Jump start <span class="highlight">power</span> pack to run Engel ?

Steve,
IMHO the power packs are only good for an overnight or maybe two and thats it, asuming the pack is in top condition and is a powerful one at that. What you can possibly do is run the fridge from the car during the day while you are running and just turn the fridge down overnight so as to conserve the energy used, you may then get three nights.

PS there are many different power pack and all are not created equally.
Colin.

Hi Steve

As On Patrol says, not all power packs are created equal....

It all depends on what level of performance you require. If you are looking for a heavy duty portable power pack then you probably couldn't go past the Blue Apple Thumper units, or the power packs (Flyer??) supplied by ABR (an advertiser on this site).

There's a truck load of information (and opinion lol) available on this site via the "search" facility.

George_M

Stevo,

I depends on your definition of a "jump start power pack".

The normal type you buy from Repco, etc., such as the Projecta brand are really just jump starters. They have a capacity of about 17 A/h which is too small to run a fridge from for any length of time. They are OK to run a low current fluro such as the Versalite or Torpedo.

There is however, another solution if you dont want to install a standard dual battery system and that is to use a Thumper from Blue Apple.
These beasties are rated from 48 A/h up to 105 A/h and some models have jump start capability and a heavy duty in-car charge kit included.

Thumper

If your budget doesn't stretch that far, an AGM battery, preferably installed in a battery box (with included sockets) is another solution, but you still need to charge it somehow.

To give you an idea of size, my 75 A/h Thumper will run the 40 litre Engel for at least two full days (fridge cycling on and off) before the battery capacity gets too low and needs recharged. Add an in-car charge kit and a solar panel and you have an indefinite supply capacity.

Bill.

The 'simple' and the cheap way is to use a (quality AGM) Deep Cycle battery !!
You won't NEED a dedicated "Dual battery system" to recharge it and it will also cost you less money per Amp too :-)

Question.. How will you recharge the "jump start power pack" ??

Mainey . . .

Thanks for the hints guys

Before I had the 2nd battery fitted in the car I ran my Waeco overnight for 4 nights using a 1200W power jump pack that I got at Super thief.
Fridge ran at 3 bars for 80hrs empty at home as a test.
I know that the Waeco draw less power than the Engel so compensate for the higher power draw.

As a relatively cheap option and for short trips I reckon they are worth looking at. Also the pack can be recharged as you drive.

Stevo,

You should rethink not wanting the 2nd battery, unless you have a limited relationship with your vehicle.

They are good for more than just the fridge and help guard against zealous use of other appliances that may impact your main battery.

But what I really love is how easy my life is if we go away for a wekend, a week, amonth, just knowing I'm geared up and my beer will be cold.