Car Jump starter recommendation, avoid NOCO please

[IndyGarage]

The Clore replacement battery is $203.

Clore PROFORMER Replacement Battery for JNC4000/JNC660/JNC770/JNCAIR/JNCXF - Clore Automotive

One of the many benefits of the Jump-N-Carry jump starters from Clore Automotive is you can replace the battery when it wears out due to age. This is our OEM replacement battery for our Jump-N-Carry jump starter models JNC4000, JNC550A, JNC660, JNC770, JNCAIR and JNCXF. This replacement jump...

cloreautomotive.com

I'm not sure who would buy a replacement battery, when you can buy the entire jump box for $175 - makes no sense.

 

[whitesco]

Install 2nd, auxiliary battery to power a small 12v fridge. Keep Li jumper of choice in said fridge.

 

[jonesg]

We jump several items a day where I work. We have keytrollers on all of our rolling stock that if you don’t shut them off when your not using them they will drain a battery in 8 or 10 hours. We use the heavy lead acid battery jump packs and they are heavy but work great. I know you can jump 4 or 5 without charging one. I know that is way overkill for the average home owner but these work and when your lead acid battery gets tired you can replace them easily and keep on jumping!!!

maybe you just need a golf cart to lug 12v jump battery around or a generator.

 

[RTM]

maybe you just need a golf cart to lug 12v jump battery around or a generator.

That's how you mobile jump start a Tesla, hook it up to a trailered generator for a while (the environmentalists around me cringed when someone saw the picture)

 

[jonesg]

That's how you mobile jump start a Tesla, hook it up to a trailered generator for a while (the environmentalists around me cringed when someone saw the picture)

 

[Sumboodie]

I did a quick search and found them available on Amazon, Zoro, and JB Tools.... among several other sites.

JB Tools seemed to have the best deal at $145 and free shipping. I've never ordered from JB Tools so you're on your own with that. They do seem to pop up all the time and they've been around for as long as I can remember. I sure someone from this site has experience with buying from JB Tools.

Zoro has them for $167.99 also with free shipping. Zoro is a real company (part of Graingers, if I'm not mistaken) and I order from them all the time. No need to worry about ordering from Zoro.

I have purchased several JNC660's in the past and the best price I ever paid was $99 bucks on Amazon during Prime Day several years ago.

The one I'm looking at is around $500. Can't find anyone online that will ship it. Saying it's HAZMAT.

 

[Sumboodie]

maybe you just need a golf cart to lug 12v jump battery around or a generator.

Auction yard has a jump pack setup with 4 8D batteries. It'll either start or burn down

 

[CJM8515]

JNC 660. i used them professionally for years. the batteries in those cases lasted for a good 2 years of continuous daily use. my own personal box lasted like 8 years.

when i drove a tow truck i would do like 8-12 service calls or more in an 8-12 hour shift. the jnc 660 will start anything besides a 3/4 or larger diesel truck

 

[M6erfan]

The battery inside the JNC 660 is nothing special. 18ah, available all day for around $50. Here's one from Interstate, for example . . .

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KNPIWS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[AA/FC]

The one I'm looking at is around $500. Can't find anyone online that will ship it. Saying it's HAZMAT.

So it's not a JNC660 then. lol. What model are you looking at?

Sure, there are bigger and better models than the 660 but for standard automotive jump starts the 660 is the industry standard.

 

[AA/FC]

JNC 660. i used them professionally for years. the batteries in those cases lasted for a good 2 years of continuous daily use. my own personal box lasted like 8 years.

when i drove a tow truck i would do like 8-12 service calls or more in an 8-12 hour shift. the jnc 660 will start anything besides a 3/4 or larger diesel truck

I agree. I've walked in your same shoes and had the same experience with the 660.

And on a side note, (not directed specifically at you, CJM8515) as other have stated, the 660 is not great on 3/4 ton and up diesel trucks. Well, there is a reason why those trucks come with two batteries from the factory.... because they need more than one battery. And they need more than one jump pack, too.

