Portable Car Jump Starter

[hancock1701]

Hi guys,

So I'm looking to buy portable jump starter to keep in my commuter in. It appears now there are two popular kinds of portable jump starter.

The "traditional" kind, example https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U04NCA/ref=twister_B01BV6GSUW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's not clear what battery technology this one is, so I'm not sure how long it can keep its charge. Also, it is recharged by an AC cord.

The "battery booster" kind, example https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015KFGV52/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This one is Li-ion, recommended to recharge every 6 months (which is good enough for me), compact, and is recharged by a 5V source.

Has anyone experienced either, or both? Size doesn't matter to my application because it stays in the trunk. I'm leaning toward the battery booster style because of the long discharge interval (months), provided that it works like advertised. And this is for my 2.4L Honda.

 

[LB-1911]

The "traditional" kind around here that comes highly recommended is the JNC660 *
approximately 3 times the $$'s of your example.


The "battery booster" kind - A few of the numerous threads-

Anyone own a modern lithium jumpstart battery pack?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320751

Please recommend me a lithium ion jump starter \ battery pack
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=276144

Mini Jump Starter
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281490

*
http://www.cloreautomotive.com/JNC.php

 

[Matt M PA]

I have an Quipall jumpstarted. I haven't used it to charge cell phone, computers, etc...but I have jump started a car with it. I keep it in the trunk of my daily driver.

The battery gave up in the 2000 Viper. It was so dead that the car couldn't even open the doors which are solenoid actuated. I hooked up the jump starter and let it sit for 10 seconds or so and turned the key. The car cranked slowly but started.

In "equal time", it wasn't fully charged and not showing the number of LEDs that are recommended for jump starting when I tried to start a friend's Lincoln. It wouldn't quite do the job there, but I'm sure if it had been fully charged it would have worked.

 

[Rookie2]

I have a Halo Bolt 57720. It was a gift ! I was never convinced on their usefulness until I needed it. after fully charging it a furnace guy had a dead battery in my driveway, It worked great ! months later my Cub Cadet battery died, worked great again. a month or two later the Cub needed another jump and I put the little guy on its knees but it did start on a third try. It had 4 of 5 on the charge indicator so My Bad for not recharging it. Its rated in mWHrs 57720mWH not Ah . the company said you have to have a mWH rating to tak it on a plane (it can function as a battery backup for cell phones etc.)

 

[crab]

Why do you need a jump box ? When I was hauling collector cars I had one, half those high dollar cars were dead. If you just want to be a good guy some jumper cables are a better option, heavy and long ones. Anyway a good jump box can be had for around 175 at NAPA. They will hold a charge for a long time and have a gage on them so you know when they need a charge.

 

[General Geoff]

industry standard is the JNC660. Can be had for a bit over $100 online.

 

[AA/FC]

JNC 660. There is a reason why its considered the industry standard. Go look around at large auto repair shops, car dealerships, and auto auction facilities.... you'll see JNC 660's everywhere!

 

[outlawz2004]

I have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002X6VXL4/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and it works great. You can jump it off using the supplied cables at the battery, or jump it using the adapter wire thru the 12 volt outlet. It also will charge a phone using the usb, has an air compressor, as well as an Led light. I like mine, works great. It holds a charge for several months no problem. Mine has been charged since dec, I used it once then fully charged it again. Been sitting for a few months now still fully charged. Has a meter that tells you what charge it has.

 

[djcslice]

I have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002X6VXL4/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and it works great. You can jump it off using the supplied cables at the battery, or jump it using the adapter wire thru the 12 volt outlet. It also will charge a phone using the usb, has an air compressor, as well as an Led light. I like mine, works great. It holds a charge for several months no problem. Mine has been charged since dec, I used it once then fully charged it again. Been sitting for a few months now still fully charged. Has a meter that tells you what charge it has.

I have a similar one of the Stanley (mine is lower amperage). Mine also has the air compressor (most used function). Its been a solid performer for me. The only time it let me down is when trying to charge/start my GFs car which the battery was completely dead.

 

[Cruzomatic]

The JNC660 is on my list to buy. Great jump box from what I've read here and other sources oniine.

 

[FigureItOut]

To paraphrase Samuel L Jackson:

"JNC-660, the very best there is. When you absolutely, positively got to jump every car on the lot, accept no substitute."

Really there's bigger and better, Clore makes a huge line of products, but at about $100 it's the best choice for most.

 

[General Geoff]

There's also the JNC-AIR, which is essentially the 660 plus a small air compressor. Very useful for keeping in the car, along with a tire patch kit.

 

[CJM8515]

Agreed with the others, JNC660. Unless you need to jump a diesel, then you need the 950 model.

We use, abuse and beat to hell JNC660's at work daily. They dont always get charged, they get dropped, smashed, hooked up incorrectly, etc. Average real life before the battery takes a **** is about 4-5 years of constant abuse. I still have 2 of them for myself. An older one with metal clamps Ive had for 6 years now and a newer one I salvaged from parts from dropped ones that shattered at work. Both are fine and I hardly use them for myself.

