3rd / Portable Battery

Submitted: Friday, May 25, 2007 at 06:00

ThreadID: 45863 Views:3293 Replies:6 FollowUps:2

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pt_nomad

I am considering using a 3rd battery that is portable – a battery pack. My intended use is on those free standing light poles, running a shower pump and running the fridge if it is out of the vehicle. The primary use would be the first two and it would be used in the interim as a 2nd battery during an impending vehicle change over. I plan to house the battery pack in the vehicle and have it charge from the vehicle all the time.

I have read some bad press forum archives about the Waeco RAPS and others, the comments seem to mostly be related batteries being lost in a short period of time – I wonder if this is due to lack of charge maintenance.

I know the RAPS units are a tad expensive, but I am chasing something that has been well productised, rather then a wet cell thrown into a placky battery box, held together with a strap and a plug or two for good measure (I could build this myself). Suggestions on Waeco RAPS alternatives most welcome.

Does any one have good experience with such items? If so please elaborate on usage / charging methods/ regimes.
Thanks
Paul.

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Reply By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 06:34

Reply By: guzzi - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 07:34

Reply By: Robin Miller - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 08:42

Reply By: Wizard1 - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 14:57

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 17:32

Reply By: CraigB - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 20:07

Friday, May 25, 2007 at 20:07

G'day, I have been running a Waeco battery for nearly 4 years now under the similar conditions as you are contemplating. I must admit I have had no trouble at all. Probably the only niggle is that the battery doesn't appear to 100% charge when using the cig lighter socket. But hey it's more than enough to do what you are looking for and it has been know to run my Waeco 50ltr for nearly 3 days non stop without charging. Plus when it comes time to pumping up air beds, kids footy balls etc. it's a lot easier than having to plug into the car.

AnswerID: 242386

Follow Up By: Member - Kingsley N (SA) - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 22:03

Friday, May 25, 2007 at 22:03

I have been running a WAECO Outback 24AH RAPS as an auxilliary third battery for over three years in a variety of situations. Initially in a Pathfinder it was our Fridge battery, using the 6mm WAECO wiring and switch. It worked aexactly as advertised and would run the CF50 on a 1-2 light (low) setting for about two days with care. In the Patrol I have dual batteries but I carry the RAPS in a drawer for emergency use and occasional use around the campfire. It recharges OK using the rear 12v outlet (standard cable - not 6mm). Once I loaned it to a mate who was travelling with us and had battery problems overnight. He was running an Engel as a freezer and flattened his auxilliary due to a two night camp. The RAPS came back to me almost completely flat according to the test lights, but it charged up after five hours of driving.

I have just purchased a WAECO 6mm wire set with the two sockets and switch to mount in the rear of the Patrol. I believe that this will give the RAPS a better charge on the run. The 12 Volt Shop at Strathalbyn tested the RAPS under load and it is still in excellent condition.They said it should last for years because I use the Projecta Charge and Maintain" charger when not touring. I also take this neat little charger with me in case we are near 240V for a top up. Altogether the RAPS gets a good amount of use and I am very pleased with it. The current model Outback RAPS is a 30AH version and it retails for less than what I paid three years ago.

Kingo

FollowupID: 503372