Autocraft Battery Charger

Keeping Your Vehicle’s Battery Charged and Running Like New

If you’re in the market for a new battery charger, you may have come across the Autocraft brand. As an avid auto enthusiast and hobbyist mechanic, I’ve tested my fair share of battery chargers over the years. And in my experience, Autocraft makes some of the most reliable and heavy-duty chargers out there.

In this complete buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Autocraft battery chargers – from the different types available to usage, safety, and maintenance tips. Whether you need to charge a car, boat, motorcycle or lawn tractor battery, there’s an Autocraft model up for the task.

The Many Types of Autocraft Battery Chargers

One of the great things about Autocraft is the wide variety of battery chargers they offer. From small “trickle” chargers meant to maintain a charge over long storage periods, to heavy-duty models that can jump start huge diesel engines, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Here’s a quick overview of the main types:

• Trickle chargers: As the name suggests, these charge batteries slowly over longer periods of time. They’re great for keeping batteries topped off in stored vehicles, RVs, boats, motorcycles, and more. Most plug into a standard wall outlet.
• Automotive chargers: The most popular type, these are designed specifically for 12V lead-acid batteries found in cars, trucks, tractors, and other vehicles. They deliver a high-amp quick charge and may have additional features like jump starting and diagnostics.
• Deep cycle chargers: Use these for large deep cycle batteries commonly found in boats, golf carts, and campers. They use a customized multi-stage charging process to safely bring deeply discharged batteries back to full power.
• Portable “jump starter” chargers: These compact units combine a charger, jump starter, and portable power pack. You can charge devices on the go and use them to jump start your vehicle if the battery dies. Great for emergencies and remote use.
• Solar battery chargers: For total off-grid power, Autocraft makes high-quality solar chargers. They slowly charge your battery using just the power of the sun – no plugs required!

Where to Buy an Autocraft Battery Charger

Autocraft battery chargers are sold at several major retailers, making them easy to find and purchase:

• O’Reilly Auto Parts: As one of the largest Autocraft retailers, O’Reilly stores stock the full line of chargers. You can shop in-person at one of their 5000+ locations across the US, or order online for in-store pickup or delivery.
• Advance Auto Parts: Advance Auto Parts also sells a wide selection of Autocraft chargers at stores nationwide and online.
• Walmart: You can find many of the smaller, entry-level Autocraft chargers on Walmart shelves and their website.
• Amazon: Of course, Amazon carries a huge assortment of Autocraft battery chargers with free shipping for Prime members. Browse reviews and purchase directly online.
• Autocraft website: You can also buy select high-end models directly from the Autocraft Battery Chargers website. This is a good option if you need a heavy-duty industrial charger.

Wherever you choose to purchase, be sure to compare prices between retailers. Sales, promotions, and discounts on Autocraft chargers happen frequently. Buying online tends to offer the lowest prices.

Using Your Shiny New Autocraft Battery Charger

Once you’ve purchased your Autocraft battery charger, it’s time to put it to work! Here are some tips for safe and effective use:

• Carefully read all safety, usage, and charging instructions provided in the manual before using your new charger. Different models have different features, power levels, and charging procedures.
• Select the right charge mode for the type of battery you’re charging. Most Autocraft chargers have separate settings for standard, AGM, gel, and deep cycle batteries. This helps avoid damage from over or under-charging.
• When connecting to a battery, attach the positive (red) clamp to the battery’s positive terminal first. Then connect the negative (black) clamp to a metal grounding spot away from the battery. Double check for tight clamps.
• For vehicle batteries, turn off all electronics and engine before connecting the charger. Allow plenty of ventilation and don’t smoke nearby.
• When charging is finished, disconnect the black negative clamp first for safety. Recheck water levels in non-sealed batteries and clean any corrosion from terminals.
• Don’t leave batteries charging unattended for long periods of time. Monitor periodically to ensure proper shut off and unplug once fully charged.
• Store your charger indoors when not in use. Never expose to direct rain or excessive moisture.

Following the directions and observing basic charging safety will keep your Autocraft charger performing reliably for years. The intelligent multi-stage charging most models use prevent overcharging.

The Reliability and Durability You Expect

Through many hours of testing batteries and chargers in my own garage, I can definitively say Autocraft builds some of the most heavy-duty and reliable chargers on the market.

They exceed industry standards for quality and durability. The casings resist impacts, oils, and solvents common in garages and workshops. Their high-grade internal components efficiently charge batteries without overheating.

Reviews from other auto owners also praise their solid performance and long lifespan. In my experience, Autocraft’s 3-10 year warranties are an accurate reflection of their impressive longevity. They really do seem to last forever with basic preventative maintenance!

