Jumpboxs are great but how often do you happen to be carrying one when you need it? And if you do, when was it last charged? I know mine is at the shop, plugged in ,ready to go right where I "don't" need it. No help if I leave my lights on while in the bar.
I had all sorts of ideas like using a battery isolator to keep it charged while carrying it in the car. The cost (wiring, battery isolator etc) and work did not seem reasonible. There is also something called a VSR (voltage sensing relay $70) that could be used but was discounted because of the same reasons.
Then I had another idea, use a solar cell to maintian the jump box. So I was off and running.
First the jump box I got one from Kmart/Sears. I found one online for sale in a Chicago Kmart and my local store price matched, went from $149.95 :shock: local to $109.95. This thing does everything but wash the windows.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871988000P
The second piece is a Sunforce 52018 solar panel 2pk.
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:vaU ... clnk&gl=us
Talked with the manufacture and it will work fine with the jump box. They don't list it as having a blocking diode, so it does not discharge the battery at night, but they assured me it has one.
The plan mount it on the wheelhump in the back of the wagon at a 40 degree angle. Then plug it direct into a 12v port on the box. The second panel will go on the dash and be used "as designed".
So if dummy leaves his lights on again, I can just pull the box out of the back and jump myself ? or a hottie in distress!
You could run one or both panels on the package tray and keep the jumpbox in the trunk in a non-wagon.
Whadyathink?
I had all sorts of ideas like using a battery isolator to keep it charged while carrying it in the car. The cost (wiring, battery isolator etc) and work did not seem reasonible. There is also something called a VSR (voltage sensing relay $70) that could be used but was discounted because of the same reasons.
Then I had another idea, use a solar cell to maintian the jump box. So I was off and running.
First the jump box I got one from Kmart/Sears. I found one online for sale in a Chicago Kmart and my local store price matched, went from $149.95 :shock: local to $109.95. This thing does everything but wash the windows.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871988000P
The second piece is a Sunforce 52018 solar panel 2pk.
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:vaU ... clnk&gl=us
Talked with the manufacture and it will work fine with the jump box. They don't list it as having a blocking diode, so it does not discharge the battery at night, but they assured me it has one.
The plan mount it on the wheelhump in the back of the wagon at a 40 degree angle. Then plug it direct into a 12v port on the box. The second panel will go on the dash and be used "as designed".
So if dummy leaves his lights on again, I can just pull the box out of the back and jump myself ? or a hottie in distress!
You could run one or both panels on the package tray and keep the jumpbox in the trunk in a non-wagon.
Whadyathink?
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