What is a trickle charger?
The difference between a float charger and a trickle charger is that the float charger has circuitry to prevent overcharging the battery. It senses when the battery voltage is at the maximum level and temporarily shuts off the charge (floats voltage at zero or a very minimal charge until it senses that the battery output voltage has fallen and then resumes charging). It may be kept connected indefinitely. A trickle charger, on the other hand, will charge no matter whether the battery is fully charged or not, so it needs to be connected and disconnected periodically. If left in place too long, it will eventually boil the electrolyte out of the cells or damage the plates. Trickle chargers will work to keep the battery charged, if used once a month or so for a day or two, but the float chargers can be left connected longer without potential harm to the battery.
