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Jon_slider Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007 Posts: 5091 Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22568 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:31 am Post subject: |
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Jump pack advice will vary by region. You guys in SoCal have temperate climates where battery outputs are near 100%.
In NY today, at -10F, for starting current. a room temperature fully charged battery will operate at about 30% of capacity.
Ive had a number of the starter packs and most recently tried one of the Li-Ion packs. It will turn over a relatively low compression car like VW, Turbo Volvo but high compression 3.0L BMW brought it to its knees.
At the house, the big gun is the portable 2000 W generator with the 12VDC battery charger adapter. _________________ .ssS! |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16474 Location: Brookeville, MD
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WestyBob Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004 Posts: 2346 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:49 am Post subject: |
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dobryan wrote: |
I'm not sure you could/should power a fridge from that level of wiring. |
That's what I was thinking too which may preclude that small power pack to power a fridge/freezer while camping ... unless perhaps some owner modifications. |
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bluebus86 Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:14 am Post subject: |
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Yes I carry a jumper battery in my van when I go camping because when camping, if something gets left on and drains my vans battery I will have a way to jump it and drive away.
It is important to keep the jumper battery topped off monthly for long life, don't let them sit for many months else they will die. these batteries typically loose about 1% of charge per day if left sitting. _________________ Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information
Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022 |
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crazyvwvanman Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008 Posts: 9895 Location: Orbiting San Diego
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:34 am Post subject: |
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The 2.5 x 5.5 type of connector is typically rated for 5 amps or a little more. The ad says 18 awg and 10 amps. What does the fridge pull? I still wouldn't rely on it for constant use but for a backup power source for the fridge when the real aux battery is out of service it could be ok.
Mark
WestyBob wrote: |
dobryan wrote: |
I'm not sure you could/should power a fridge from that level of wiring. |
That's what I was thinking too which may preclude that small power pack to power a fridge/freezer while camping ... unless perhaps some owner modifications. |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15129 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:40 am Post subject: |
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YES I carry a boost pack Solar ES2500
no I don't believe in those with gimicky add ons.. I want 100% battery in the case.
it is supposed to be HEAVY, it's supposed to be a battery
though inside it's just a 20Ah mobility scooter style battery.
I use it more on other people than myself.. and it's still better than carrying or using jumper cables.
I bought a mid-range quality Solar/Schumacher brand one and it's lasted for many years quite well.
at camp I'll often plug a amber 12v LED rope light into it to outline the path/obstacles immediately outside the sliding door.
in winter it rides in the back of our regular car to assist others if needed.
I consider it a tool, just as a jack, or tow strap. _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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WestyBob Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004 Posts: 2346 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:23 am Post subject: |
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crazyvwvanman wrote: |
The 2.5 x 5.5 type of connector is typically rated for 5 amps or a little more. The ad says 18 awg and 10 amps. What does the fridge pull? I still wouldn't rely on it for constant use but for a backup power source for the fridge when the real aux battery is out of service it could be ok.
Mark |
I'm not an expert in amps/volts but it seems the portable Engels/Arbs/Truck Fridges may be pulling around 5.3 amps when in operation and when the desired temp is achieved, drops down to between .8 and 1 amp while sleeping (meaning kicking in occasionally to keep the set temp up). The extent of cycling depends, of course, on outside ambient temp, sunlight, frequency of opening, etc.
Maybe someone can correct or illuminate that more clearly.
My aux. battery is a group 41 so I can use that in a pinch likely for a short time if my two Schumachers get used up. Say, if I'm in the bush for many days without recharge access. It has a Surepower battery separator to prevent any idle draw from the starter battery, also a group 41. |
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vanagonjr Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010 Posts: 3425 Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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photogdave Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004 Posts: 3039 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:02 am Post subject: |
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In defence of the gimmicky add-ons, I bought my particular unit primarily for charging batteries and powering lights and stereo while camping, and secondly for emergency jump starts.
There wasn't a choice to buy a model without the radio and lights (no compressor in mine) from the store's selection but it didn't cost extra or add weight for these features.
The emergency light has since come in handy when pumping up a flat tire at the side of the road at night, and the radio was nice to have to pull in a broadcast at the picnic table without needing to use the van's radio with the doors open and the volume blasting.
I'm no fan of all-in-one devices either but in this case it didn't hurt and actually helped to have these features. _________________ 89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX/WBXaustSS
My Westy Movies:
photogdave On Vimeo
photogdave On YouTube
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Jon_slider Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007 Posts: 5091 Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:08 am Post subject: |
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danfromsyr wrote: |
t is supposed to be HEAVY, it's supposed to be a battery |
well, if you want heavy, you got it, 18 pounds and 9AH.. for $115
calculate: $12.77 per 1AH, and 1/2AH per pound.
