Battery Packs or Dual Battery Systems

Thanks heaps StevenL. You gave me the exact answers we need!!! You're right about the power pack - I think it'll suit most of the trips my parents do, especially over winter, but for us I think we'll go with the dual battery set up. Now that we've got the hours and we can weigh them up with the portability, weight, size etc - we know what we're looking at. Can't thank you enough!!!

I have both, as the power pack can be removed from the vehicle with the fridge if I am going away from the camp and leaving someone behind that may need the fridge , I also use the power pack for lighting around the camp fire as sometimes the 4x4 is some distance away to be running cords at night that someone will always trip over , so both have there uses99 GU Patrol 4.2 TD
Peter York 4x4

Glad I could help. Enjoy the best of both worlds. The power pack I have also has Jumper Leads in case I (or someone else) can't get started. I am yet to try actually starting anything with it. We'll see.

Prado GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!

I do take your point. My Old Man has a CF50 fridge and got the basic power pack with it. It was his good feedback with the setup that prompted me to purchase mine. I was initially attracted by the packaging as I was using it in the boot of a sedan and the connections were easy. It is also convenient to move around in the camp.

A few months down the track his power pack is now wearing out after 18 months of fairly constant use. He tells me he is planning to just get a standard deep cell battery and use that (as you suggest).

Maybe after getting the Prado and getting set up better I will go for a proper battery set up and just use the power pack as backup (now that I have one anyway). I'll probably learn from what father does and my own experience but this forum sure does help. There is always a cheaper and better way to do things. You have to look past the easy retail $olution.

I have been very happy with the power pack so far but I may not buy another one.

Steven LPrado GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!

I run a power pack with a "charger" connected to the standard battery, so long as I drive about an 1 to 2 hours a day there is always enough charge in the battery to run the fridge the rest of the day. Only flattened the battery once, that was over 2 days with no driving.

Why a power pack, all the reasons above about convenience and worked out a lot cheaper than having a dual battery installed.

Cheers

Buggerlux

I have enough battery power for 6 days I choose to camp and not have to drive around for a couple of hours a day. I have a Honda Generator which I run for a couple of hours a day over the bank so I cant hear it and charge my batteries with it. I also do not liek the idea of a dual battery system. I guess at the end of the day it sup to what suits you the best.

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind the idea of duel batteries but only for the 4B as a bit of security,and the saving of a lot of money! Trouble comes with the third battery in the camper which only runs lights etc for part of the night, and in future will run the motor for a shower, laptop etc. I guess my choices are: 1/ Run engine with power pack plugged in, or 2/ small generator to do same. What type of power pack do you run, is it home made or a shop job, amp hour output, type of battery, cost??
thanks