OTC 3181 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Battery Load Tester

I wanted a 130-amp load tester because--at least per the manufacturers' claims--these units are more accurate than 100-amp models. The OTC 3181 looks exactly like the Actron CP7614 (except for brand markings on the front), but is far less expensive.

The OTC 3182 is a digital 130-amp load tester for just a bit more money than this OTC 3181, and it has a couple more features (an alternator test lead and a ripple detection light), but I tend to have better luck with analog products over digital products, in terms of reliability. Also, when you use the OTC 3182, it shows you just a number (the voltage reading), and you're on your own to interpret it. The OTC 3181, on the other hand, has "replace/weak/good" markings (in red/yellow/green), which make it very easy to interpret the results, without having to remember or think about what voltage range is acceptable during testing.

I was a little surprised at the size of the unit when I opened the box. It's a bit large! The clamps are large and strong. The overall feel is quality.

When testing a battery (unless it's a totally dead battery), the unit will heat up very significantly. Through the vent holes in the unit, you can actually see metal coils getting red hot, like little heater elements. That's how the load is applied--in the form of heat.

Testing is easy: With the vehicle and the key both off, attach the negative clamp to the negative post of the battery, then attach the positive clamp to the positive post of the battery. (People with mechanical experience may think this is backwards, since you normally attach the positive clamp first. I assure you, I am quoting the manufacturer here on the order advised.) Press and hold the rocker switch for 10 seconds, and then quickly look at the needle while still holding the switch down. (They advise against holding the rocker switch for more than 15 seconds.) To test the charging system, begin with the clamps attached as described above, then start the car and run it at 1,200 1,500 RPM, and read the needle. Remove the positive clamp, and then the negative.

When I was choosing a load tester, I kept reading about "zero adjust" features. I didn't know what that meant. Now that I have a unit in hand, I can see that it refers to a little screw in the face of the unit; turning this screw one way or the other (with the clamps not connected to anything!) allows you to adjust the needle so that it is accurately zeroed. That's all.

Easy to use and seems to work well. It appears to be a very well made tool. Seems heavy duty as the title says. If stored in a dry/safe place, see no reason why this wouldn't last for many years to come. The results it said, was verified with my multi-meter and my bosses "LED only" battery testing multi-meter.

Only negative thing is it don't give you the approximate CCA of a battery. (as the ones at the Walmart garage do). It basically takes off the surface charge of the battery (by running a built in heater), then you measure the output of the battery. Then you start the car/truck, and see if the charger is adding the correct amount of charge to the battery.

But since it don't say it gives you the CCA in the description, not taking off any stars. It does what it says it will do, and seems very well made.

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My first battery load tester and I like it so far. It's clear and precise with the voltage, load and charging readings.

The only problem is that I feel that the cables are far too short as you have to bend downwards with the tester when it's connected to the car battery for testing.

One last thing, do not touch the back part of this testing when you're doing a load test. It get's freaking hot! It get's so hard that one might get 2nd degree burns if you aren't too careful.

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I have used this tester twice now and it seems to function well. I agree with some reviewers that perhaps the cable length could be slightly longer, but I had no problem attaching them to the battery terminals. Be aware that the unit gets hot at the back, where it is vented, as it draws current during the test. I only drive my car every other week or so and only for a few miles, so I am constantly having to trickle charge my battery. This at least gives me an idea of its state of charge. I note that it can also be used to test the charging system but I have not tried that feature as yet.

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Excellent load tester. Easy to read and use. You can't go wrong with this one. Will last a long time.

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