Most guys in the jump start business carry at least two JNC660's. (I did anyway. In fact, I still do) All you need to do is put one JNC660 on each battery and most of the time the diesel truck will eventually start. I say "most of the time" because diesel trucks can have other problems when it's cold outside, besides dead batteries. All the jump starting power in the world isn't going to fix gelled fuel. If the truck won't start STRICTLY because the batteries are low, and the truck has no other problems, two JNC660 jump packs on a truck with two batteries will usually get the truck started.

 

[AA/FC]

Remember, one jump pack per battery! and a battery charger if you run out of 660's. lolol

(never mind the red 660 masquerading as a MAC jump pack)

 

[LB-1911]

So it's not a JNC660 then. lol. What model are you looking at?

Sure, there are bigger and better models than the 660 but for standard automotive jump starts the 660 is the industry standard.

I need 1000+ amps, 12 and 24v

He's in Alaska making shipping anything w/a battery a HazMat concern.

 

[sea2summit]

You use it multiple times per day but have one of the smallest ones they make and complain it went bad? Commercial jobs require commercial tools.

 

[dnschmidt]

This is what keeps me from buying one. I live in Las Vegas. The car is always parked outside in the sun. So....for more than half the year, I can't leave it in the car which is exactly where I'd need it. Until they become more resistant to heat, I'll just keep relying on preemptive battery replacement and the roadside assistance feature provided the my auto insurance.

Las Vegas, HA SISSY. Try Phoenix. You are exactly right heat is the problem and because of this I went an entirely different way. I have a jump starter that uses a SUPERCAPACITOR. The only downside is that you have to hook it up to the "dead" battery for about 5 minutes for it to charge up the capacitor before starting the car. This system is heat insensitive. Mine still works after three years but I've never used it on one of my cars because I change the batteries out every three years. Helped out a couple of people in parking lots though.

 

[toolenthusiast]

That's how you mobile jump start a Tesla, hook it up to a trailered generator for a while (the environmentalists around me cringed when someone saw the picture)

Does anyone remember the cancelled Toyota prototype tow-behind gasoline range extender?

 

[Sumboodie]

So it's not a JNC660 then. lol. What model are you looking at?

Sure, there are bigger and better models than the 660 but for standard automotive jump starts the 660 is the industry standard.

It's HAZMAT too.

JNC1224

 

[Sumboodie]

Ordered 2 if the 660s from Crapa napa. Was around $450.

 

[AA/FC]

It's HAZMAT too.

JNC1224

Amazon has those in stock, ready to ship for $416 bucks. I'm not sure why you were having so much trouble....

The fact that it's HAZMAT just means it usually has to ship via ground transport. Not usually a big deal. Maybe being located in AK is the problem??? We can order those all day long down here in the lower 48 with no trouble at all.

 

[pbon]

Does anyone remember the cancelled Toyota prototype tow-behind gasoline range extender?

BMW sold its early electric car with an optional small gas generator engine for range extending.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Mine still works after three years but I've never used it on one of my cars because I change the batteries out every three years.

Yeah. This is what I do. At the 2 1/2 or 3 year mark I whip through WM or Autozone and swap in a new battery right in their parking lot. So far, so good.

 

[Sumboodie]

Amazon has those in stock, ready to ship for $416 bucks. I'm not sure why you were having so much trouble....

The fact that it's HAZMAT just means it usually has to ship via ground transport. Not usually a big deal. Maybe being located in AK is the problem??? We can order those all day long down here in the lower 48 with no trouble at all.

No ground transport to here

 

[Sumboodie]

Yeah. This is what I do. At the 2 1/2 or 3 year mark I whip through WM or Autozone and swap in a new battery right in their parking lot. So far, so good.

Walmart would ban me if I did that. I'd need a flatbed to haul the batteries in!

 

[dnschmidt]

Walmart would ban me if I did that. I'd need a flatbed to haul the batteries in!

Would that be a bad thing?

 

[Sumboodie]

Would that be a bad thing?

I only go there when I have no options. Maybe 2-3x a year at most.

