If you ever consider a portable battery charger made by a company called Vector (now owned by Black and Decker), keep on looking.  I bought a Vector "Smart" portable battery charger more than a year ago.  6 months in, the fan motor started grinding and eventually stopped and the unit got very hot.   The retailer exchanged it.  Now, my replacement is doing exactly the same thing.  Motor grinding and sound like a dying dog.   This is apparently a common problem now that I'm starting to research this turd.

Total garbage.   Whether its blue, red or orange, and whether is says Vector on it, or Black and Decker, avoid it.  

Thanks for the heads up on that.  I'm considering getting another charger in a couple weeks.  

My buddy has had that charger in the picture for at least 2 years now with no problems at all. Personally, I use a Schumacher and can't complain about anything.

hmmmm, awwww, Dude!

I have a Vector that is going on 6 years and the fan still buzzes but spins and I abuse the darn thing (Water, Chlorine Spilled on it, high humidity environment, drops). My buddy has 2 of them that he treats equally as bad and his are going on over 3 years no problem.  Maybe the older ones are better?

I have two and have never had a problem the last two years with either. Sorry to hear of your problems.

what do you guys think about those solar panel chargers? they seem like a good idea but do they really work?

what do you guys think about those solar panel chargers? they seem like a good idea but do they really work?

Many time I need my batteries charged overnight. solar chargers are not going to do that.

About the vectors, I did have one that the fan crapped out on. I bought it used and it was very cheap but I love the smart charger thing so I bought another three years ago..Zero problems so far.

Personally, I use a Schumacher and can't complain about anything.

That's what I'll be using starting next week.  

I have two and have never had a problem the last two years with either. Sorry to hear of your problems.

2X Same here no issues as of yet my buddy has the same unit he has no issues either sorry to hear about your problems but in my opinion every thing made today is junk and lasts about ayear or two than takes a crap  >:(JMHO

I have 1, my dad has 1, my buddy has 2, and we keep 2 of them at our camp and have not had one problem with any of them. most are over 4 years old.

I had the same model, took a dive after about a year and a half, couldn't get any readout on the screen, had no idea what it was doing.  Replaced it with a Schumacher, much better unit.

Just bought a schumacher last night, got rid of my black and decker (I got it for free and it worked for 1.5 years) but it just started doing funny things and it was time to repalce it.  

I got the schumacher ship-n-shore from walmart for 50 bones!

I use a Schumacher as well.  Great charger.

I have a Vector, about 3 years old. One size larger than the one you pictured though.... with probably the same amount of use as many guys would put on a charger in 10 or 20 years !

The fan is a little noisy, but it's in the garage, so that's not a problem. Keeps on going though.

If it breaks, I'd probably get another of whatever Wally World is carrying in the "poor mans price range" :-)

Fish

what do you guys think about those solar panel chargers? they seem like a good idea but do they really work?

NOPE!