Jump Starter (Battery Pack)

Hey y'all,

Over the past couple weeks, I've had to use the truck to help jump start several friends. All this got me to thinking about how long it's been since I've replaced my own battery, and how I had to call a buddy to give me a boost last time. In turn, this made me start considering one of those jump starter battery packs for whenever it inevitably happens to me.

What I need help on is this: how many amps should the battery pack be able to provide? I've found anywhere from 120A to 1000A. I don't really want to spend a lot of extra money for amps I don't need, since the price range is about as wide as the amperage range.

Sorry if this has been asked before (I searched, I promise; that being said, I'm not afraid to admit I could've just missed it in the threads I saw).

Thanks guys!

 

I've got one from Harbor Freight. I don't recall how many amps it has but it will start my truck several times on one charge (I don't like to get a new battery until I've gotten full service from the old one). It's similar to this one which has 330 amps.

 

Old tech. look on Amazon for a LiPo jumper. I used my 35$ one to jump a Tundra and a 7.3 ford diesel over the last two weeks. About the size of an iPod, I keep two in my truck.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQ5Z5F2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013UJ2JCE

 

I own this model as well and use it regularly to boost people. I haven't met an engine yet it won't turn over. I know a few people are very high on the NOCO brand jump starters as well though I think their Amp ratings are way out to lunch. They claim over 4000 amps in some cases lol, which is about 10x what anyone else puts out. If you do the math over the cables they provide, which btw you can somehow get extensions for even though they aren't even close to enough gauge for that many amps over distance, they should immediately light on fire lol. Still the brand is extremely proven and I'll likely try their product on my next go around.

 

^ This


I use this everywhere. Take it with me on overlanding trips with my KTM Adventure. Starts everything. Small, Convenient. It just works.

 

I highly recommend this one. I was in the same situation as you , always jump starting other people and I figured my own battery was taking a beating doing that.

This one fits perfectly behind the backseat in a doublecab , and charge last months at a time. I usually top off the charge every 6 months. It also jumpstarts literally everything, I've jumped started suvs, v8 diesel trucks, my Tacoma, etc.

I've had mine for 5 years already and it's still as good as new

$129 Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12 Volt Jump Starter , Blue

https://www.amazon.com/Jump-N-Carry...8&qid=1481289801&sr=8-6&keywords=Jump+starter

 

The $30 something one looks pretty good, especially the price. You said the power was sufficient for the larger engines for sure? Just checking because I did notice that it says 2.5L engines. But if it works it works.

 

I did a bunch of research on this and people seem to really like the Noco Genius. Mine should be arriving today. I explore remote locations alone and don't want to get stuck out there with a dead battery.

$100 NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel Engines, Gray

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB40-Ul...UTF8&qid=1480440492&sr=8-2&keywords=Noco+gb40

 

I have been checking out the genius line, I like that I can use it for cell phones and other usb devices. I am trying to figure out if I can charge it via a usb connected solar panel.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I9HGMYO/ref=twister_B01DLOCN92?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
I have the XP-1, similar to what others have, works really well, charges cell phones and other stuff when away from the vehicle, and jumps them nicely.

Another question to ask is how many times you might have to jump your vehicle to get OUT of somewhere? If you stall it a couple times getting out of a hole, those extra amps and possible jump starts are worth every penny! It seems that a lot of these chargers claim to jump start a car 10+ times before the jumper is dead. Which is a lot. But still worth noting.

 

Yes the Amazon listing says for a maximum of 2.5l displacement but I started a v8 tundra and a 7.3l diesel with it in the last two weeks. The 7.3 was dead dead, like sitting for 2 weeks with the headlights on. No click or anything.

 

If a battery is Dead! You need 600amp or so to start in the cold.If your battery is just weak a 260 amp will do it.I would see what AAA says or a good towing company near you.Good Luck.PS red to red black from good battery to ground on the other car that is dead.

 

This one lists for larger engines and gets good reviews. There was a GB on here too for this manufacturer. Maybe someone with this one could chime in?

$100 NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel Engines, Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015TKUPIC?psc=1

 

good thread im interested in buying a quality compact charger myself..

the xp-1 looks really cool...im leaning toward that one

 

I recently bought a NOCO Genious 1000amp pack for emergency purposes. I love the thing, it small and compact. Enough to take anywhere with you. So far, I had to use it one time and had no problems with it. I would highly recommend this product to anyone in the market.

 

I have the 500a ravpower. Worked on my nearly dead taco no problem
https://www.ravpower.com/car-jump-starter-external-battery-black.html

 

What do y'all think of this one? It's on sale and looks to be enough amps from what I've researched, so I'm considering buying it.

GOOLOO 600A Peak Portable Car Jump Starter Phone Power Bank (Up to 6.5L Gas or 5.0L Diesel Engine) Auto Battery Pack Booster Charger with LED Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LIE842/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FV1sybS2FQ3ZB

 

I bought a Rugged Geek 1000 Jump Starter a couple months ago and threw it in my truck, tonight I came across a guy in a chevy truck that left his lights on and had a dead battery. I told him I had a jump box in my truck and he kinda snickered at the size and asked if I had tried it before, to my surprised it fired that 350 right up. Makes me feel good knowing that it has the balls to fire my truck in case I ever need it and it was also nice to be able to help someone that was stuck.

 

I actually ended up getting the one from the Amazon lightening deal. The reviews seemed overwhelmingly good, with the exception of one supposedly catching fire . Too bad this isn't something I can really test until I actually need it, you know?

 

First, thank you all.
I went from here to a search.

One of the places I ended up is .... http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/jump-starters/buying-guide

So I just placed an order for the AG XP-10

Ken in NC

Edit:
I am so done with Sears Die Hard portable batteries. never again.