 

[pburress3rd]

I have to jump start at least 2-3 cars every day multiple times in my line of work and i've been using NOCO products for a while now but they have all either lost potency or randomly stopped turning on, the last one i had was a gbx55 and it just stopped working, does anyone have any product recommendation i could use? i preffer small jump starters cause its much less trouble than carrying a car battery around but any suggestion will be much appreciated.

I recently purchased the master force lithium one from menard. I’ve jumped 3 to 4 different cars with it and have had great success with it

 

[CJM8515]

I agree. I've walked in your same shoes and had the same experience with the 660.

And on a side note, (not directed specifically at you, CJM8515) as other have stated, the 660 is not great on 3/4 ton and up diesel trucks. Well, there is a reason why those trucks come with two batteries from the factory.... because they need more than one battery. And they need more than one jump pack, too.

Most guys in the jump start business carry at least two JNC660's. (I did anyway. In fact, I still do) All you need to do is put one JNC660 on each battery and most of the time the diesel truck will eventually start. I say "most of the time" because diesel trucks can have other problems when it's cold outside, besides dead batteries. All the jump starting power in the world isn't going to fix gelled fuel. If the truck won't start STRICTLY because the batteries are low, and the truck has no other problems, two JNC660 jump packs on a truck with two batteries will usually get the truck started.

yup. i used to carry two or hook one battery up to the truck. most of the time the customer had run down the batteries cause the fuel gelled up.

 

[theoldwizard1]

They (Car and Driver) rated this one as the BEST PORTABLE Clore Automotive JNC325

Also "Recharging the unit is fast and simple via USB-C. Cable ..."

Sadly, this unit and charger do NOT comply with the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. Even the "old" 3.0 standard specifies up to 60W (20V@3A) while this charger is limited to 18W ([email protected]). This means a very slow recharge !

 

[ecally]

I have seen a couple that can be recharged (at least partially) from a cigarette lighter or even a USB charger.

Tested: The Best Portable Jump Starters for 2023

They rated this one as the BEST PORTABLE Clore Automotive JNC325

Also "Recharging the unit is fast and simple via USB-C. Cable ..."

I bought this one to replace my tired JNC660 because it is much smaller but boasts good specs. Only time will tell

 

[Maddog3355]

maybe you just need a golf cart to lug 12v jump battery around or a generator.

We use Utv’s. Side by sides

 

[J5hort]

Bought a Clore JNC550A last Feb. and used it for my old cars an my lawn tractor. About 2 months ago it would not even crank the 13hp Kohler in my lawn tractor immediately after being plugged in. Odd thing is that it says it is fully charged. I have watched the voltage readout gradually decrease as it sits unattached to battery and wall charger.

Reached out to Clore and they said to ship it back for replacement as it is within 1 year warranty period. This is a 20lb unit and is not cheap to ship. I think that is the only way to get it replaced. The fact that it came with a card that said they will replace it for $100 made me immediately skeptical. I assume that is for after warranty period (1yr). In any event, $100 and shipping would probably be the same as just buying a new one.

I bought a Clore unit as I thought it may be better than some of the discount box store brands. However, with a lower price, extended warranty and ability to return to a local store, I'm thinking that the discount route may have been a better option.

Does this sound typical of Clore units? I woud imagine the battery should last more than 6 months.

 

[Jsf721]

I have the antigravity HD unit. I have used them 10x in 2 years for personal use and to rescue friends. Excellent quality and we own 4 now, me, the kids and wife all have them in our cars

 

[richfinn]

I have an ancient Powervamp (about 20 years old) had to replace the AGM a couple of times, but the Andersen socket allows you to make up different length jump leads or accessories like motorcycle jump cables or a plug in 12v tire inflator. Mine also has a Hella DIN socket for my battery memory saver or power probe.

Tough as old boots if a little heavy.

