The Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger is also a MULTI-PURPOSE BOX that is designed to jump-start cars, inflate car tires and provide AC and DC power and functionality wherever you need it. Built around a rechargeable 18 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery, it also contains a built-in 260 PSI air compressor, a DC outlet and two grounded AC outlets which utilize the built-in 400 watt inverter. Other features include heavy-duty 6 gauge/24″ battery clamps, worklight, USB power port, built-in AM/FM radio and an audio output jack. ** Prices and Discount Rates may fluctuate without notice

Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger

Introduction

The Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger is a powerful and portable multi-purpose emergency power source designed to jump-start your car and provide AC and DC power and functionality, whenever and wherever you may need it.

It is a multi-use power pack type unit designed for any emergency or outdoor situation you may find yourself in, whether it be around your home, the campsite, the worksite or of course, on the road.

This unit is built around a rechargeable 18 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery, and has enough jump-starting power to revive most standard-size car batteries. It also contains a built-in 260 PSI air compressor, and can be used to inflate car tires, sports equipment, inflatable rafts and air mattresses quickly and easily.

It has one DC outlet and two grounded AC outlets which utilize the built-in 400W inverter.

Product Description

Apart from these useful features, the Wagan also has heavy-duty 24 inch/6 gauge battery clamps, a USB power port, a 5-LED work light, AM/FM radio, an audio output jack and more.

It can be used to power up your 110V AC or 12V DC applications such as laptops, MP3 players, fans, TVs, power tools, faxes, audio equipment, electrical tools, gaming consoles, cell phones, digital cameras and other such household appliances.

The base function is of course to jump-start your car engine in an emergency situation. The manufacturer recommends to charge the battery for 24-36 hours fully before the first use. After this initial charge, the unit should be charged for around 34 hours every 2 to 3 months, or more frequently with greater use. Simply press the battery status indicator on the volt meter readout, in order to view the amount of charge left in the unit.

The unit also comes with handy safety features for your peace-of-mind, which include short circuit protection, overload protection and UL listed.

Having the Wagan 400 Dome EX on board your car means you can inflate your own tires and jump-start your own weak or dead vehicle battery – meaning not having to depend on a tow truck, or flagging down any random passing driver. The high intensity 5 LED lights assist if you have car troubles at night.

wagan 2 300x256 Wagan 400 Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger Reviews

For camping purposes, the Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger also offers maximum convenience. If fixed electrical outlets are lacking, it is good to know that this unit has two, 3-pronged AC outlets providing up to 400W, with an 800W peak-surge power of 110V house current. The unit also has one DC outlet to power 12V appliances when away from your vehicle.

built-in AM/FM radio with antenna is another useful feature you get with this unit. News and weather updates are a simple switch away during an emergency or blackout. Music is also accessible via the audio input socket for any MP3 or CD player.

The unit also sports a durable rubber housing on the handle and around its edges to ensure strength through wear-and-tear for years to come. This allows for portability from one car or location to another, enabling easy portable power.

You should note that this unit ships with a (1) one-year limited warranty for defective items only. Customers have 1 year from the date of purchase to submit their warranty claim to their customer service department, should an item be defective. A valid proof of purchase is required to activate this warranty. Additional warranty details are listed on the insert card that is shipped with purchase.

This car battery charger unit not only comes with a built-in air compressor, but the associated compressor needles as well, AC and DC adapters to recharge the box itself, and an instruction manual.

PRODUCT SUMMARY: The Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger is a MULTI-PURPOSE BOX that is designed to jump-start cars, inflate car tires and provide AC and DC power and functionality wherever you need it. Built around a rechargeable 18 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery, it also contains a built-in 260 PSI air compressor, a DC outlet and two grounded AC outlets which utilize the built-in 400 watt inverter. Other features include heavy-duty 6 gauge/24″ battery clamps, worklight, USB power port, built-in AM/FM radio and an audio output jack. Perfect for camping trips or weekends away where portable DC/AC power is required.

Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger

Features and Benefits

Summarizing the above, below is a list of features and benefits of the Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger at a quick glance:

  • 600 Amp jump-starter with heavy duty cable and clamps
  • 260 PSI high power motor air compressor with easy-read analog pressure gauge for inflating tires and accessories
  • 400W power inverter (800W peak)
  • Two grounded 115 volt AC outlets
  • One 12 volt accessory outlet for powering DC appliance (loads to 11 Amps)
  • One USB power port for charging/operating cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players
  • AM/FM radio with built-in speaker, with iPod™ input and audio input jack for headphones
  • Bright high intensity LED light for long battery life
  • AC recharging adapter and DC recharging adapter (fused)
  • Easy-read analog voltmeter for checking battery status
  • Jump start cable polarity indicator for safety
  • Good for those with limited jump-start experience
  • Useful for various SOS situations, both around the house and in the great outdoors

Product Specifications (Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger)

  • Brand: Wagan
  • Item Model Number: 400 Power Dome EX (EL 2454)
  • Weight: 20.3 Pounds (official)
  • Height: 11.0 inches
  • Length: 12.0 inches
  • Width: 8.0 inches

Pros and Cons

The following lists the pros and cons of this particular model product, based on straight product facts, specifications and actual user feedback:

Pros

  • Easy-to-carry, functional design
  • Powered by a rechargeable 18 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery
  • Most users report a successful and reliable operation of jump-start and AC and DC power operations
  • Built-in Reverse Cable Alarm (safety mechanism for when jump cables have been incorrectly hooked up to car)
  • Easy-To-Use unit very suitable for those with limited jump-start experience
  • Multi-purpose unit useful for jump-starting cars and also…
  • Good for charging up laptops, MP3 players, fans, TVs, faxes, audio equipment, electrical tools, gaming consoles, cell phones, digital cameras and some household appliances
  • 260PSI built-in air compressor makes for efficient inflating of car tires, sports gear and inflatable rafts and air mattresses
  • Useful emergency power source for use during storms and other power outages
  • Handy to have on the worksite, for powering smaller power tools
  • Multiple power outlets available give the user the ability to operate several appliances at once
  • Can be easily and conveniently recharged via any standard household AC outlet, DC cigarette lighter socket, or even solar panel
  • Easy-to-read analog voltmeter for checking battery status
  • Includes 5-LED work light for operating in the dark
  • Solid enough unit
  • Ships with a One (1) Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
READ:  Schumacher SE-4022 Manual Wheeled Car Battery Charger Reviews

Cons

  • Some users report that the battery does not fully charge, even after recommended allotted time
  • Build-quality seems to be inconsistent (some users absolutely happy, others not)
  • Too heavy and large for some
  • Radio is not much good according to some users
  • Some users report inconsistent results when recharging the internal battery
  • Internal battery life seems to vary from unit to unit (again, inconsistency in the product)
  • Radio can be hard to tune
  • AC inverter does not always work 100% for some users
  • Some report that the LED work light did not function on their unit
  • Unit is not waterproof (needs to be put in plastic bag in the car trunk, for example)

Customer Reviews

Below are testimonials from purchasing customers of the Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger. These testimonials are 100% Amazon verified wherever possible, and we provide feedback from other customer retail forums if necessary or applicable.

It is always helpful and informative to read what others have to say about any product in question before making any final purchase decision.

In the case of the Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger, a 5 Star Rating was given by 29% of customer reviewers, followed by 25% awarding it with 4 stars15%who gave it 3 stars, 10%awarded 2 stars, and finally 21%gave it only one star.

Nutshell Summary

When doing our research on the Wagan Power Dome EX, it is evident that this product is liked by the majority of people, with 54% giving it a high rating, but there is considerable ‘middle’ and ‘low’ ground with this unit as well…so it is also reasonable to say there is a mixed reaction, all things considered. Again, this is determined by product expectation and user experience.

In the words of one reviewer, this box is a bit like a crapshoot: some folks get a good ‘copy’, others do not.

Most users are happy with this product, saying that it does everything that it says it does. Jump-starting cars, inflating tires and getting good use out of the AC/DC power outlets all seem to be fine. But, and it is a notable BUT, there are a number of people who have complaints. The main one being that the internal battery just would not charge. Or that it had a short life-span. Read the below reviews. Minor concerns were that some of the other functions of the unit were not necessarily working 100%. As stated above, it would appear that some consumers receive a good working unit, and others do not. As with the Duracell Powerpack 600, this may be an issue with the manufacturer (a product not yet developed to full potential?)

And as we have pointed out with some competing units, it is true to note that these portable car battery chargers, due to their very nature, will indeed have a life-span. So to some extent, this is normal. But again, the question is to what degree? This may vary from model to model and unit to unit.

