Description
CTEK CTCSFREE CS FREE Portable Battery Charger & Maintainer with Adaptive Boost - 12V Power Bank for Vehicles & Devices
Experience the freedom of portable battery management with the CTEK CS FREE — the world's first fully portable battery charger and maintainer featuring revolutionary Adaptive Boost technology that gets flat batteries going quickly and safely without mains power. This innovative 12V power bank for vehicles works with both lead-acid (AGM, gel, calcium, flooded) and lithium (12V LiFePO4) batteries, delivering professional CTEK charging intelligence anywhere you need it — features Adaptive Boost mode that provides rapid battery recovery to get stranded vehicles mobile quickly, then transitions to safe maintenance charging for long-term battery health — includes USB outputs for charging phones, laptops, cameras, and other portable devices, making it the ultimate multi-purpose power solution for touring, remote work, and emergency situations — delivers up to 40Ah charging capacity from its internal lithium battery, sufficient for multiple vehicle battery boosts or extended device charging during off-grid adventures — operates completely independent of mains power, allowing battery charging and maintenance in remote locations where traditional chargers are useless — and features CTEK's proven 8-step charging algorithm that desulfates, recovers, and optimally charges batteries while preventing overcharging and damage. Designed for Australian adventurers, remote workers, and emergency preparedness, the CTEK CS FREE eliminates the anxiety of flat batteries in the outback, provides reliable power backup for essential devices, and delivers professional-grade battery care that extends battery life and ensures reliable starting performance wherever your journey takes you.
Product Overview
The CTEK CS FREE represents a revolutionary breakthrough in portable power technology, combining CTEK's 25+ years of battery charging expertise with modern lithium power bank technology to create the first truly portable battery charger and maintainer. Unlike traditional jump starters that provide only momentary starting current, or conventional battery chargers that require mains power, the CS FREE functions as a complete portable charging station capable of fully recovering flat batteries, maintaining battery health during storage, and providing ongoing power for devices throughout extended remote trips. The Adaptive Boost technology intelligently delivers rapid initial charging to get critically discharged batteries to a functional voltage, then automatically transitions to CTEK's sophisticated 8-step charging algorithm that recovers sulfated batteries, optimally charges to 100% capacity, and provides maintenance charging to prevent self-discharge. Australian tourers, 4WD enthusiasts, marine operators, and emergency responders rely on CTEK CS FREE for its unmatched versatility — it's equally effective recovering your 4WD battery after leaving lights on overnight in a remote camp, maintaining your caravan battery during extended storage, boosting a boat battery at the ramp, or keeping work laptops and communications devices charged during multi-day bush assignments where generator access isn't practical.
Key Features
Adaptive Boost Technology for Rapid Recovery Employs intelligent Adaptive Boost mode that delivers higher initial charging current to quickly raise critically discharged batteries to functional voltage, getting stranded vehicles mobile within minutes rather than hours. Once the battery reaches sufficient voltage, the system automatically transitions to safe maintenance charging that completes the full charge cycle without risk of overcharging or thermal damage — this intelligent two-stage approach balances the urgency of getting moving against the importance of proper battery care.
Universal Battery Chemistry Compatibility Works with all common 12V battery types including AGM, gel, calcium, flooded lead-acid, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries, eliminating the need for multiple chargers or manual chemistry selection. The advanced charging algorithm automatically adapts to each battery type's unique charging requirements, ensuring optimal charge acceptance, maximum lifespan, and safe operation whether you're maintaining your 4WD's AGM auxiliary battery or charging a modern lithium house battery system.
Fully Portable Independence from Mains Power Operates entirely from its internal high-capacity lithium battery, providing professional-grade battery charging and maintenance capabilities in locations where traditional mains-powered chargers are completely useless. This independence makes the CS FREE ideal for remote camping, beach launches, trailhead parking, bush worksites, and emergency roadside situations where the nearest power outlet is hundreds of kilometres away — simply charge the unit before departure and carry genuine charging capability wherever you go.
40Ah Total Charging Capacity Delivers up to 40 amp-hours of charging energy from its internal battery, sufficient for multiple vehicle battery boosts, extended maintenance charging sessions, or several days of device charging during off-grid adventures. This substantial capacity handles scenarios from recovering a completely flat 70Ah AGM battery to providing maintenance charging throughout a month-long outback expedition, while the remaining capacity keeps phones, satellite communicators, and cameras powered when you need them most.
Multi-Device USB Charging Capability Features integrated USB outputs for charging phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, GPS units, satellite communicators, and other portable electronics, consolidating multiple power banks into a single versatile unit. This dual-purpose functionality means you carry one device instead of separate jump starter, battery maintainer, and phone power bank, reducing weight and vehicle clutter while ensuring you have backup power for critical communications and navigation devices during extended remote travel.
Professional 8-Step CTEK Charging Algorithm Incorporates CTEK's proven 8-step fully automatic charging process including desulfation, soft start, bulk charging, absorption, analysis, reconditioning, float maintenance, and pulse maintenance. This sophisticated algorithm recovers sulfated batteries that simpler chargers would abandon, optimizes charge acceptance to minimize charging time, prevents overcharging that reduces battery life, and maintains batteries at perfect storage voltage — delivering the same professional battery care that workshop technicians rely on, now available anywhere.