MR26 Powerful 12V Jump Start Pack | Powervamp

Powerful 12V DC jump start pack suitable for multi-starting all petrol engines and large diesel engines.

www.powervamp.com

They also make GPUs for airports, so probably available in the USA

 

[Jeff C]

Remember, one jump pack per battery! and a battery charger if you run out of 660's. lolol

(never mind the red 660 masquerading as a MAC jump pack)

We use one of these at work. Will start anything on the yard including the class 8 tractors. Much easier than carrying four jump boxes around. We only use it about once a week so can’t speak to heavy duty use durability.

 

[AA/FC]

We use one of these at work. Will start anything on the yard including the class 8 tractors. Much easier than carrying four jump boxes around. We only use it about once a week so can’t speak to heavy duty use durability.

Yeah, I've seen these Goodall units in various shops. I hear they work pretty good. They're way overkill for most cars and light duty trucks.

The company was once headquartered about 4 miles from my place. They've been known for heavy duty jump starting units for many decades. I remember when they custom made hydraulic driven generators for jump starting city busses. The bus department already had a bunch of service trucks with engine driven (PTO) hydraulic systems that operated various other systems on the truck.... so Goodall custom made large jump starting units that were driven via hydraulic drive motors from that same PTO system. I never saw the finished product but I suspect they worked pretty good.

And just be clear.... The picture I posted above with the 3 jump packs and one battery charger was taken as a joke. The truck in the picture had a battery with a dead-short inside. It didn't matter how many jump packs you connected, the truck wouldn't start. Once the faulty battery was removed, the truck started just fine.

 

[nafterclifen]

I can't provide a recommendation like you asked for. But maybe an easy fix for your Noco assuming that the issue is it just won't turn on. If so, take it apart and jump the pins on the power switch. If it turns on, you have a bad switch and just need to replace it. I would suggest replacing all of them (3 in total for a GB40). They should be 6x6x8 SMD Verical Tactile Mini Micro Momentary Push Button Switch. $5 for 20 of them on eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/223492387652.

 

[J5hort]

Bought a Clore JNC550A last Feb. and used it for my old cars an my lawn tractor. About 2 months ago it would not even crank the 13hp Kohler in my lawn tractor immediately after being plugged in. Odd thing is that it says it is fully charged. I have watched the voltage readout gradually decrease as it sits unattached to battery and wall charger.

Reached out to Clore and they said to ship it back for replacement as it is within 1 year warranty period. This is a 20lb unit and is not cheap to ship. I think that is the only way to get it replaced. The fact that it came with a card that said they will replace it for $100 made me immediately skeptical. I assume that is for after warranty period (1yr). In any event, $100 and shipping would probably be the same as just buying a new one.

I bought a Clore unit as I thought it may be better than some of the discount box store brands. However, with a lower price, extended warranty and ability to return to a local store, I'm thinking that the discount route may have been a better option.

Does this sound typical of Clore units? I woud imagine the battery should last more than 6 months.

Followup. Just sent the unit off to Clore as it was within a year and warranty applied. It did cost about $35 to send it back, so I have to take that into consideration as I explore other units. I will report here if/when replacement shows and keep tabs on how the replacement holds up. This unit is not used daily and pretty much used for light duty lawn equip and passenger cars. Again, box store units are 1/2 the price and offer immediate replacement, so for ease of swapping (in person vs expensive shipping) and original price may have me leaning towards a less expensive unit. An I wrong in thinking the Clore would last me for mnay, many years?

 

[jd_1138]

My 2 year old battery in my 2 year old car has let me down twice in last month. I am going to buy a new battery soon, but I did buy a jump pack for an emergency backup. I figure it's good to have even if I never need it, and it was only $40. Last night not only were we stranded, but my phone was nearly dead. The car did have enough juice to charge it. Having a box to charge it would be nice too.

I think these things are all made at one or two factories -- these cheapies. Hard to pick an item when there are like 300 for about the same price. I just went with one with great reviews and a high percentage discount.

I went with this one. My Venue has a 1.6 liter engine.

 

[J5hort]

Update: Got the replacement Clore unit and used it once so far. Lets see if it lasts for more than 6 months. Im not sure that the replacement has the same 1 yr warranty.

 

[threewood]

My Noco GB70 has been perfect for 4 years.