CTEK CS FREE
Now, here’s a really clever bit of kit that could prove super-useful and which its maker says is unique. It’s truly multifunctional, too.
Firstly, the CS Free is a regular battery charger, which many of us need for a vehicle that isn’t being driven day to day. Just attach it to your vehicle battery at one end and the mains supply at the other. However, unlike conventional battery chargers and maintainers, you can disconnect the 230V supply and it will keep charging your ’van – it is a portable unit with its own internal battery. That’s great if you’re staying off-grid for a while and want to keep your vehicle battery topped up, which the CS Free can do for up to a couple of days (depending on the vehicle). If you need longer than that, a solar panel charge kit (price £320) is also available, giving you independence for longer. Or, if necessary, you can power the CS Free with a separate service battery, simply attached with crocodile clips.
If you run your vehicle battery too flat to start the engine, you can then use the CS Free’s boost function to start it within 15 minutes but, unlike most conventional boosters or jump starters, this won’t damage your vehicle battery or the ’van’s delicate ECUs. Your battery is analysed automatically by the unit and the right amount of charge is supplied in a safe way.
Afterwards, CTEK recommends recharging the CS Free straight away – which you can do immediately, by simply plugging it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter. And, once recharged, the unit will keep its charge for up to a year.
That’s not all. The side of the CS Free incorporates USB-A and USB-C sockets to charge phones, laptops, etc, when you’re away from hook-ups.
The CS Free can be used with lithium and lead acid batteries and comes with a two-year warranty. A storage case for the unit is also available. ctek.com