Description
The Dakota Lithium 12V 20A Ultra Fast Waterproof Charger is the go-to onboard charger for all 12V Dakota Lithium batteries. IP67 waterproof for permanent marine and outdoor installs, Anderson SB50 quick-connect for plug-and-play charging, and smart BMS communication that can wake up a tripped battery. Charges a 100Ah battery in ~5 hours.
Key Features
- ✓ IP67 waterproof — permanently mount in engine bays, bilges, or outdoor enclosures. Submersible to 1m. Rain, spray, and washdown-proof.
- ✓ 20A fast charging — charges 60Ah in ~3 hours, 100Ah in ~5 hours, 135Ah in ~7 hours. 2-3× faster than standard 10A chargers.
- ✓ Anderson SB50 quick-connect — free wiring kit with Anderson plug included. Plug in to charge, unplug to use. No exposed terminals.
- ✓ Smart BMS communication — automatically wakes up a battery whose BMS has tripped from over-discharge. No manual reset needed.
- ✓ 14.4V LiFePO4 optimized — correct charge voltage for all Dakota Lithium 12V batteries. Never overcharges.
- ✓ Simple status indicator — red = charging, green = full. No confusing multi-stage displays.
- ✓ Compact design — 5.67 × 6.22 × 2.72 in. Tucks into tight marine and RV spaces.
Technical Specifications
| Input | 100-120VAC, 50/60Hz (standard North American outlet) |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 14.4V (LiFePO4 optimized) |
| Output Current | 20A |
| Dimensions | 5.67 × 6.22 × 2.72 in (144 × 158 × 69 mm) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (waterproof, submersible to 1m/30min) |
| Connector | Anderson SB50 (red) with ring terminal wiring kit included |
| BMS Communication | Smart wake-up for tripped batteries |
| Status Indicator | Red = charging / Green = complete |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 only (do NOT use for lead-acid) |
| Warranty | 11 years (Dakota Lithium standard) |
Charge Time by Battery
| 12V 25Ah (DL+) | ~1.25 hours |
|---|---|
| 12V 54Ah | ~2.5 hours |
| 12V 60Ah (DL+) | ~3 hours |
| 12V 100Ah | ~5 hours |
| 12V 135Ah (DL+) | ~6.75 hours |
| 12V 320Ah (DL+) | ~16 hours |
Times are from fully discharged to 100%. From 50% SOC, halve the time. Optimal battery lifespan: use a charger rated at 1/3 or less of battery Ah (0.3C rate).
Applications
- Onboard marine charging — mount permanently in bilge or engine bay, connect to shore power at the dock
- Bass boat tournament — fast overnight charge between competition days
- RV/van onboard — charge from campsite hookups or generator
- Outdoor installations — solar sheds, cabins, remote equipment where weather exposure is unavoidable
- Garage/workshop — quick top-off for batteries between use
What’s Included
- 12V 20A waterproof charger unit
- Anderson SB50 wiring kit with ring terminals
- Mounting hardware
FAQ
Can I leave this permanently connected?
Yes. Once the battery reaches full charge (green light), the charger maintains a safe float stage. It’s designed for permanent onboard installation where you plug into shore power at the dock or campsite and unplug when you leave.
What if my BMS trips and the battery appears dead?
This charger’s smart BMS communication feature can wake up a tripped BMS. Simply connect the charger — it sends a signal to restart the battery’s protection circuit. If the battery was over-discharged, the charger will detect the BMS state and attempt a restart before beginning normal charging.
Can I use this with non-Dakota batteries?
It works with any 12V LiFePO4 battery that charges at 14.4V. However, the smart BMS communication feature is designed specifically for Dakota Lithium’s BMS. Other batteries will charge correctly but won’t get the BMS wake-up feature.
Is the 10A charger or 20A charger better for battery longevity?
Both are safe. The general rule is charge at 0.3C or less for maximum cycle life (0.3C for 100Ah = 30A, so 20A is well within safe range). The 10A charger is slower but cheaper. The 20A is the sweet spot for most users — fast enough to be practical, gentle enough for maximum battery life.
Warranty & Certifications
Covered by Dakota Lithium’s 11-year warranty program. IP67 certified waterproof. Designed and tested specifically for Dakota Lithium LiFePO4 batteries.