Nonetheless, with around 54% of folks giving the Powerdome 400 EX a high rating, it is still a highly popular product and seems to get the job done for most consumers. Like the Energizer 84020 and Duracell Powerpack 600 units, people are highly attracted to the multi-purpose nature of this unit, and when everything is in working order, then fine.

Note that the one big advantage that the Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX has over some of the other competing units, is that you have a one-year limited warranty if you do happen to receive a unit that is not up to standard (that is, in working order). You will still have to pay for the return shipping to Wagan, but at least there exists a certain peace-of-mind.

Everything I need.

“The Pros for me with this box is that it has a charge indicator, AM/FM radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, as well as a USB power supply port for those suckers who own an iPod. The LED light is quite intense, the air compressor is a good thing, and the hose is a decent length. The 2 AC outlets as well as 1 DC outlet provide enough space to plug anything in, and the jumper cables for starting the car, along with the air hose, are longer than they appear in the picture (about 2.5 feet).

The reason it only got 4 stars from me are because the power switch for the AC outlets is a 2 stage switch, meaning it has OFF, 1, and 2 settings. The 1 seems to do nothing, while the 2 powers the outlets. From the pictures, it is clear that a simple ON/OFF switch was meant to be there, and probably is in most units, but for some reason, mine has a different one (no big deal, but strange all the same).

The air compressor works well enough, but I have a problem with the dial going all the way to 260PSI. Who pumps that much air into an object? Because of this, I always look closely when I am pumping up tires because the distance from 0-35/40 is very small. The tips for the air hose come loose so they can get tossed or lost pretty easily. Finally, the radio speaker is not the best. I would have thought that it would be nice to have a built-in amp and an audio-out, but I guess these sorts of things can only do so much.

Overall, it is a great buy and should do the job well for most people. ”

– Jimmy James ‘Gadget Guru’, OH USA

December 30, 2008

4 Star Rating

It Does the Trick!

“I have owned this product for a few weeks now and have used it for five jumps and inflated four tires – without the unit even dropping below 13V. It is a great one to have. What I particularly like is the fact that you don’t have to drag out those long cables and use another car to get a jump. I know it will be handy in storms too – I love it!

UPDATE!! STILL GOING STRONG!!!

I have been using this box now for going on 2.5 years – to both jump cars and even for houselights during power outages… and it still works just fine…I am sorry that some folks have had trouble…all I can say is that mine is great …I did have to stick on some decals that were falling off the face of it…but apart from that it is still working beautifully…

I’m glad I have it…”

– Deelaureen, VA USA

May 6, 2009

5 Star Rating

Works perfectly!

“I discovered how well this thing works when my car could not start at two in the morning, 2 hrs away from a meeting that I could not miss. What a lifesaver! The other features work well too. I’ve had this unit now for a few years and am nothing but thrilled with it – no problems with any of the features. I will get this for friends and family as well.”

– Firstsnow

December 11, 2011

5 Star Rating

 

 A Great Bit of Insurance for the Price!

“I purchased this box to keep in my car to assist in emergencies that I could experience on the road, and also to use in my house in case of power outages. With the 260 PSI air compressor, AM/FM and weather radio, 5 LED emergency light, 600 cranking amp jump starter with built-in heavy-duty cables, a 400 amp inverter for 120V A/C power, and with two A/C 12V outlets, a USB powerport for charging laptops, cell phones or other USB devices, it is perfect for most SOS situations…

It also has an indicator to tell you how much power you have left. Unfortunately, the first unit I received had defective LED lights. Amazon replaced the unit quickly under their no-hassle return policy. One Caveat here. Due to changing Department of Transportation definitions with regard to these units, you should be very clear as to what the return policy is at the time of purchase. In my case the replacement was easy and quick, but it still took a few calls and a few emails to be clear as to how to handle the returned unit. I am sure this change in ‘Hazardous Material’ definition has now been resolved and may not be an issue at the time of your purchase. I have already used my Power Dome EX to start a dead battery on my John Deere Tractor, so it has already paid for itself in part. GREAT POWER UNIT at a GREAT PRICE. I am totally pleased with my buy.”

– Kat

November 1, 2011

5 Star Rating

Last One I Buy.

