/120V electronic/electrical accessories. However, your RV manufacturer has not installed a top-quality battery in your campervan. And anyway, even the best quality of battery will not stay in service perpetually.
Additionally, RV manufacturers also equip motor homes and campervans with inferior single-stage battery chargers/converters that prove to be a bane. Ultimately, you’re left with a battery pack that dies out within 1-2 years of purchasing them. If you wish to boost the lifespan of your RV’s battery and ensure its optimal performance, always settle for a 4-stage intelligent battery charger/converter.
So, What’s the Best Battery Charger for the Trojan T-105?
In our opinion, the Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV is the best battery charger for a Trojan T-105.