Unplugging troller while charging. Fact or fiction ?

[bobcoy]

I agree a cutoff switch that is easy to get to will suffice. It makes it difficult to remove the motor but that is just a choice. I also think disconnecting for charging is a safer choice than not also. I have had lightening take out a charger, batteries and the trolling motor so I do disconnect all those things if charging when there is a storm risk and just generally if possible. Just a choice. Has anybody used one of the breakers with the switch and say used it 50 times to disconnect and reconnect without issues? Bob

[Bill Reynolds]

Has anybody used one of the breakers with the switch and say used it 50 times to disconnect and reconnect without issues? Bob

Mine is a combination breaker/switch mounted on the bulkhead of the bilge. I have been switching it off/on 3 to 5 times a week for 7 years without a problem. That being said, I have had a couple times this year when I did not have power to the Trolling motor and had to cycle the switch a couple times to get power back so It may be getting weak.
My 2 cents on disconnecting the Trolling Motor when charging.
The digital control board for the Minn Kota (don’t know about other brands) is in the foot pedal and directly connected to the battery voltage. If, during charging, there is a voltage spike in the circuit, it could take out the motherboard. What is the likelihood? Don’t know and don’t want to find out. Too easy to just disconnect it.

[OkieBud]

I unplug mine when charging.

[bobcoy]

Bill, Do you know the brand and model? That sounds durable to me. Bob

[Bill Reynolds]

Bill, Do you know the brand and model? That sounds durable to me. Bob

This is it. This one is at TH marine but it shows to be out of stock. Mine came on my RT188 So if you have a Ranger dealer close by they may have one. In the past I have been able to get just about anything Ranger from Trader Bills but since they picked up the Vexus brand I don’t know how well their relationship with Ranger is holding up.

[Bill Reynolds]

I found A 50 amp at Walmart.com

https://www.walmart.com/ip/T-H-Marin...eaker/32741806

[bobcoy]

Thought I already put in a post. I need a 60amp. Thanks

[Bill Reynolds]

Actually, The Ranger RT Series Is 50 amps. I have always had a 24 volt 80# TM, a MAXXUM at first and now an Ultrex and the 50 amp has worked fine.

[FrancoCialone]

if you have a 80 lb. MK, you should have a 60amp breaker. At full steam those motors draw 56 amps !

[fishnfireman]

My old and new rig both came with 50 amp breakers.. Have planed on changing this one just haven't done it yet.. However I've yet to pop one.. But I've never had the need to run 36 volt TM wide open.

[bobcoy]

I think running hard through weeds would pop it before full speed.

[wtailhunter57]

I’m 2007 I had a 36 volt motor guild burn up. Best I could figure is my stepdaughter crawled on my boat and hit the continuous switch on. When I put my boat on the trailer I unplug it.

[jimscia]

So, I have been thinking about this for awhile.

I see the powerpole charge system being advertised all over the place. Also, there have been other charge on the run chargers being sold for years.

How do these over come the "the blowing the circuit card while charging while still plugged in and switched on"?

[GBhoss]

So, I have been thinking about this for awhile.

I see the powerpole charge system being advertised all over the place. Also, there have been other charge on the run chargers being sold for years.

How do these over come the "the blowing the circuit card while charging while still plugged in and switched on"?

I used the Stealth 1 and the Charge and both are awesome and neither charges the TM batteries unless the big motor is running.. I have a breaker/cutoff between the TM batteries and the TM. I just shut the switch off when I get off the water and plug in.

[Bstandiford]

I always unplug my Ultrex before charging. Sometimes I forget to turn the switch off when leaving the lake. Before I unplug I check the switch at that time!