12v trickle chargers

[Ratho1]

I have a very old Crypton 1-2 amp trickle charger for 6-12v systems. Is there any reason why I could not use it on my C_HR 12v Battery, or should I splash out on a new model and if so what do readers recommend?

[philip42h]

A 'modern' smart charger regulates its output to match the state of the Battery it is charging - so it is relatively difficult for a smart charger to do damage and they are safe to use.

An old-fashioned charger simply outputs a set voltage which may not be best suited to the current state of the Battery, and which may do damage.

And for this reason, I binned my old-fashioned dumb chargers in favour of a 'smart' one. That said, it is unlikely that a 1A trickle charger will do any harm.

CTEK and NOCO are probably the best known and most often recommended brands, but most smart chargers will do the job. A 5A output is more than enough for the auxiliary batteries in our hybrids ...

[Harters]

I bought this one off Amazon 3 years ago and it works a treat. 

Maypole 7423A Battery Charger Auto Electronic 4A 12V, Black https://amzn.eu/d/28oXY5V

Whenever I go on holiday I connect it to a smart plug and it comes on for 4 hours 3 times a week and that seems to keep my Prius happy which is still on its original 12v Battery from 2017. 

It has the usual crocodile clips, but it also comes with a lead to permanently connect to the Battery and you can route the plug end to a convenient position behind the grille to make things easier if you want, but I just use the clips.