Jump start power pack to run Engel ?
Submitted: Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 07:45
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Stevo 62
Has anyone tried running a 40 litre Engel off jump start power packs ? I looking for a simple and portable option as fridge will be used in two vehicles and dont really want to install dual batteries .
Reply By: On Patrol (East Coast) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 08:47
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 08:47
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.
AnswerID:
305215
Reply By: George_M - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:03
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:03
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
AnswerID:
305216
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:18
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:18
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.
AnswerID:
305224
Reply By: Mainey (wa) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:41
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:41
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 . . .
AnswerID:
305232
Follow Up By: Gronk - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:51
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 09:51
Would agree with Mainey......get an AGM and a carry case and set it up to recharge with either of your 2 vehicles...
You can then carry it to your fridge or leave it in the car with the fridge..
FollowupID:
571231
Reply By: Stevo 62 - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 14:34
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 14:34
Thanks for the hints guys
AnswerID:
305283
Reply By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 20:00
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 20:00
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.
AnswerID:
305345
Reply By: Lyds - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 23:20
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 23:20
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.
AnswerID:
305375