Who uses and likes these mobile battery jump packs?

Iowafox · Jan 19, 2021

A little back story..
I am asking this because it's winter time and last year my old unit it was a Peak battery jump box. I got it cheap used it once successfully then it never worked again.
Last week I grabbed a NOCO GB40 after hearing some good things about them and seeing that my local walmart had on. I was really pleased with it's size and the quality of everything overall. I know like alot of electronic stuff it could look great and be garbage.
It was that or a Schumacher small jump pack but I heard alot of bad reviews from that brands newer products from the last few years.
I do have a OLD Schumacher small battery charger that a old coworker gave me a few years back when we hit the -30's here for a week straight. That is my back up as I have a Battery Tender JR that is used most times since it takes less space and is silent.

I went into my local Napa today and seen a few of these in different sizes. Priced from $70-$200. I am asking about these because I see this one branded by MAC, Snappy and a few other brands even Napa has a Blue Carlyle one for the same price and it's all the same units just rebranded. I want to know if these are worth getting and how they hold up?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SOR...impressionRank=7&keywordInput=battery+charger

I have a employee discount and could get the MAC one a little cheaper.
I don't need them often but when you need them it seems like you need to use it a few times.
I also want to know what are some of your reviews on these things and how they hold up over time. :beer:

dagofast · Jan 19, 2021

We have a couple of chinesium ones bought for $39 off of Amazon a few years ago. We keep one in my wife's car and one in our daughters car. So, far they've worked when needed. My wife's I usually charge once a year and it still shows 3 out of the 4 led's for battery level.

Iowafox · Jan 19, 2021

dagofast said:
We have a couple of chinesium ones bought for $39 off of Amazon a few years ago. We keep one in my wife's car and one in our daughters car. So, far they've worked when needed. My wife's I usually charge once a year and it still shows 3 out of the 4 led's for battery level.

How do they do in below freezing temps? That is the main thing I am worried about. I know batteries usually don't do real well in the cold.

meboatermike · Jan 20, 2021

I have an "Allstart" brand made in China -- have had it for years. Has usually been kept in a vehicle here year round (though currently it is in the cellar, not sure why :headscrat

). Has always worked well and maybe got charged a couple times or more per year. I think maybe mine is getting weak now but not really sure yet. Mine did work in the past in cold weather when it was needed.

RVDan · Jan 20, 2021

We bought several different brands and sold a lot of them.
The ones I used regularly lasted less than a year. My customers who used them only occasionally were all pretty happy with them. I don’t think it matters what brand name they are,

handmadeMI · Jan 20, 2021

Hang on to that NOCO. I got one a few years back. It is one of the better electronic devices I have ever owned. It jumps dead as a doornail batteries in freezing conditions no problem. I throw it on a charger every 6 months or after I use it. Still good as new.

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Showkey · Jan 20, 2021

Its buyer beware on the jump packs........name brand quality units are no problem and work great.

Off brands, counterfeit branding is very common even on the largest selling sites........failures, poor performance, melt downs and fires are possible.

There are several YouTube videos where they are tested under real world situations.

Joelk · Jan 20, 2021

I think these are the type of thing that are very hard to make an informed judgement about.

I have several, and AFAIK they all work OK. One of them I have used several times and it has worked well each time, BUT

Starting a "dead vehicle" is not something that takes a consistent amount of additional power to achieve.

Some DVs will start with just a trace of boost, others will require a massive amount of current.

Someone may say that they jumped 4 vehicles without recharging. That alone means that the MBJP was useful, but if those were vehicles that only needed a trace amount of boost, it does not tell you what the MBJP would do if it was used on a DV that needed a LOT of current to get started.

Since they are so compact and take up very little space, I carry one in each of my vehicles, hoping that they will work, if needed, but I don't assume it is going to work in every situation.

Rst277 · Jan 20, 2021

Personally I think these booster packs are a waste of money unless you have ten cars yourself or a dealership. Just more junk in the trunk, after a couple years of neglect it's garbage. Buy a set of booster cables - never wear out - and if you're in an area that gets cold enough to need them, people know how to use them. Everybody has cell phones so will you or your wife need to "self rescue" - pretty unlikely.

Ralph in Winnipeg

DrinkMan · Jan 20, 2021

We have a few of the ones from Costco and love them. When we go out in our toy cars, we always make sure one is in the trunk (yes, we also have jumper cables). When we hear that dreaded 'click-click-click', we hook it up and it gets the job done. We have only had to use them about 4 times (we even use them in our garage where we have a big battery charger/starter because they are so light and easy to hook up) and they haven't let us down yet. And the bonus is that they all have USB charging points and can charge up our cell phones.

