Waeco Powercool RAPS36 Problem
Submitted: Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 18:49
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Diago
Hi - this is my first post on exploroz.com. Looks like a really helpful website.
I recently bought a Waeco CoolPower 36 (RAPS36). We got it because we wanted to run a few 12V appliances off it. I know I could have gone with something else but for our first unit I think it will be ok. When we opened it there was only a charging lead for 12V (which will probably need upgrading to a better one) - no lead or convertor was included to charge it using 240V. RAPS36 Info
The guy at the
shop gave us a 240-12V charger but I'm worried it might damage the unit as I don't know if it gas an automatic cutout charger in it (it called DYNE 240V 50Hz/12VDC 1A), and I don't really want to take the risk damaging the RAPS36. Can anyone advise me? Should I go and pay *more* money to Waeco in order to safely charge the unit?
Regards.
Reply By: Wayne-o - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 19:05
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 19:05
not an expert, but i cant see a problem, the unit will only take as much charge as it needs and im sure there is and charge indication, if not use a multimeter and just confirm it is getting the right amount of charge etc, you wont hurt it
AnswerID:
214078
Reply By: Member - Chris - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 21:31
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 21:31
Diago
I have a Waeco adventure pack which came with a Raps 12R-U Universal fast charger kit. This kit has all the correct wiring to the battery.
The RAP36 charging wire plugs into this allowing you to charge the battery from your vehicle. The cost for this unit is $99 I think.
Contact your nearst Waeco outlet for advice or contact Waeco direct. I have found them extremely helpful.
My Raps36 battery is working perfectly and holding charge.
If charging on a battery charger it must have an automatic cut off to prevent damaging the battery.
Regards Sharps
AnswerID:
214126
Follow Up By: disco1942 - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 21:48
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 21:48
Looking on the Waeco site it looks like the Raps 12R-U is just a convenient package of components to provide an excellent 12V socket in the rear of your vehicle. It is not a mains powered battery charger.
PeterD
FollowupID:
474377
Reply By: disco1942 - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 21:37
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 21:37
I would not be using a simple power supply to charge a maintenance free battery. If the PSU has a high enough output (above 14.0 V) if you leave it on the battery too long you will boil it dry - particularly yours that only has a capacity of 36 A/H. If the PSU only has an output of 13.5 - 13.8 V then it will not efficiently charge your battery - this is the voltage that maintains a battery that has previously been charged.
The only info I can find out regarding the charger is that it looks like a 12V plug pack - does it specify what its output voltage is.
What are the appliances you intend to run with it? If it is a portable fridge you will not get a full days use out of it.
PeterD
AnswerID:
214127
Follow Up By: jondg - Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 22:08
Monday, Jan 08, 2007 at 22:08
i run my cf 60 off the coolpower 36, and can easily get 24 hrs running, on hot days. that is after all what it is designed for!
i bought it with a 240v mains charger,made by mobitronic, and it has waeco on the packaging too. says the output is 12V DC, 6A, 72W. dont seem to have had any problems 'overcharging' it either.
cheers,
jon
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: prado-wolf - Tuesday, Jan 09, 2007 at 13:29
Tuesday, Jan 09, 2007 at 13:29
Jon,
i have been once where you are now with the Mobiletronic charger , worked ok until the fuse died on me. My Auto electrician took one out of an other unit because you will have problems finding a replacement.
Good luck
FollowupID:
474472
Follow Up By: jondg - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 10:56
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 10:56
funny you say that because the first one i got didint work, so we eventually worked out the fuse was gone (from new!). luckliy the replacement has a spare fuse taped to it.
jon
FollowupID:
474612
Reply By: Diago - Tuesday, Jan 09, 2007 at 23:43
Tuesday, Jan 09, 2007 at 23:43
Thanks to all for your very helpful comments, especially disco1942. I will only be running a few lights, fan and a few other 12v appliances I pick up along the way. I have a Waeco CA-35 fridge but it's a 3 in 1 absoprtion job so I will use gas most of the time. There was no output on the charger I have, but I think I will go and spend more money and get the mobitronic MBC-1200 just to cover the investment. I should say I am dissapointed in Waeco (and the retailer for not telling me) for selling the unit only with the 12v in car charger - really impractical for people who don't drive massive distances to charge it up.
More info on MBC-1200 here
It really was an impulse buy so next time I'll be more careful. Think I'd get a normal deep cycle car battery so at least I can swap out my car battery it is goes flat.
Thanks again.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Mainey (WA) - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 00:06
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 00:06
Smart move there, go for AGM largest affordable size that fits the space available.
FollowupID:
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