You found the most expensive per AmpHour, least efficient per weight, of the heavy units Ive done the calculations on.
vanagonjr wrote: |
Note the 5000 model has much longer cables and more capacity for $5 more. I'm thinking I should add one of these to my "tool kit". |
You could, or you could choose a unit with more power, that does not need longer cables, because it is small, light, and MUCH more efficient...
the item below, also linked above, costs 52% less than the ES2500, and has 67% more power, and weighs 89% less
Whats not to like about new Lithium Battery technology? Why would someone choose a device with less power for more money, MUCH more weight, and takes up MUCH more space? _________________ My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco
Last edited by Jon_slider on Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:11 am; edited 2 times in total |
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WestyBob Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004 Posts: 2346 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:08 am Post subject: |
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photogdave wrote: |
I'm no fan of all-in-one devices either but in this case it didn't hurt and actually helped to have these features. |
So Dave .... do you have a link to the model you have ? The flip up solar charger is of interest, the radio an interesting touch. |
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photogdave Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004 Posts: 3039 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15129 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:15 am Post subject: |
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OP asked if YOU carried one, my answer is YES I DO.. an ES2500 I've had for more years than my batteries and I use it weekly on something or other. heck I've used it with an inverter to run my Pellet stove during a power outage..
I'm not going to mire myself into a Jon_slider technicality debate,
Use what ever you seem fit. but for my concerns of real battery boosting and real starting power, I need a real battery in the unit.. and heavy equals capacity, unless I wanted to get into the LIon battery future.
I've too many diesels and *Idunnowhut* to have to start..
for a "cute' car battery starter.
there's no way in heck I'd wager myself on a 4oo peak purse sized battery.
might as well go with this gimmick, wouldn't count on it for my garden tractor.
http://www.brookstone.com/chargeit-portable-power-...7AoduH4AVg _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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1vw4x4 Banned
Joined: June 22, 2005 Posts: 472 Location: Pgh. PA
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:18 am Post subject: |
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These jump boxes seem to me to be a gimmick. I've got a few shop batteries I keep handy and on charge that work just the same and
are cheaper. |
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Sir Sam Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2009 Posts: 1669 Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:50 am Post subject: |
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Abscate wrote: |
a room temperature fully charged battery will operate at about 30% of capacity. |
Huh? I thought capacity would be defined at room temperature. _________________ '91 Carat Westy
87' Syncro + '87 Westy conversion coming soon |
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WestyBob Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004 Posts: 2346 Location: Portland, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:52 am Post subject: |
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Point of interest:
I still have one of those Prestone yellow-cased, bowling ball sized jump starters from the late 80's ! Has a lighter outlet but otherwise doesn't do anything else except jump start.
Carried it around in the westy for years on road trips, retired from that about 15 years ago. But ... although now weak it still charges up and drives my hand held vacuum in the driveway cleaning the inside of the westy or other small power chores. And if a starter battery isn't too poorly discharged it can still start that too although it's a one shot deal. But amazing for a museum piece |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7893 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:54 am Post subject: |
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WestyBob wrote: |
I'm not an expert in amps/volts but it seems the portable Engels/Arbs/Truck Fridges may be pulling around 5.3 amps when in operation and when the desired temp is achieved, drops down to between .8 and 1 amp while sleeping (meaning kicking in occasionally to keep the set temp up). The extent of cycling depends, of course, on outside ambient temp, sunlight, frequency of opening, etc.
Maybe someone can correct or illuminate that more clearly. |
ARB draws 2.3 amps on initial cool-down; Engel draws 2.5 amps on initial cool-down; EdgeStar draws 5.4 amps on initial cool-down. Thereafter, they pull roughly 0.75 to 1.2 amps when running (display panels, obviously, are a constant, but minor, power draw).
To answer the OP's question, no, I don't carry one. I have an aux battery, jumper cables, and AAA card. _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22568 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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Sir Sam wrote: |
Abscate wrote: |
a room temperature fully charged battery will operate at about 30% of capacity. |
Huh? I thought capacity would be defined at room temperature. |
Quote: |
In NY today, at -10F, for starting current. a room temperature fully charged battery will operate at about 30% of capacity.
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Bad punctuation, sorry. In cold weather, a fully charged battery capacity drops significantly. _________________ .ssS! |
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Sixray Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2014 Posts: 83 Location: United States
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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I have a red "Super Start" jumper battery I picked up when I was in a pinch from my FLAPS. I am a massive airhead and regularly forget to turn off my running lights and radio (especially if the cassette adapter is in without any music playing). The quality is questionable at best, but no doubt it has saved my butt from having to wait for AAA quite a few times, you just have to make sure to maintain the charge from time to time to make sure it will work when you need it. I never have regretted buying it. Sure you could keep an extra battery, but it also has a USB charger and a work light built in, plus you can quickly check the charge level light to make sure your backup isn't just as shot as your front-up and plug it in to a wall outlet without any special equipment to charge it up if it dies. It fits nice and snug under the rear bench, and has a lovely little carry handle. If I could reconsider the purchase I would for sure buy one online next time and read more reviews first, I'm sure there are others out there that are better quality for a better price. I'd recommend getting one, because bet you cash money you will kick yourself for not having one if you ever need it. _________________ 1991 Vanagon Carat- Bordeaux red
2003 Golf MKIV 2.0- Reflex Silver |
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