Steve W. · Jan 20, 2021

We have (and use) some units with the Halo brand. Wife splurged last year (2019) for Christmas and got one for me and each of our sons. This past year, we returned the favor and got her one, too. Not large by any means and certainly powerful enough. The only limitation I have seen is that it is only active for about 10 seconds when you try to start a vehicle. One son has a Duramax diesel. The jump pack will operate the glow plugs just fine, but times out about the time the starter is engaged.

I have a pocket in the rear wall of my van for the third-seat passengers. The third seat is always folded down for the 'stuff' I always carry for work, so the jump pack lives in the pocket and is plugged in to the accessory port for charging whenever the van is running. That way, it's ALWAYS ready. :thumbup:

.

loganb · Jan 20, 2021

Fan of the NOCO ones personally. Have one in each vehicle and we use a bigger one on the farm as well. The GB40 will start my 2014 Silverado with the 5.3L dead cold in 20 degrees with no battery hooked up...as that was my proof test to see if it was worth keeping.

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Renegade1LI · Jan 20, 2021

I have the antigravity microstart XP-10 and am still amazed that it will start a V-8. Came with lots of adapters to charge every thing & fits in the saddle bag on my bike. This thing has paid for itself 10X with all the engines it has started & takes up no space. It's not the cheapest but seems to be well made & hasn't let me down, going on 4 years old.

Joelk · Jan 20, 2021

The one in my truck, that has seen the most use(and worked each time) got used for the first time in about 6 months, about 3 weeks ago.

Car on shoulder of fairly busy highway and I pulled over behind it to see if I could assist. Poorly maintained vehicle with a lot of corrosion on the battery terminals. It had stalled out and driver was not able to get it to crank.

I pulled the Booster Pac out and was surprised to see that it was still at 100% charge, since I had not used or charged it in about 6 months. It was able to get the vehicle started and he was able to take it to a shop.

After jumping that vehicle it still showed 100% charge(it was a small vehicle)

Lithium batteries self discharge MUCH slower than lead acid.

NOTE: I carry a compact set of jumper cables in my truck. I don't like working alongside busy highways, especially with all of the texting, etc today.
I definitely would not have enjoyed(I may have even declined) maneuvering my truck to be able to use the cables.

The Booster Pack was VERY handy in this situation, and has been in others.

There are lots of uniformed people, and some pure idiots, who should not be allowed to use jumper cables. Hooking them up improperly can cause a lot of damage and potentially injury. Most Booster Packs have reverse polarity protection.

glentre · Jan 20, 2021

I think the battery boost packs are really great.......when they work. But, in my experience, they don't last long and are expensive. I will not waste money on another one.

Glen

dagofast · Jan 20, 2021

Iowafox said:
How do they do in below freezing temps? That is the main thing I am worried about. I know batteries usually don't do real well in the cold.

I'm the wrong guy to ask that question of. The coldest it gets here in greater Phoenix is maybe 40* but they work great between there and 118* and that is usually when our car batteries die here, in the blazing heat of summer.

Hghgrad · Jan 20, 2021

I’ve got one of the barter Schumacher lithium boosters that I keep on the boat. It’s saved me a few times on the water. I keep a noco in my Durango and another Schumacher in my wife’s Mazda. No complaints about any of them.

Quarter Life Crisis · Jan 20, 2021

I have a small one from Harbor Freight that's a NOCO ripoff. It doesn't have the cranking power to turn over anything other than a small to midsize car. It doesn't have a prayer when it comes to my 2500HD GMC Sierra with the 6.0L. For that truck, I use the larger 750 CCA 12V jump pack from Harbor Freight.

For trickle chargers, I use "Battery Tender" brand for both of my classic cars and they've never let me down.

Joelk · Jan 20, 2021

Over the years, I have had at least 10 "regular" Booster Packs. It has been my experience that they go bad quicker than the LI versions do.

CTyankee · Jan 20, 2021

Bought a couple of cheap Suaoki brand ones off amazon 4 years ago For about $30 each. Someone here actually posted a link to it at the time. They live in my vehicles year round. One I've used at least 20 times jumping various vehicles and tractors. Probably charged them only 2 times over that period.

Just used one the other day after I killed my Jeep battery that sat dead for 4 days after leaving a cooler plugged it in around 30 degree weather. Took about 30 seconds hooked up to turn it over and start it. Has a light and USB port too.

Amazing performance IMO. Don't think I'd spend over $50 for one now if I had to replace one.