Compact Weather-Resistant Design Built with rugged construction and weather-resistant housing designed to withstand the bouncing, dust, temperature extremes, and occasional moisture exposure of vehicle-based touring. The compact form factor stores easily in glove boxes, door pockets, or camping gear without consuming valuable space, while the durable case protects internal electronics through years of outback travel, beach trips, and bush adventures where lesser equipment fails.
Intelligent Safety Protection Systems Incorporates comprehensive protection against reverse polarity, short circuits, overheating, spark generation, and overcharging, ensuring safe operation even when used by operators with minimal electrical experience. These multiple safety layers prevent battery damage from incorrect connection, protect vehicle electronics from voltage spikes, and eliminate the dangerous sparking that can ignite fuel vapors or hydrogen gas during battery charging in confined spaces.
Maintenance Charging for Long-Term Storage Functions as a sophisticated battery maintainer that keeps vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and equipment batteries at optimal charge during extended storage periods. The intelligent pulse maintenance mode prevents the self-discharge and sulfation that kills batteries during caravan storage over winter, boat layup between seasons, or 4WD parking during work months, ensuring your recreational vehicles are ready to go when adventure calls without dead battery frustration.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
CTCSFREE |
| Internal Battery |
High-Capacity Lithium (Rechargeable) |
| Total Capacity |
40Ah (Amp-Hours) |
| Output Voltage |
12V DC |
| Charging Technology |
Adaptive Boost + 8-Step Algorithm |
| Battery Chemistry |
Lead-Acid (AGM, Gel, Calcium, Flooded) & Lithium (12V LiFePO4) |
| Boost Mode |
Rapid Battery Recovery |
| Maintenance Mode |
Automatic Float & Pulse Charging |
| USB Outputs |
Multiple Ports for Devices |
| USB Output Power |
5V DC (Phones, Tablets, Laptops) |
| Charging Method |
Mains Charger (Included) |
| Recharge Time |
Approximately 5-7 Hours (Empty to Full) |
| Operating Temperature |
-20°C to +50°C |
| Weather Protection |
Weather-Resistant (Not Waterproof) |
| Safety Features |
Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit, Overheat, Spark Protection |
| Cable Length |
Extended Reach for Vehicle Access |
| Warranty |
CTEK Standard Warranty |
| Suitable Applications |
4WD, Caravan, Motorhome, Marine, Motorcycle, Emergency Power, Remote Work |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the CS FREE different from a traditional jump starter?
Jump starters provide only momentary high-current cranking power to start an engine, but they don't actually charge the battery — once you start the vehicle, the battery remains discharged and relies entirely on the alternator. The CTEK CS FREE actually charges your battery properly using sophisticated algorithms, recovering it to full capacity so it's genuinely healthy again. It can also boost a flat battery to get you started, but unlike jump starters, it then continues charging to restore full battery health.
How many times can I boost a flat car battery before recharging the CS FREE?
This depends on how flat the vehicle battery is and its capacity, but typically the CS FREE can provide 2-4 battery boosts for average car batteries (60-70Ah) before needing recharge. A completely dead battery requires more energy than one that's just too low to crank, so actual boost count varies. The unit's display indicates remaining capacity so you can monitor available power and plan recharging needs during extended trips.
Can I leave the CS FREE connected to maintain my battery for months?
Yes, the CS FREE's maintenance charging mode is specifically designed for long-term battery maintenance during storage. However, since it operates from its internal battery rather than mains power, it will eventually deplete its own charge. For storage periods exceeding several weeks, you'd need to periodically recharge the CS FREE itself, or use a traditional mains-powered CTEK maintainer for set-and-forget long-term storage applications.
Will this charge my laptop and how long will it power my devices?
Yes, the CS FREE includes USB outputs suitable for charging laptops, phones, tablets, cameras, and similar devices. The 40Ah capacity translates to substantial device charging capability — typically 10-15 phone charges, 3-5 laptop charges, or several days of mixed device charging depending on device battery capacities and usage patterns. This makes it excellent for remote work scenarios, camping trips, or emergency power backup for essential communications equipment.
Do I need to select battery type or does it detect automatically?
The CTEK CS FREE automatically detects and adapts to the connected battery type (lead-acid or lithium) without requiring manual selection. This eliminates configuration errors and ensures appropriate charging parameters for each chemistry. However, ensure you're connecting to 12V batteries only — the CS FREE is not compatible with 6V or 24V battery systems.
Legendary Products & Support From Authorized Dealers
When you choose Frankies BrandBeast, you're choosing quality and performance. But just as important as what you buy is where you buy it from. Here's why purchasing from an authorized dealer is always the right choice:
▸ Expert Knowledge & Training
Only authorized Frankies BrandBeast dealers are factory-trained to sell and install our products. They have the expertise to ensure your purchase is set up correctly and meets your expectations.
▸ Authorized Warranty Protection
We offer one of the best warranties in the industry, but only purchases made through authorized dealers are covered. Don’t be misled by unauthorized sellers who can’t provide genuine warranty support.
▸ Reliable Customer Support
If you ever run into an issue, you’re backed by Frankies BrandBeast’s official manufacturer’s warranty. No need to deal with overseas returns—our local team takes care of everything quickly and efficiently.
▸ Protect Your Investment
Buying from an authorized dealer ensures you’re getting genuine products, full warranty coverage, and expert support. Ask yourself—is saving a few bucks worth losing all that?
Choose wisely. Buy from Frankies BrandBeast today!
