A float charger doesn't drop the voltage, but it DOES drop the current though, a very important factor. Float is the maintenance mode as opposed to charge mode.
We used to use Lorain rectifiers all the time in the old days. I've done a lot of cell-site cabinets, CEV(controlled environment vault: underground room full of electronics/small central office), and some Central Office work. I've built equipment from batteries to DC and AC power, all cabling, fiber, programming and circuit acceptance. I liked troubleshooting failures and bringing dead equipment back to life. You name it I worked on it from party line service on twisted pair to OC-48 optical circuits. Most of my time was in splicing, but I spent the last few years before retirement in FiOS.
Started in New York Telephone, name-changed to NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, and finally Verizon...but basically the same company, never changed jobs really.
Sorry about the thread drift guys.