Innovate1 · Jan 20, 2021

I have one I use mostly for the riding mowers - when it's cold they don't crank over very well and occasionally at other times. I keep it in the garage so I don't know how well they work when really cold. Had one that had a compressor in it. Was handy as I didn't have to get out the big compressor but they are really cheap and the pump died before the battery. I disconnected it and kept it for the battery for a couple more years. Eventually replaced it. I seem to get about 5 years out of them and just buy what look decent at Sam's or some such store.

unslow1 · Jan 20, 2021

CTyankee said:
Bought a couple of cheap Suaoki brand ones off amazon 4 years ago For about $30 each. Someone here actually posted a link to it at the time. They live in my vehicles year round. One I've used at least 20 times jumping various vehicles and tractors. Probably charged them only 2 times over that period.

Just used one the other day after I killed my Jeep battery that sat dead for 4 days after leaving a cooler plugged it in around 30 degree weather. Took about 30 seconds hooked up to turn it over and start it. Has a light and USB port too.

Amazing performance IMO. Don't think I'd spend over $50 for one now if I had to replace one.

I bought one of those also and really like it.

tdkkart · Jan 20, 2021

Coworker was talking about his daughter, said she had a battery go dead somewhere the other night, left lights on or something, got a ride to Walmart where she bought a jump pack, went and started her car then returned the jump pack......worked well for her apparently.

Personally, I can't remember the last time I had to jump start a car, and I live in the frozen north. typically pay attention to my battery when it's telling me it's dying and replace it.

Hellpig · Jan 20, 2021

CTyankee said:
Bought a couple of cheap Suaoki brand ones off amazon 4 years ago For about $30 each. Someone here actually posted a link to it at the time. They live in my vehicles year round. One I've used at least 20 times jumping various vehicles and tractors. Probably charged them only 2 times over that period.

Just used one the other day after I killed my Jeep battery that sat dead for 4 days after leaving a cooler plugged it in around 30 degree weather. Took about 30 seconds hooked up to turn it over and start it. Has a light and USB port too.

Amazing performance IMO. Don't think I'd spend over $50 for one now if I had to replace one.

I used the heck of out of mine. I have a lot of junk, so was getting used a few times a week. Finally tried to jump a DEAD forklift, and battery pack let all the smoke out then swelled up!

Went a few rounds with their CS and they eventually sent me another.
That one did the same thing, but only after a a few jumps.

Looking for anther now.

Gummi Bear · Jan 20, 2021

I have one in my truck, mrs car and the pet kid car.

We’ve all used them, luckily not on our cars, but to help out others.

They’re handy, and we charge them after each use, or after a couple of months to keep them topped off.

So far, we really like them, no complaints. They don’t take up much room under the back seat, not a biggie on that front either.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

mobetta · Jan 20, 2021

the li ion ones are pretty worthless for diesels IMO
Which makes them useless for me.

couldn't even start my golf last winter

too much electronics in there i guess.

Had an old school unit and it saved my *** a few times.

mikegt4 · Jan 20, 2021

I have used one for a few years, sure beats waiting an hour for a battery charger to do it's thing. The one that I have (TopVision) can start my 65 year old Oliver diesel tractor in below freezing weather. That includes about 20 seconds powering a resistance heater in the intake manifold prior to starting.

65ranchero · Jan 20, 2021

As others have said it beats getting out the charger and wait just jump and mow

I have a old Vector jumper pack with light and 12v socket that is about 20+ years old .
It's about half the size of a reg. jump pack.
I had to replace the battery 5 years ago after it sat from not using or charging it and its good to go for a few more years.
I also had to replace the positive clamp when it fell apart when it hit the floor ( it was already cracked)
Most likely will not do anymore repairs to it if it needs more parts

tez929rr · Jan 20, 2021

I have a half dozen, different brands. Everything from Antigravity to the cheap Costco ones. All have been fine; I had two Antigravity ones fail after about 5 years. I have used them mostly for other people’s cars, just like my jumper cables.

Carrying a small one while traveling is a perfect solution for recharging mobile devices and having in a rental car, where you won’t have your jumper cables.

Zaxxn · Jan 20, 2021

I have a big old JNC not sure what model number, but it starts power strokes all day long and has plenty of oomph. A few years ago I bought a little "chinesium" Li-ion jump pack - worked quite well for gas engines, but one of the clamps just shattered opening it one day. I won't ever give up the JNC, it's just a heavy, old school thing that starts everything and seems indestructible, but I am looking into buying something light that's good for most everything I do. Either a Noco HD or Hulkman Alpha 85. Just haven't made up my mind yet.