 

[jeepnatv4life]

JNC 660. There is a reason why its considered the industry standard. Go look around at large auto repair shops, car dealerships, and auto auction facilities.... you'll see JNC 660's everywhere!

We have one here at our shop IT TAKES FOREVER TO RECHARGE!!!

 

[Finky198]

^^^ if your jumping some many cars that your having to wait for it to charge maybe its time for a 2nd one or a even bigger pack....


I have had a jnc950 for 6 or 7 years now.
Its like the energizer bunny it just keeps jumping and jumping...

 

[sweetk30]

Why do you need a jump box ? When I was hauling collector cars I had one, half those high dollar cars were dead. If you just want to be a good guy some jumper cables are a better option, heavy and long ones. Anyway a good jump box can be had for around 175 at NAPA. They will hold a charge for a long time and have a gage on them so you know when they need a charge.

do NOT jump with cable anymore on newer vehicles. I have towed a few to dealers ( Nissan is the worst ) for major problems after a cable jump .

jump pack is the only safe way anymore sorry to say . to many computers on these things anymore and sounds stupid but jumping with cables can and does fry them .

as said JNC and solar are the 2 top dogs for years now.

 

[sweetk30]

We have one here at our shop IT TAKES FOREVER TO RECHARGE!!!

or it just needs a new internal battery for 50-75 bucks.

also they charge faster hooked to a running vehicle.

 

[Ign]

Tooltopia is still doing the Rockford 8005 at $55 and free shipping. I like mine, but don't have enough history to know if it'll last.

http://www.tooltopia.com/rockford-8005.aspx

 

[anndel]

JNC660 and it works well. I've used it about 6 times since I got it last summer. I just received and tried the NOCO GB70 by draining my truck's battery overnight leaving the parking and dome light on all night. When I came home from work it was completely drained as there was no buzzer when you leave the keys in the ignition with the door open. Connected the NOCO, turned it on and in 1 crank it started. That's another option to the JNC, the NOCO GB70 though it's $189 on via Amazon.

 

[KEH]

The jump box I have has a small lead acid battery, which has had to be replaced once. It works fine, also has 110 volt outlet on it. However, if I didn't have one I would just get a new small battery and a carrying strap, and some jumper cables, along with a regular 110 volt battery charger to keep the battery charged up. Possibly plan to use the spare battery to just replace the dead one in the vehicle.

Could someone explain the comment about new cars being damaged by jump starting? How are they supposed to be jump started?

KEH

 

[ecally]

I have the JNC660 in my garage and have used it many times. It is a great box. I wanted something lighter for keeping in the vehicle and went with the JNC300xl. It has no problem turning over a Honda Civic or Toyota Sienna as I've used it on both. Very lightweight and compact.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Jarhead0408]

There's also the JNC-AIR, which is essentially the 660 plus a small air compressor. Very useful for keeping in the car, along with a tire patch kit.

I've got two of these. I've used both of them quite a bit.

Lawnmowers, relatives cars, strangers, etc. They both work great! Love 'em and plan on buying a few more.

I keep one in my DD and one in my wife's DD. I'll be getting one more for the shop and another for my brother at Christmas.

 

[CJM8515]

The jump box I have has a small lead acid battery, which has had to be replaced once. It works fine, also has 110 volt outlet on it. However, if I didn't have one I would just get a new small battery and a carrying strap, and some jumper cables, along with a regular 110 volt battery charger to keep the battery charged up. Possibly plan to use the spare battery to just replace the dead one in the vehicle.

Could someone explain the comment about new cars being damaged by jump starting? How are they supposed to be jump started?

KEH

A battery just hooked up with cables wont transfer enough power for anything more than a lawnmower usually.

Most new cars all have giant fuses built into the positive terminals. Ya know the fuse that used to blow in the fuse box labeled 80a or similar? Done, gone away with. Now its part of the positive terminal. If you so much as hook it up backwards, there is a voltage spike or whatever you blow and your SOL. Well you could pop the cover and push the contacts together lol Ive done it.

Thing is people seem to be idiots and constantly blow these fuses somehow. Ive jumped A LOT of vehicles over the years with them and not once did I ever blow one except an older nissan that they charged the battery backwards and I didnt know it. Hooked my box up and blam. Most any expensive european car states in the manual NOT to even use cables anyways and to use a box or tow it. Course most of them can give you a fit and you cant unlock the trunk where the battery is (usually a benz) cause there is no front connection under the hood-genius right?

A JNC needs a 24-48 hour charge if its totally dead. As in STONE dead. But if you leave it connected to the vehicle you boosted for 5 mins or even plug it in once a month its fine. I hardly ever plug mine in, I use my work truck to charge it or peoples cars. A V8 works better than a little 4cyl too for this.

