Schumacher SC1280
#11 in Over 5 AFull review
A cheap, fast charger for lead acid car, truck and boat batteries. Lithium owners should look elsewhere.
Amazon $64.99$64.99
2.7/5
A garage charger for drivers who want engine start and fast boost charging in one box. Buyers who only need to keep a stored battery topped up can save weight and money with a small maintainer.
- 12 ACharge current
- 6/12 VVoltage
- 1 yearWarranty
Check price at Amazon$89.99
Price checked October 31, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Engine start helps a car with a weak battery start right away instead of after hours of charging
- Boost charge brings a flat car battery back much faster than a small maintainer
- Built in battery and alternator tester helps tell a dead battery from a charging fault
- Desulfation mode can recover some batteries left discharged too long
Cons
- At almost 13 lb it is a garage unit, not something to leave clipped to a stored bike
- Only a 1 year warranty
- Lithium support depends on which revision you receive
How it scores
The rating comes from 4 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its current. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | SC1281 |
|---|---|
| Charging | |
| Charge current | 12 A |
| Voltage | 6/12 V |
| AGM mode | No |
| Temperature compensation | No |
| Repair mode | Yes |
| Power supply mode | No |
| Engine start | 100 A |
| Build | |
| Weight | 12.7 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Released | 2018-06 |
Alternatives in this current
CTEK NXT 15
#12 in Over 5 AFull review
A high end 15 A charger and supply for owners of big 12 V batteries in trucks, RVs and boats who want lithium support.
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Optima Digital 1200+
#14 in Over 5 AFull review
A well built 15 A charger for OPTIMA battery owners who want the maker matched profiles. Buyers without OPTIMA batteries can get the same current for far less.
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