--Zax

jhelrey · Jan 20, 2021

I have the Noco GB70. Actually used it tonight. Not for my vehicle, but a tenants employee. Security was giving her jumper cables to use. I was walking out the door and saw what was going on. Told her to get her ID back, jumped in my truck, jumped her vehicle, and she was gone. No cables, no risk to my truck, and it helped someone. Has never failed me! Love it!

jhelrey · Jan 20, 2021

mobetta said:
the li ion ones are pretty worthless for diesels IMO
Which makes them useless for me.

couldn't even start my golf last winter

too much electronics in there i guess.

Had an old school unit and it saved my *** a few times.

Doesn't sound like you had the correct sized one as mine has started diesels.

mmb617 · Jan 21, 2021

Rst277 said:
Personally I think these booster packs are a waste of money unless you have ten cars yourself or a dealership. Just more junk in the trunk, after a couple years of neglect it's garbage. Buy a set of booster cables - never wear out - and if you're in an area that gets cold enough to need them, people know how to use them. Everybody has cell phones so will you or your wife need to "self rescue" - pretty unlikely.

I feel pretty much the same way. I've had a quality set of jumper cables for many years and have gotten occasional use out of them. At least I know that when I need them they'll work, can't say the same for a jump box that probably sat in the trunk for years. I'll guess that most people who buy those boxes put them in the trunk and never think about them again till they need them, and then find out they're dead.

CTyankee · Jan 21, 2021

mmb617 said:
I feel pretty much the same way. I've had a quality set of jumper cables for many years and have gotten occasional use out of them. At least I know that when I need them they'll work, can't say the same for a jump box that probably sat in the trunk for years. I'll guess that most people who buy those boxes put them in the trunk and never think about them again till they need them, and then find out they're dead.

Gotta push back on this. Yeah, I've got a good set of jumper cables, but they've been hanging in the garage for 4 years now. And yeah I've been absent minded where I've had batteries go dead in my driveway on occasion.

Even with 2 vehicles parked side by side, my go to is my tiny "neglected" LI jump pack. As I've mentioned they been sitting my vehicles for 4 years now 24/7 summer and winter and based on my experience never considered even for a minute that they wouldn't be up to the job. And again, maybe I've charged both of them 3-4 times over that time.

Maybe some of you are never park away from human activity. My life and lifestyle finds me on my own quite often with no one around to offer assistance.

Nothing electronic is going to be 100% foolproof, but not being open taking advantage of a handy, modern convenience that can fill a need in certain situations that no jumper cables are capable of is being shortsighted IMO. So I'll take my tiny < $50 dependable jump pack over carrying jumper cables every day of the week. Obviously YMMV.

aafadca · Jan 21, 2021

Here's a good practical test for different ones.

PelicanPines · Jan 21, 2021

I own both a NOCO GB40 and GB70... Both are kept in a temperature control environment and used OFTEN lately. My GB70 was used today.

Both of my cars are having issues lately with the lack of use... both need new batteries.

infinkc · Jan 21, 2021

I use the NOCO GB40, have jumped over 40 times with it so far, still going strong.

tstaude · Jan 21, 2021

I also have the NOCO GB40, have been using periodically for four years now. Charged it 4-5 times max over that time. Has started probably 40+ times as well.

I own some land so it is much easier to carry this back to a dead lawn mower than a drive another vehicle back there.

Still have cables and use them on occasion.

PelicanPines · Jan 21, 2021

Interesting "factoid" about the NOCO GBs... If you hook it up... turn it on.. and the lights do NOT blink... it means your battery is DEAD DEAD... zero reading. It will require the "Turbo" mode... which is a separate button from just "ON"...

Today was the first time I ran into that with a car. Dead Dead...

My GB 70 has been used about 30 or 40 times in the several (maybe 4 or 5) years of ownership... has required charging itself... 3 or 4 times.

My GB 40 is brand spanking new... it's still running on it's VIRGIN charge.

nealric · Jan 21, 2021

I'm a fan. They are so much quicker and easier than jumping from another car. No need to beg some random person for a jump if your battery dies while you are out. The lithium ones will fit in a glovebox or spare tire well. My wife recently left her car door cracked which caused her to drain a battery. Had the kids all packed up and in the car when she realized it wouldn't start. I had the car running in 2 minutes flat with the portable jumpstarter.

It's also very useful for my track/project car that uses a light weight racing battery. It will drain very easily if you aren't careful- the jump starter has saved my bacon before. Will also charge a phone a few times during a power outage. Anyhow, for the ~$60 I paid for mine 3 years ago, I feel like I've got my money's worth.

Who uses and likes these mobile battery jump packs?

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