We’ve been using the PLB40 now for 11 months. Its a plug-n-play, set and forget device. We’ve charged it from 120VAC, 12VDC, and unregulated solar (using a built-in PWM DC-DC charger). We’ve powered the Dometic DFX75DZW fridge/freezer, ARB 45 Quart fridge freezer, WeBoost Drive Reach cell booster, LED camp lighting, and countless cell phones. We’ve used it in two Land Cruisers, a cabin, and a tent.
The PLB40 is a 40 amp-hour lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) portable 12VDC power source. Outputs are a 12VDC 2-pin threaded connection specially designed for mobile refrigeration units (Dometic, ARB, and others), a standard 12VDC “cigarette lighter” outlet, and 2 USB ports (2.4A each, 4.2A total). Input handles 8 - 25VDC and 120v AC via an included charger. You can power devices while the PLB40 is charging.
PRO tip: Dometic (and other brands such as ARB) made the 2-pin threaded 12VDC plug specifically for powered coolers. The 2-pin is built within to the supplied 12VDC plug. Twist off the bottom portion of to reveal the 2-pin plug. The 2-pin is threaded, won't back out, and assures a positive connection. If you currently use a standard cigarette type outlet for your fridge, get the dedicated Dometic or ARB 2-pin outlet. Whether or not you have a fridge with connection issues, use the 2-pin. This is why the PLB40 has the dedicated 2-pin outlet. It works better!
Sophisticated electronics make PLB40 operation plug-n-play (Said in a more complicated way by Dometic: “The battery’s integrated Battery Management System protects the PLB40 from under-voltage, over-voltage, short circuiting and overheating for optimum charge time, performance and storage. With this power management system, the Dometic PLB40 has a cycle of life up to four times longer than more commonly used lithium ion batteries.”)
Does it replace a dual battery system? In many ways, yes. In others it exceeds the capabilities of a dual-battery install.
If you want to run your fridge in a second vehicle, outside your vehicle at camp, your pop-up camper trailer, backyard, rooftop tent, or cabin, you can put your power where you need it. A convenient carry handle and 16 lb weight makes the PLB40 easy to move.
The PLB40 electronics work with your fridge’s voltage sensing electronics. While designed around the Dometic mobile coolers, it should work just fine with any brands. The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery provides the voltage these units need.
In 18 years of owning my 1993 FZJ80 Land Cruiser I’ve never had an auxiliary/dual battery. I have instead run both standard sized Optima red tops, and, since 2009, a Group 31 size Deka Intimidator absorbed-glass-mat (“AGM”). Only once, running the stereo all day while parked, did I not have enough juice to start, but on several occasions the voltage protection built into the fridge turned off the cooling to protect my fridge. Then I’d have to run the engine a while to charge the battery.
To keep the fridge running overnight, power a few LED lights, and charge a device, the PLB40 shines. You avoid the expense and complexity of hardwiring a second battery system. As newer vehicle electronics become more sensitive, care must be taken when wiring into electronics. As many newer vehicles already come with an accessory 12V plug in the cargo area that is only on when the ignition is on, you already have the perfect way to charge the PLB40 by day as you drive and operate your fridge when you shut the engine. On my 2006 Land Cruiser I simply plug the PLB40 into the rear accessory outlet and my fridge into the PLB40. At all times the fridge receives power from the PLB40 and the PLB40 charges when I drive.
Dometic sells an auxiliary wiring kit (DOMETIC Hardwire Kit for DC) allowing you to add two 15amp fused outlets anywhere you want. Install your own ignition-switched relay at the vehicle battery, the outlets in your cargo area, and you have a system that charges when you drive and is disconnected when you park.
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What does a dual-battery system do that the PLB40 cannot? It won’t help power your winch. But do you need that? Can you jumpstart off the PLB40, no. Dometic says: “It is not allowed to use the battery pack as a starter battery for a vehicle.” Anyway, most of us already have a small portable jump pack. Can you trickle-charge a low battery off a PLB40? A comment from Dometic on its website says: “We just wanted to clarify that the PLB40 is not meant to jump start your vehicle, but it could trickle charge your vehicle battery in case of emergency.” Output is limited to 15 AMPS. As a last resort if I was stuck I’d sure try to transfer some juice to my vehicle battery! I’m sure I’d disconnect before trying to start.
Overall, the PLB40 is a great tool for the job.
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