For demanding duty cycles, like daily charging of large equipment batteries, I would recommend upgrading to one of Autocraft’s professional-grade chargers. They offer extra high charging power plus rugged metal housings to withstand shop abuse. While costing more upfront, their extreme durability saves money in the long run by avoiding constant charger replacements.

A Look at Warranties and Return Policies

To back their products, Autocraft provides decent warranty coverage on all battery chargers:

• 3 year limited warranty: Consumer models for personal use have a standard 3 year warranty protecting against defects. Requires proof of purchase and covers the charger itself, not batteries.
• 5 year limited warranty: More heavy-duty consumer and commercial chargers receive 5 years of warranty coverage from Autocraft.
• 10 year limited warranty: Only the extreme industrial models get the full 10 year peace of mind warranty. Shows how much Autocraft stands behind their commercial quality.

If your charger does prove defective, they offer hassle-free repairs or replacements. Most retailers also allow returns of unused chargers within 30-90 days of purchase. Verify return policy specifics with your place of purchase.

Charging Times Vary by Battery Size

One frequent question about battery chargers is “How long will it take to fully charge my battery?” The answer depends on several factors:

• Battery capacity – Measured in amp-hours (Ah), larger batteries require longer charge times. A giant 100 Ah deep cycle marine battery takes much longer than a 35 Ah car battery.
• Charger power – Higher amperage chargers provide faster charge times. A trickle charger may need days while a 10A charger takes just hours. Match charger and battery size.
• Charge level – Charging a fully dead battery takes longer than topping off a partially charged one. Most time is spent on the bulky first phase of charging.
• Temperature – Cold weather reduces chemical activity, slowing charge times. Charging in a hot garage speeds things up.

For an average sized 12V car battery, I find most Autocraft automotive chargers take 4-8 hours for a full charge, depending on capacity. Their intelligent charging technology prevents overcharging once the battery is full. Leaving it plugged in won’t hurt after it’s finished.

If you need to shorten charge times in a pinch, look for an Autocraft charger with a higher amperage rating, like 15-30A models. Just take care not to exceed the recommended charging amps for your battery. Fast charging too quickly can decrease battery life.

Glowing Reviews From Real Owners

Curious what actual experiences people have using Autocraft battery chargers? I always scour reviews from verified owners before making a purchase. Here’s a sampling of the positive feedback:

• “Reliable workhorse that won’t quit!” – Trevor used his Autocraft automotive charger for 3 years across many batteries with perfect performance. Other cheaper chargers burned out but this one keeps going.
• “Brought both cars back from the dead.” – Danielle’s review says her new Autocraft charger had enough power to recharge two depleted car batteries after they sat all winter. Now both vehicles start right up.
• “Well made with lots of settings.” – Mark praises the sturdy case and clear LED indicators showing charge status and mode. The adjustable amperage settings work equally well on car, truck, and marine batteries.
• “Saved me from buying a new battery!” – Laura’s “check battery” light came on but after a full overnight charge cycle with her Autocraft, the battery tested good as new. The multi-stage charging works great.
• “Rugged charger for the farm. – Eric’s Autocraft stand up to daily use on the farm charging tractors, UTVs, and all the 12V equipment batteries with no issues. Much more durable than cheaper brands.

For affordable reliability across all types of batteries, Autocraft battery chargers earn their reputation as a top choice for automotive owners and professionals alike. The ratings and reviews speak for themselves.

Maintaining Your Autocraft Battery Charger

To keep your battery charger working properly for years to come, be sure to follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Store indoors in a clean, dry location when not in use to prevent moisture damage or rust.
• Clean battery clamps – Check for corrosion on clamps/cables and clean with a wire brush or baking soda/water paste regularly.
• Avoid impacts – Don’t drop or hit the charger to prevent internal damage. Handle carefully.
• Check connections – Inspect input and output cables for cracks or frays. Replace immediately if damaged.
• Don’t overload – Don’t attempt to charge over the recommended battery capacity as this can overload internal components.
• Let breathe – Prevent overheating by keeping air vents unobstructed and don’t enclose in tight spaces while charging.
• Ask about recalls – Contact the manufacturer if you have an older model to inquire about any potential recalls or replacement parts.

With proper storage, cleaning, and handling, an Autocraft battery charger should deliver years of reliable service. They’re built tough!

Compatible With All Battery Types

Can you safely charge any kind of battery with an Autocraft charger? I’ll go through compatibility for common battery types:

• Lead-acid batteries – Fully compatible! This includes traditional flooded, sealed AGM, gel, and deep cycle lead-acid batteries. Just select the correct setting.
• Lithium-ion batteries – Autocraft makes lithium battery chargers but most standard models should NOT be used. They can overcharge and damage lithium-ion.
• Nickel-based batteries – Not compatible – Autocraft chargers are designed for lead-acid only. Don’t use with NiMH or similar nickel chemistries.
• Rechargeable tool batteries – Cordless power tool batteries are lithium-ion and require special chargers. Don’t try charging with an Autocraft charger.