“This is my third Wagan model and sadly each one has been a dud. This latest one I bought – PowerDome EX – won’t charge up even when I’ve plugged it in to its maximum allotted time. I have now done this 3 times and it still will not work. On the face of it it looks new, but I wonder if they just stuck an old battery in there. It is such a nuisance to get it replaced. The one I purchased last year – the PowerDome 2354 – lasted around a month and the charging receptacle broke on the battery side. The Wagan customer service dude said that there was nothing that they could do about it! He told me to take it apart and fix it myself. And the first unit I bought was several years ago now, it only lasted one year. The third time’s it. No more Wagans. Overall, I’d say if you’re going to review a product, better to give it some longevity rather than reviewing it shortly after you buy it. My experience with three over four years should give you a pretty good idea of how poorly made these power supplies are.”

– Boku Kodama

July 1, 2010

1 Star Rating

Short life span if…

“I have owned this Wagan Power Dome for 10 months and then when I went to use it the battery was dead. I tried to charge it but it did not respond. I admit that I had not used it in a couple of months. After doing some research on the matter, it would appear that these type of battery units must remain charged all the time. If you let the battery just sit around for a few months without using it or recharging it, it will likely die as did mine. Lesson learned: never let these batteries discharge completely!

So I took the box apart and got the specifications off the old battery and then ordered a new one. I hope that this one will work and last a few years, if I can remember to regularly charge it. Can’t say that I totally blame Wagan since the instructions do actually tell you to not allow the battery to fully discharge over time.

I have never actually used this unit to jump-start my car so I cannot really comment on that one. The radio is pretty useless as the tuner is quite ordinary and the sound quality is not really that good. But I do use it for the air compressor and to power my separate high volume air compressor with the DC power outlet. It works fine for those things.

11-4-11 Update: Just installed the new battery in this unit and it works again icon smile Wagan 400 Watt Power Dome EX Car Battery Charger Reviews I plan to fully charge the battery at least once a month, with the hope of avoiding the same problem as described above.”

– Mike D ‘Mike’, CA USA

October 25, 2011

3 Star Rating

Stellar product!

“This thing saved me twice within the first week I bought it. It is practical and does all the things it says it will do. The price is spot on for the quality of the product.”

– Bowlist ‘Bowling Maven’, TX USA

September 28, 2011

5 Star Rating

Not Good

“I went through two of these things and found that both were not very good. The first one looked great. Everything appeared to work. I used it once when I had just gotten it to jump-start a neighbors car. It worked after a while of charging. Then I attempted a second time to get a  co-worker’s car started after work. Nothing. Then MY own battery died and again it failed to work. Then the air compressor died, all within the space of a year. So I sent it back to Wagan and they sent back a piece of junk as a replacment after a really long wait. It seriously looked like a quality control reject. The USB port did not work, the case was falling apart, with cables popping out…and the compressor died again within a year. I won’t give Wagan another chance to get my future business. Two strikes and you are out when dealing with me.”

– punsani

September 8, 2011

2 Star Rating

Great item – high quality

“This came highly recommended to me and I was not disappointed! It is a compact unit, seems to be very durable, and has some really great on-board tools.

Everything works and operates as advertised.”

– Crazydays

September 7, 2011

5 Star Rating

Wagan

“Although it appears to be constructed from a thick and sturdy plastic shell, mine came misaligned. I had to unscrew it and reset the 2 halves together. Functionally, everything works but time will really only tell how it goes. Also the company logo peels off pretty easily.”

– Nikhil Wanchoo

February 4, 2011

3 Star Rating

Works like a charm.

“I have used every feature on this little baby, the radio, air compressor, both outlets as well as the jump-starer when I had to start our van. Can say that overall I am highly pleased and I cannot complain about one thing.”

– Jeep Driver

April 2, 2011

5 Star Rating

Killed one already

“The AC inverter did not work on the initial unit I received. But I did not send it back immediately. Later, some water dripped from my trunk lid onto the Wagan, and that more or less killed it. It started sounding the reversed cable alarm, and did not stop until I removed the fuse. After that it would not take a charge. I then returned it and got a new one under warranty about 8 weeks later. Beware, shipping it back cost me around $35.

The new one seems to work well. The car battery died this winter, and I could jump it with the Wagan without a hitch. It is useful, but beware that this is simply not a rock solid product. I suggest wrapping it in a trash bag if you intend to keep it stored in your car’s trunk.”

– Vagrant

March 1, 2011

3 Star Rating