Cheap Jump Pack any good?

[AldeanFan]

I’m looking for a jump pack to keep in the car, specifically a cheap one.

I have one I paid $150 for and it has been great.
Now I want a second one to keep in the older daily driver so that I have one at the house and one in the car.

I’m specifically looking at this one from Astro AI that I can get for $50.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0F7RJVGM6/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_5SNCGDTS4NC02M7N8MAP?linkCode=ml1&tag=rodfathermark-20&linkId=ab092f8db5dc5c9c6f635da512f1bc2e

I don’t mind spending more on something that I know is better, but I’m assuming all of these are made in the same few factories just in different colours.


Does anyone have experience with the cheaper jump packs?

 

[mikedodge]

I bought a Noco one at Canadian Tire on sale and so far been happy with it.
Any cheap one I've ever had either didn't last long or didn't have the power to boost anything more then a small car.

 

[WildBill]

I have bought a bunch of them, they last 3-4 years and I never pay more than about $25 for them. The issue is the brands/models change fast so after a year you can never get the exact same one, so its hard to recommend one.

I got one of these about six months ago and have used it a bunch, still works fine. Doubt it puts out what it says but it started my v8 truck no problem when it was so dead I didn't even get a starter click. I like the big light and magnets/hooks. Pretty handy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9VJ727X?tag=atomicindus08-20

I bought a couple of these last year and they are all still working fine, but the model doesn't seem to exist anymore.

Amazon.com: NWISE Car Jump Starter, 3000A Peak 25800mAh Portable Battery Starter (Up to 10L Gas or 8L Diesel Engine) with Smart Safety Jumper Clamps,12V Jump Boxes with 65W Fast Charging : Automotive

Buy NWISE Car Jump Starter, 3000A Peak 25800mAh Portable Battery Starter (Up to 10L Gas or 8L Diesel Engine) with Smart Safety Jumper Clamps,12V Jump Boxes with 65W Fast Charging: Jump Starters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[cgrutt]

The problem with something like that is its rarely used and when you do need it you're likely away from home. Don't want to find out it doesn't work when your stuck. Personally, I'd buy the one you have and know it can be relied on.

 

[pbon]

AstroAI seems to have a good reputation based on the reviews and is priced pretty low. I have a couple of Gooloo 4000A and a Noco 4000A and a Clore/JNC lithium pack that is probably 2000A.

 

[bwringer]

Gooloo always seems to test yell, I mean well, on Project Farm.

I have bought a few of these at Costco (whatever random brand is on the shelf). They seem to work well, Costco generally makes sure the stuff they sell is good quality, and they have a good return policy.

None of these gadgets can be expected to last more than two or three years, but I've been happy so far. I'm also not jump-starting diesel bulldozers or anything.

 

[MAD]

Back in July, I bought two of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZP6HCVS?tag=atomicindus08-20 when there was a coupon deal and they were like $26. They work! Back in August I used the one in my Wife's car to jump a 46 Chevy truck that was sitting with a completely dead battery at her mom's place. I got three good 15 second tries of fast cranking before it gave up. This was out of the box new, not sure if it was fully charged, on a 6 cyl truck that had not been started for over a year. I charged the pack and stashed it back in her trunk.

A few weeks ago, I was out of town and I get the call at 10pm. My wife's car battery is totally dead, low teens temps outside and 30 miles from home. I was able to talk her through using the jump pack, and it worked like a champ! After starting her car, the indicator on the pack showed 70% charge. This was a 15 year old Elantra. Not a big engine or high compression, but it had been sitting all day in the cold.

 

[zendriver]

I have Viking from HF (no longer available) that was abut $75

Used it 4 times did what it was supposed to do. Seems well built and works for a usp charger source. leave it sit for months and when recharge (they are supposed to be periodically) , it's barely down down one bar.

They're probably like most everything else now days, that "price" is often meaningless, as to quality and durability. I'd consider the Amazon model you are looking at. 4.5 stars 10,000 reviews. It's doubtful they are all phony.

 

[fourjeepin]

I bought the NOCO on Black Friday 2 years ago and have been really happy with it. I think it was about $80.

 

[dnschmidt]

Project Farm tested these. Might want to look up that video. Todd is pretty good at finding the best value. Personally, I can't use them since I live in the desert and the heat simply kills the lithium ion jump packs. I use one that employs a super capacitor which is far more tolerant of our insane summers.

 

[Steve_P]

As said, watch the PF tests. I have a Noco and a couple of Gooloos- all fine. I bought them on price drops, or sales, and they were all under $100 ea, but also smaller models since I have 4 cylinder gasoline vehicles. I rarely use them, but I'm sure the oldest one is at least 4 years and works fine. Or it did last time I checked it. I don't live in Phoenix, but it's regularly 90F here in the summer, so my climate is probably average.