So in summary, you can safely charge all lead-acid battery types with an Autocraft charger but should not use it for other battery chemistries. Select the appropriate charging mode and settings to avoid issues. Still in doubt? Refer to the included manual.

Safety Features Offer Peace of Mind

Charging batteries produces flammable hydrogen gas so battery chargers must provide certain safety protections. Here are the main features Autocraft chargers include:

• Automatic shut off – Chargers stop automatically when the battery is fully charged to prevent dangerous overcharging.
• Over-voltage protection – If the charger output exceeds a safe level, systems cut power to avoid damage.
• Reverse polarity protection – Reversed positive/negative clamps won’t damage the charger or battery.
• Overheat protection – If internal temperature gets too high, charging will pause until things cool down. Prevents fire risks.
• Diagnostics – Many models have indicator lights showing charging status, errors, and battery health. Takes the guesswork out of charging.
• Spark proof – Their non-sparking designs are safe for use near fumes or flammable situations.
• Insulated clamps – The included battery clamps fully insulate the metal contact points for user safety. Reduces shock hazards.

Autocraft clearly takes safety seriously based on the redundant protections built into all their chargers. Follow the usage instructions and charging is a worry-free process.

Cost and Discount Options for Autocraft Chargers

Given the heavy-duty construction and performance, I consider Autocraft battery chargers an excellent value for the money. Here are some typical prices ranges:

• Trickle chargers – The compact automatic maintainer style chargers start at $20-50. Great low-cost option for a secondary charger.
• Car and powersports chargers – Their most popular 6-10 amp automotive chargers range from $60-100. Offers the best value for higher performance.
• Marine and commercial chargers – Heavy-duty units for larger batteries and commercial use run $120-500. Built to handle constant daily use and abuse.

Where available, opt for an Autocraft model on sale or with a coupon to maximize savings. Retailers often run promotions around holidays and change deals week to week. Signing up for email savings alerts helps you snag the lowest price.

If replacing a defective charger under warranty, customer service will provide a free replacement. Just have your order information ready when you contact them.

Troubleshooting Tips to Try Before Returning

While Autocraft chargers are generally quite reliable, here are some troubleshooting steps to try if you start having problems:

• Check connections – Loose battery clamps or damaged cables are the most common cause of issues. Secure clamps tightly to clean terminal contacts.
• Try another outlet – Use a different wall outlet in case low voltage or bad wiring is causing trouble. Avoid using extensions cords when possible.
• Let it cool – If the charger stops working due to overheating, shut off completely and allow sufficient time to cool before resuming.
• Check for errors – Many models have diagnostic lights indicating reverse polarity, bad battery, or other faults. Consult manual for resolving errors.
• Contact customer support – Still not working? The customer support team can help diagnose problems and may authorize a free replacement if under warranty.
• Return for refund – If brand new and confirmed defective out of the box, return to your place of purchase for an easy refund.

With some basic troubleshooting, a malfunctioning Autocraft charger will likely be up and running again in no time. If not, take advantage of the warranty policy to get a replacement.

Use on Cars, Trucks, Boats, and More

One advantage of Autocraft’s versatile chargers is most can charge all types of lead-acid batteries, not just cars. This makes them ideal for:

• Automotive – Fully charges discharged car, truck, and powersport batteries. Compact models work great for ATVs, RVs, golf carts, and motorcycles.
• Marine – Onboard and trolling motor marine batteries are essentially deep cycle lead-acid. Select the proper setting for wet or gel types.
• Industrial – Their heavy-duty chargers work for forklifts, commercial equipment, emergency lighting, generators and large machinery.
• Solar – Pair solar-compatible Autocraft chargers with panels to charge batteries using the sun. They handle the fluctuating input smoothly.
• Farm/ranch – Tractor, truck, UTV, and tool batteries on farms can be charged by larger Autocraft chargers capable of tough daily use.

So whether you need to charge a tiny motorcycle battery or an entire bank of golf cart batteries, there’s an Autocraft model up for the job. Their versatility makes them at home in any garage, marina, or workshop.

Proper Storage Between Uses

To ensure your Autocraft battery charger stays in top condition when not charging, follow these storage tips:

• Store in a dry location away from rain, snow, and excessive moisture that could damage internal components. Avoid setting directly on concrete.
• Place in a well ventilated area instead of completely sealing in plastic or tight cases that could cause overheating.
• Prevent cord damage by neatly coiling the input and output cables without pinching or kinking the wiring.
• Disconnect from batteries when storing to avoid parasitic loads draining the battery. Disconnect the black negative clamp first for safety.
• Clean before storage and charge a drained battery if storing the charger for extended periods to keep it active.
• Protect from impacts by avoiding dropping and fully securing in vehicles or on shelves. Don’t stack heavy objects on top.

