Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Jump Starter Batteries - do you carry one?
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Jon_slider
Samba Member


Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
Jon_slider is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2015 9:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

WestyBob wrote:
It seems like there is a USB port. I'm not sure what else it has like a lighter outlet ? It would almost have to have that to power an Engle or ARB unless jury-rigged some way (short of a 12v power plug outlet).


that costs $8 extra Smile
http://www.amazon.com/BiXPower-Cigarette-Socket-Co...09RH4XHZXF
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


on sale, 15AH, $55, 2 pounds
calculation, $3.66 per 1AH, 7.5 AH per pound
http://www.amazon.com/HyperPS-15000mah-Multi-funct...jump+start
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Abscate Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22568
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
Abscate is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16474
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jon_slider wrote:
WestyBob wrote:
It seems like there is a USB port. I'm not sure what else it has like a lighter outlet ? It would almost have to have that to power an Engle or ARB unless jury-rigged some way (short of a 12v power plug outlet).


that costs $8 extra Smile
http://www.amazon.com/BiXPower-Cigarette-Socket-Co...09RH4XHZXF
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



I'm not sure you could/should power a fridge from that level of wiring. I actually replaced my cigarette lighter outlet for a better type plug since the cig outlet would really heat up due to the resistance of the center positive plug contact point... YMMV. Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
WestyBob
Samba Member


Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
WestyBob is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
bluebus86
Banned


Joined: September 02, 2010
Posts: 11075

bluebus86 is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
crazyvwvanman
Samba Member


Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9895
Location: Orbiting San Diego
crazyvwvanman is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
danfromsyr
Samba Member


Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15129
Location: Syracuse, NY
danfromsyr is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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”
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
WestyBob
Samba Member


Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
WestyBob is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
vanagonjr
Samba Member


Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3425
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
vanagonjr is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

danfromsyr wrote:
YES I carry a boost pack Solar ES2500
.

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".
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
photogdave
Samba Member


Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3039
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
photogdave is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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. Cool
_________________
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!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Jon_slider
Samba Member


Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
Jon_slider is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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

Jon_slider wrote:

on sale, 15AH, $55, 2 pounds
calculation, $3.66 per 1AH, 7.5 AH per pound
http://www.amazon.com/HyperPS-15000mah-Multi-funct...jump+start


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?Smile
_________________
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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
WestyBob
Samba Member


Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
WestyBob is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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. Cool


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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
photogdave
Samba Member


Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3039
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
photogdave is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

WestyBob wrote:
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. Cool


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.


This is the closest equivalent:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-elimi...OIzRHRkfsM

In the U.S. I think it might be sold under another name by Sears.
_________________
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!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
danfromsyr
Samba Member


Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15129
Location: Syracuse, NY
danfromsyr is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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”
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
1vw4x4
Banned


Joined: June 22, 2005
Posts: 472
Location: Pgh. PA
1vw4x4 is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Sir Sam
Samba Member


Joined: July 19, 2009
Posts: 1669
Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
Sir Sam is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Gallery Classifieds Feedback
WestyBob
Samba Member


Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
WestyBob is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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 Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
kamzcab86
Samba Moderator


Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7893
Location: Arizona
kamzcab86 is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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. Wink
_________________
~Kamz Anxious
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
Blue Vanagon 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Abscate Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22568
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
Abscate is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 1:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.


Bad punctuation, sorry. In cold weather, a fully charged battery capacity drops significantly.
_________________
.ssS!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Sixray
Samba Member


Joined: April 25, 2014
Posts: 83
Location: United States
Sixray is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Page 2 of 4

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.