 

[Stelzer]

I got a Noco GB 40 on sale for $58 so to me it's hard to justify going cheaper than that when the only time you need it is when you REALLY need it. Also have a few smaller ones I bought before that because I'm cheap but I've been less than satisfied with them. I just don't think the cost savings is so substantial as to want to choose the cheapest you can find. PF has done a few of these vids, and although you can only take his vids for what they're worth, he still offers up some useful data.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Does anyone have experience with the cheaper jump packs?

Any cheap one I've ever had

I never pay more than about $25 for them

it's hard to justify going cheaper

Your all cheap, sons of *****. So am I, but I'm just reminding you.

I don't want to sidebar this thread, credit to the OP @AldeanFan . I've done a little bit of research on this topic and I have dozens of RC car lipo packs @ storage charge and in ammo cans but...

What about the safety of these cheap jump starter packs? I'm versed with many different types of battery chemistry, but most of these are Li-Po from what I gather. That said, how do you guys feel about battery instability with one of these riding around in your trunk? With weather extremes, possible impact damage and age, I'm not sure I want a 5 year old, $25 Walmart jump starter rolling around in my rig in 110d weather.

 

[WildBill]

Your all cheap, sons of *****. So am I, but I'm just reminding you.

I don't want to sidebar this thread, credit to the OP @AldeanFan . I've done a little bit of research on this topic and I have dozens of RC car lipo packs @ storage charge and in ammo cans but...

What about the safety of these cheap jump starter packs? I'm versed with many different types of battery chemistry, but most of these are Li-Po from what I gather. That said, how do you guys feel about battery instability with one of these riding around in your trunk? With weather extremes, possible impact damage and age, I'm not sure I want a 5 year old, $25 Walmart jump starter rolling around in my rig in 110d weather.

I did have a 6-7 year old one that I forgot about in the trunk of a car that had started to swell up a little, besides that I have never had anything bad happen. All the others eventually just stop taking and/or holding a charge. Maybe the cheap electronics die before the cheap battery cells. I have 5-6 of them at all times, one in each vehicle and at least one in my shop. I buy ones with OK reviews, but never pay more than around $25 for them. I generally only buy them when I find a good coupon code, usually 50% off or more. I keep them charged up and only charge them when I am around, and make sure they aren't getting hot or doing anything weird.

 

[pbon]

In my area temps never get over 100. Rarely over 95. The inside of a trunk baking in the sun will be hotter but I have not had any issues. The members living in places that hit 105 or 110 or 115 are at much greater risk.

 

[ronkz650]

Make sure they have the capability of starting a completely dead battery. A lot of the cheap ones won't detect and work at all on a dead battery and are utterly worthless. The old heavy JNC660 jump box is still best bet.
Friend of the wife has a 1997 Camry and sometimes sits 6 weeks between drives. She had a jump box, cheap and worthless, I brought mine, have a few, but the Lithium models start up the engine fine, but the car is "smart" and won't let the engine run past 10 seconds despite the alternator supplied 14v. JNC660 lead acid was the only one that started the car and allowed it to run long enough to actually drive.

 

[pbon]

Good point. The last few I have bought were the more expensive ones with the manual override that will work with completely dead batteries.

 

[dimichele]

I have the hf one and a gooloo. I've used both to start my truck. The gooloo won't work if completely dead and doesn't sound too healthy when you use it to fill a tire.

 

[zimman]

I've had a NOCO GB40 since 2016 and use it many times a week. (auto parts) I also sell the NOCO line. Great product, Trustworthy and I've never had to warranty one in a decade. I also have their Lithium capable charger.
Zim

 

[tarbellb]

Torque Test Channel did a great test on several brands

1st round

2nd round

 

[WildBill]

Anybody want to risk death with a cheap one, here's one with a lot of OK reviews for $26 if you use the code -

Robot or human?

Coupon code - 54BJ6MMG

I'd buy it if I didn't just get a different cheap one. I have bought that brand before and they were fine for many years, not sure if that means anything though.

 

[Steve_P]

Make sure they have the capability of starting a completely dead battery. A lot of the cheap ones won't detect and work at all on a dead battery and are utterly worthless. The old heavy JNC660 jump box is still best bet.
Friend of the wife has a 1997 Camry and sometimes sits 6 weeks between drives. She had a jump box, cheap and worthless, I brought mine, have a few, but the Lithium models start up the engine fine, but the car is "smart" and won't let the engine run past 10 seconds despite the alternator supplied 14v. JNC660 lead acid was the only one that started the car and allowed it to run long enough to actually drive.

Completely dead battery starting is covered in the PF tests. You just actually have to spend the time to watch the tests. Both my Noco and Gooloo will start a vehicle with the battery removed, as shown in the PF test, and I verified this.