COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is the use of a Thumper / Urban?

The Thumper / Urban range is used as a portable Dual Battery System for vehicles which cannot fit a dual battery system under the bonnet. The unit offers the versatility of a dual battery system, which can be separated from the vehicle and used as a portable battery bank that offers the capability of a spike protected jump-starter.

What Type of Batteries are used in the Thumper / Urban?

The Thumper / Outback battery packs consist of AGM cells; Absorbed glass mat. These cells are completely maintenance free so they require little to no attention. Simply charge and use. The AGM batteries used in the Thumper / Urban range allow for not only deep cycling but they additionally allow for cranking ability. The cells like to charge at a voltage rate between 13-14 Volts, which means that they are fully capable of charging via vehicle charging.

Will they leak or spill?

No. The AGM batteries used in the Thumper / Urban range are a completely sealed battery, meaning that you will not have to worry about the cells leaking acid, fumes, gases or any nasty odours. Due to the fact the batteries are completely sealed, it allows for the batteries to be stored on any one of their sides – even upside-down while working to full efficiency.

Can I store the unit in a non-ventilated area, such as under a bed in a caravan?

Yes. Considering that the batteries are completely sealed it means that the batteries do not require a ventilated area for storage. This results in the perfect battery to have stored in an “out of the way” area such as under a bed in a caravan or under a vehicle’s seat, even in a draw in the back of a 4wd.

Can I use Solar Panels to charge my unit?

Yes. Solar Panels can be used for charging and/ or maintaining the Thumper / Urban battery packs. Keep in mind those solar panels that are rated at 10watts or higher must be regulated when connected to any type of battery. This will prevent the solar panel from over-charging the battery and potentially causing damage.

Will it run my fridge?

Yes it will and many other appliances also! One of the main accessories in which people use the Thumper / Urban range is for running 12/240 Volt compressor type fridges. As the batteries are deep cycle it allows for running of accessories even while the battery is charging through vehicle charging, solar or even 240 Volt.
We do not recommend running a gas operated fridge for prolonged durations due to the high power draw (approx 12+ Amps per hour).

How long will the Thumper / Urban battery last while running my appliances?

The duration of time that the Thumper / Urban battery packs will last with running accessories such as a fridge largely depends on the amp draw of the appliance in question. * Please refer to the recent brochure which indicates approx fridge running times based on a 40 – 50ltr compressor type fridge rated at 32* ambient temperature. These times are very realistic and take into consideration factors such as excessive heat; better running times may be achieved in certain circumstances.

Can I use inverters for 240 Volt appliances?

Yes. The Thumper range now offers a range of ‘Inverter units’, which allow for the units 12 Volt power to be converted into 240 Volts to allow for the running of 240Volt appliances. The Inverter unit comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 60AH with 300watts at 240 Volts through to 90AH Getaway 1200 and 2200watt at 240volt. These units will allow for the running of appliances such as laptop computer, recharging phone and camera batteries, running TV’s, DVD players or even powering tools such as drills and 4 inch angle grinders.

Will the Thumper / Urban start my diesel?

Yes. Each of the Thumper / Urban units hold a different CA output, which means that the cranking ability varies between the sizes of each unit. *Please refer to the brochure which indicts the cranking ability that each unit holds.

Can I charge straight from my vehicle’s alternator?

Each of the Thumper / Urban units that are sold come included with an ‘In car charging kit’ that corresponds to the Thumper / Urban unit that is purchased. These kits allow you to recharge the unit straight from your vehicle’s alternator with an approximate recharge time between 2-4 hours (depending on your vehicles alternator). These kits have been designed for the Thumper / Urban range to include an ignition – activated isolator which allows you to isolate your unit for the running of your accessories once your vehicle’s ignition is off. This means that your Thumper / Urban will charge via your ‘In car kit’ when the ignition is on (even if you are discharging the unit) and will be separated from your vehicle’s main battery once your ignition has been switched ‘off’ – you will never flatten your vehicles battery while running your accessories again.

Is jump-starting my vehicle safe?

YES! Jump-starting with the Thumper / Urban range is perfectly safe for both the unit and your vehicle. The Thumper / Urban range is completely ‘spike protected’ which means that you will not incur any of those nasty voltage spikes which could potentially fry a vehicle’s internal circuits and cause thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs.

What is the life expectancy of the batteries used?

The AGM cells used in the Thumper / Urban range have a life expectancy between 5-9 years. The life of the Thumper / Urban range largely depends on the method in which the unit is charged. Over 10 years on the market has proved that the life expectancy of the units increase when the units are charged via the provided ‘In car charging kit’. When the unit is not in use (discharged regularly), the best method of maintaining the battery is leaving the unit connected to it’s ‘In car charge kit’. This maintains the battery and aids in prolonging the life of the cells used in the battery pack.

What is the warranty of the Thumper / Urban range?

The Blue Apple Thumper / Urban range offers a 2 year warranty from the date of the consumers purchase. * Please return the provided warranty from Blue Apple in order to validate your warranty claim.

What do I do when the cells in my unit die?

Although the Thumper / Urban range offers a 2 year warranty and has a life expectancy between 5-9 years….Blue Apple offers their customers the chance to have their unit repacked when the cells do eventually die out! Once a customer has paid for a repack Blue Apple offers their customers a new 2-year warranty on the unit from the date of repack.

240 Volt Charging

Only use fully regulated automatic battery chargers to charge your Thumper unit. Do not exceed 30% of the units capacity (eg 75AH Thumper would use a maximum charger of 25Amps)

Can I charge my unit and discharge at the same time?

YES! This is the perfect way to use your power pack. Each socket on the unit can be used to discharge or charge the unit. (We do not recommend charging the unit straight from a vehicles cigarette socket, as the unit will never reach full charge).

Can I recharge my unit straight from a generator?

Yes, in most cases. BE CAREFUL not to let the exceed 14.5 Volts or damage will occur to the unit and you will void your warranty. We recommend putting a regulated battery charger between the generator and your unit to ensure that no voltage spikes occur.

What is an Amp Hour?
Amp hour is the rated capacity of the unit. If a unit holds 60 AH and you discharged the unit using a fluorescent light that draws 1 Amp per hour the unit would last for duration of 60 hours before needing to be recharged.

Where and how are the Thumpers made?

The Blue Apple Thumper / Urban range is proudly Australian made and owned. Each unit is hand made from start to finish producing the best portable dual battery system with the highest cranking ability available on the market!