Tuesday, Mar 12, 2013 at 19:16
Racey,
If you add the cost of a smart battery box (such as the Flyer) then add an AGM battery, the cost is similar to that of the Thumper.
So, in my opinion they are not overpriced.
I like the Thumper for its true portablility, at least the 75Ah one is.
Anything larger than this, either the 105Ah Thumper, or a Flyer with a 100Ah AGM battery or greater and you lose that portability due to weight.
I use the Flyer with a 100Ah AGM battery enclosed for my auxiliary battery in the back of the Colorado's tub. But it is hardly portable.
I use the Thumper when using my tent, where I remove both the Thumper and the Fridge from the vehicle and place them under the awning where they are convenient.
As the Thumper has three 12v sockets, you can connect more than one device to it at the same time.
Supported by an 80 watt solar panel and with my 40L Engel running at about +4 degrees, plus a fluro light, I can get an indefinite length of time without the need for additional charging.
Add the extra functionality of using the Thumper to jump start any vehicle if required, or used to run something like a 12v impact wrench
or air compressor, and you start to see its versatility.
In this way I keep both the starter battery for it's primary use and the auxiliary battery to run the fridge while in the back of the vehicle.
Although I do not run my Engel as a freezer, I would dispute that a 75Ah+ Thumper would not run it overnight, if required.
Before I had the solar panel array, I could run the Engel on a continuous cycle for two days, at around the 4 degree mark before the voltage dropped too far and neaded recharging from the vehicle alternator.
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