Following this advice will add years of productive life to your Autocraft battery charger. And remember to refer to the included storage guidance specific to your model. Maintaining your investment upfront saves money down the road.

How Autocraft Compares to Other Brands

While researching battery chargers, you’ll encounter lots of competing brands. So how does Autocraft stack up against other major names? Here are my thoughts:

• NOCO – Very similar performance and features to Autocraft but usually at slightly higher costs. Autocraft edges them out on value.
• Schumacher – More budget-friendly price points but not the same build quality and ruggedness. You get what you pay for.
• Battery Tender – Excellent simple trickle chargers but limited options for higher powered applications compared to Autocraft’s diverse line.
• CTEK – This premium Swedish brand does offer more sophisticated charging programs but the price tag is double or triple an Autocraft.
• Trickstar – A decent budget-priced alternative but without the track record and warranty support of Autocraft.

While everyone will find a brand that fits their preferences and budget, for the combination of price, performance, and durability, Autocraft remains my go-to recommendation for most users. Their chargers consistently deliver on promised features and reliability.

Connecting Chargers to Your Vehicle’s Battery

Using your new Autocraft battery charger on a car or truck is straightforward:

1. Turn off ignition – Always turn off the vehicle and remove keys to avoid accidental starting while charging.
2. Identify battery terminals – Locate the positive and negative battery terminals, often marked with “+” and “-” signs. Clean any corrosion.
3. Connect positive first – Attached the red positive (+) battery clamp from the charger to the positive terminal on the battery. Ensure a tight grip.
4. Connect negative – Next, attached the black negative (-) battery clamp to a metal grounding spot on the vehicle’s frame, away from the battery.
5. Plug in charger – With clamps attached securely, plug the AC charger cord into a properly grounded wall outlet.
6. Disconnect when done – Once fully charged, disconnect the black negative cable before removing the red positive clamp.

Taking the time to connect properly and following polarity prevents accidentally damaging the charging system. Always refer to the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance.

Portable and Mobile Charging Options

Autocraft’s lineup features both standard corded plug-in models designed for use at home as well as portable battery chargers perfect for mobile use:

• Corded chargers – Their most common chargers connect via a 6-10 foot rubber-insulated power cord with a standard wall plug. Limited mobility but offer more power.
• “Jump starter” chargers – These combine a charger, portable power pack, and jump starter in one compact unit. Charge from any 12V DC outlet or in your car.
• Solar chargers – By pairing a solar charge controller with separate solar panels, you get off-grid charging power anywhere the sun shines – very versatile!
• Inverter chargers – These heavy-duty units can charge large battery banks up to 400Ah using converted AC power from a built-in inverter when shore power is available.

Look for Autocraft chargers listed as “portable” if you need mobility. And choose inverter models to best maintain batteries in RVs, boats, and remote sites using a combination of shore power, generator, and solar charging.

Finding the Right Autocraft Charger for You

With Autocraft offering battery chargers for nearly every application, here are key factors to consider when choosing a model:

• What type and capacity batteries will you be charging? Match charger power to battery size.
• Will this be for occasional or daily/commercial use? Opt for a heavy-duty design if charging frequently.
• Do you require portability? Choose a compact jump starter/power pack model for mobility.
• What features are must-haves for you? More advanced chargers add LCD displays, diagnostics, and custom charging profiles.
• How much power (in amps) do you need? Faster charging requires more output.
• Is an expandable multi-bank system beneficial to charge several batteries from one unit?

Determining how you plan to use your new battery charger helps narrow down options. Don’t hesitate to contact Autocraft’s customer support for personalized purchase advice – they know their products inside and out!

Step-By-Step Charging Instructions

I’ll finish this Autocraft battery charger buying guide by walking through the complete charging process from start to finish:

1. Review your battery’s specifications and choose an Autocraft model that matches its charging requirements.
2. Inspect battery terminals and clean any corrosion prior to charging. Check water levels in standard wet cell batteries.
3. Connect charger cables to battery, positive first. Ensure tight clamp connections.
4. Plug in charger and select appropriate mode if required by your model. Some auto-detect the battery type.
5. Monitor charge progress periodically. Advanced models show charge level on screen.
6. Charging completes automatically when battery is full. Unplug and disconnect negative cable first.
7. Allow battery to rest 5-10 minutes before testing or putting back into service. Check water levels again after charging.
8. Store charger properly between uses and maintain according to manual.

Keep batteries and electrical systems operating optimally with the proper Autocraft charger for your needs. Their impressive durability and performance justify the reasonable price. I hope these buying tips help you select the perfect model to keep your vehicles charged and on the move! Let me know if you have any other battery charging questions.