 

[48548]

Noco gb150

 

[555]

I bought three of the Stanley's and gave them to my sons. I never used one myself, but the boys say they work great.

 

[hancock1701]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. There are good reviews about the NOCO, but mostly for the bigger versions, like GB40 and above. I'm extremely interested in the JNC300XL that was mentioned earlier due to specs, price, and brand name.

 

[anndel]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. There are good reviews about the NOCO, but mostly for the bigger versions, like GB40 and above. I'm extremely interested in the JNC300XL that was mentioned earlier due to specs, price, and brand name.

Go for it and let us know how's it working out for you. As I mentioned before I have a JNC660 in the shop and the NOCO GB70 in the truck. I used the NOCO once and the JNC660 about 6 times and both worked as it should.

 

[FigureItOut]

I'm sure you'll be happy with it. One small but possibly significant reason to get the 660 instead is that the little 300 needs the wall wart to charge. The 660 will take any extension cord.

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[CJM8515]

Dont bother with the smaller unit. the 660 is well worth the higher cost. The smaller unit may not start certain vehicles if the battery is to low. 660 if charged starts everything but a 3/4+ ton diesel.

 

[blkSRT]

Just noticed there is a premium version of the jnc660. It appears to have longer cables and digital readout. JNC770B

 

[hancock1701]

Just noticed there is a premium version of the jnc660. It appears to have longer cables and digital readout. JNC770B

I saw that too, and it's pre-order now for November delivery I think.

To update, I bought the JNC300XL. It had no problem started my Honda 2.4L I4 by itself, with the battery disconnected. I tried the same thing on my BMW 4.4L V8 (battery disconnected) and it couldn't, which is expected.

I then bought the Stanley one (claimed 500 amps, 1000 peak amps), and that couldn't start my 4.4L with the battery disconnected, which might be a little too much to ask because it doesn't have a chance to charge the battery, and the battery is rated at about 800 CA. I also read and watch videos saying the Stanley is no where near the claimed 500 amps.

I'm wondering if the JNC660 will be able to start the 4.4 engine by itself? I mean a real world scenario would be that I had a dead or weak battery, then I can hook up the jump starter to charge the battery a little, then both the battery and jumper will be able to start the car. My battery is still good, so I've only tried it completely disconnected.

 

[AA/FC]

<snip>

.....I hardly ever plug mine in, I use my work truck to charge it or peoples cars. A V8 works better than a little 4cyl too for this.

I'm currious to know why you think a vehice with an 8 cylinder engine will re-charge a jump pack better than a vehicle with a 4 cylinder engine? A 90 amp alternator is a 90 amp alternator (for example) regardless of how many cylinders the engine has that it's bolted to.

<snip>

660 if charged starts everything but a 3/4+ ton diesel.

My 660 has started a Cummins Dodge (coworkers vehicle) and a Duramax Chevy 1-ton (work truck) on MANY occasions..... even on below zero (Fahrenheit) mornings. The Dodge usually would have "some" juice in it's batteries, but not enough to crank fast enough to start, especially in the cold weather. The Chevy Duramax would always be stone dead from an electric PTO switch that would get left on overnight. However, the Chevy would normally be parked in the warm building..... but it's a stone dead V8 diesel nontheless. The 660 has never let me down on ANY vehicle 1-ton or less.

 

[AA/FC]

Just for fun......

2 660's, 1 MAC (660 in disguise) and a Schumacher charger connected to one truck. Lolol

Turned out to be a few bad battery cable connections why the truck wouldn't start.

 

[CJM8515]

4cyl or 6cyl car have lesser amperage alternators vs a V8 pick up usually. More amperage charges faster. Same difference as a battery charger charging at 2 vs 10 amps

As for diesels: that's if the glow plugs are good, both batteries aren't totally discharged and or ****, and it's not 12 below outside

 

[subarub4]

Looks like no one likes the Lipo jumper I rather have a jump box I don't have to worry about what temp it is outside and all. I have a HF jump box I replaced the battery in it not too long ago probably the last time I use it after the battery is dead I hate how short the leads are on it and struggles a little with a V6 motor.

 

[kblee27]

You can carry a small 35AH lead-acid battery around, and a pair of short jumper cables.
That will start most cars, except maybe big diesels.

Jump starters like JNC probably has a much smaller 18-20AH SLA battery.
Those kind of batteries, I feel, is not meant for jump starting car, besides the purpose built lead-acid automotive battery.

I had a little known jump starter. After about 8 jumps, the 18AH SLA battery died.

 

[subarub4]

You can carry a small 35AH lead-acid battery around, and a pair of short jumper cables.
That will start most cars, except maybe big diesels.

Jump starters like JNC probably has a much smaller 18-20AH SLA battery.
Those kind of batteries, I feel, is not meant for jump starting car, besides the purpose built lead-acid automotive battery.

I had a little known jump starter. After about 8 jumps, the 18AH SLA battery died.

The battery in mine is 18 Ah SLA off the shelf it had a 17 Ah one in it.