Thread: Battery pack

If you don't have the dollars for a battery system, those battery packs aren't any cheaper, save your money.

Hi,

I have both the Projecta power packs as well as a dual battery setup in my '93 Disco. The packs are great as an emergency but are not designed to run for example, a winch and even though it might give you enough power to kickstart your motor, they wont give you enough longterm power except for small lights, etc. Pack cost around $90.

The dual will set you back: the electrics to to run the power first to charge your main then trickle across to your 2nd, about $100 and;
The 2nd battery from $60 - $100

The dual is a much better longterm solution.

Originally Posted by gofish

I have a Waeco CF50 but dont (as yet) have a 2nd battery. Was wondering if anyone has one of those portable battery packs & what they think of them. I dont have the $ at the moment for a proper dual under bonnet set up & thought this would be a cheap solution. Any thoughts? Thanks

Don't worry I'm in the same boat, I presume you have the new CF50, it has a Voltage monitoring system built into the unit.
It will switch itself off(I realise this could be a problem) if the main battery voltage drops too much. Never had this happend to us....Unless your main is old and tired.......

I have taken mine out for extended multi-day trips, and have run it continously overnight on a single vehicle battery system, just set the fridge to it's according battery setting(check manual I forgot which position on the slider it is) and you will be right......

Ensure fridge is relatively loaded with goods, it helps to maintain internal temperature(empty fridge loses temp MUCH faster) and avoid prolonged lid openings......

Like me, save your $$$$$$ for a proper dual batt system in the future.....which you will eventually get and the Batt pack will be money lost, spending it's time in the garage.........

..........This is my opinion, and it is just that, don't go blaming me if your beer goes warm in the middle of nowhere

as mentioned above would be the best option......

the SC40 is top bit of gear for the dual battery setup.......its what quite a few of us run in our rigs......
just connect it up and forget it......

have a look on the traxide site or pm drivesafe for more info......

and aulro members also get some sort of discount on batteries.....i think there is a link in the suppliers section for the batteries......

the powertanks or powerpacks you are referring to cost a lot more than the whole setup.....
also....having the battery under the bonnet saves a lot of space internally.....which you can never have enough of when going away......

Fair enough...thanks guys. So...best place in Vic to have a 2nd battery "fitted" & how much?

its a simple do-it-yourself job......the electronics come in a kit.....
you will need a few lengths of cable......and then fit the battery under the bonnet......
you could buy the battery with the $ you save on labour......


the hardest part about installing it all (for me) was trying to work out where to mount the SC40.........
it should take take about half a day at a leisurely pace.......


also...if you do it yourself.....you get to better understand your vehicle.....which makes trouble shooting a lot easier down the track......



if you want to see how its done.....there should be a few threads with pictures and instructions on how to fit dual batteries.....

Originally Posted by gofish

Fair enough...thanks guys. So...best place in Vic to have a 2nd battery "fitted" & how much?

errrr. my opinion,....again..............get youself A Redarc Isolator, use your AULRO discount at Supercharge batteries and either have a bash at it yourself or go and see an Auto Electrician......That would have to be the cheapest and a rock solid option........

Following that, the likes of ARB, TJM will gladly take much more of your hard earned dollars and fundamentally give you the same thing but with a whole lot more Fancy product Names and Stickers on their gear to make you feel the part of the 4WD community......

Both options will work and deliver what you want, choice is up to you............

I would certainly go the SC40 from Traxide, 1. Because it works, and works well. 2. It's reasonably priced. 3. It's easy to fit. and 4. He's one of us. (AKA Drivesafe)