Whats your recommended 12v auto battery charger?

[TWIH]

OK all, from SW and others (to include Handy Bob in another article) it's pretty evident that the "automatic" chargers are unreliable (detecting surface charges and shutting off, having unknown setpoints, resort to low float voltages too quickly so as to not overcharge). A good way is to use either what SW does or an old school manual adjustable charger set at or above 14.4 (if such can be found) then monitored. That's the rub, "nobody" wants to monitor, they all want to "set it and forget it", which only results in undercharged batteries. The same thing with solar (different topic but kinda the same) as the cheaper non-adjustable charge controllers will have times and setpoints set to not damage batteries.

I see from all this effort from you responders that it's a guessing game if one simply uses a 12v automatic charger, and if you don't invest in test equipment (above a simple voltmeter) then you'll not know what your SLA or AGM battery is really doing. At least we have the ability for GC's to check with the hydrometer, another vote for "old tech". Handy Bob says the same thing in his more dated article from 2010, saying that he doesn't trust AGM's as far as determining SOC.

So what do I get from all of this? I either have to face replacing whatever battery(ies) I get that are FLA based if I don't get some amp meter instruments, or I invest in the amp meter/DC clamp on amp meter ($70+) in order to monitor the amps going in.

This is all good info that should be stickied (perhaps edited but stickied the same) for future questioners.

Thanks again, I won't ask any more about 12v chargers!