Which jump packs have longest life?

[Davefr]

I want a jump pack that will start a generator, ATV, tractor and possible vehicles. Which option will give the longest shelf life of the battery and smallest self discharge rate. (ie most dependable for infrequent use)

1. Jump Pack using a traditional lead acid battery like this?

2. Or these ultra compact Li-Ion packs like this?

3. Current solution is a "hand me down" car battery and some jumper cables.

 

[rlitman]

Lead acid batteries that are not on a float charger (regularly topped off), can expect to be junk if sitting for as little as 6 months on a shelf.

 

[CJM8515]

I use a JNC660 everyday at work and have been using them for years. Simple device really with a built in charger for 120v or hook up to a running car. Usually at work with constant use the battery will finally die after like 4-5 years. Batteries are cheap, its easy to open up and replace it too.

 

[Ign]

Lead acid batteries that are not on a float charger (regularly topped off), can expect to be junk if sitting for as little as 6 months on a shelf.

This. Guys will argue li-ion packs are a fire hazard, don't perform well in the cold, etc.......but the batteries in my Hobart Trek need some babysitting to stay happy while I've got Milwaukee M12 batteries that have sat around my house for over a year & still have full charge.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The problem with Li-Ion is there is a big difference in cell quality. Also slightly different chemistry can make a big difference in power and longevity.

I have no idea how you can tell what you are buying inside the jump pack.

 

[bczygan]

Who makes the largest capacity Li-Ion jump pack?

Lithium have the advantage of keeping a charge but are susceptible to cold.

Bill

 

[Finky198]

My JNC 950 I think is going on 6 years now they hold up very well. I've been pleasantly surprised over the years as it always works

 

[Badger 13]

I have two of the Solar ES-5000 models for well over 10 years. I have recently replaced the battery in of the them since it would not hold the charge too long. When I worked in the towing business, this is the brand that was used in all of the trucks, and never had any problems with them. Solar makes them in several sizes, so you can choose a side that serves your purpose.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

have the tow truck folk gone to the small lithium ion battery packs?

 

[Ign]

have the tow truck folk gone to the small lithium ion battery packs?

According to other posts here on the forum about these, yes, some have as well as techs and junkyard guys. Those who like them report the convenience of the small size is hard to beat.

 

[Davefr]

I have two of the Solar ES-5000 models for well over 10 years. I have recently replaced the battery in of the them since it would not hold the charge too long. When I worked in the towing business, this is the brand that was used in all of the trucks, and never had any problems with them. Solar makes them in several sizes, so you can choose a side that serves your purpose.

Isn't the Solar ES-5000 and JNC660 based on traditional lead acid technology?

And doesn't that mean these packs will need to be used often to avoid the short shelf life of seldom used lead acid batteries?

 

[rlitman]

have the tow truck folk gone to the small lithium ion battery packs?

I can't say I run a tow truck, but I do own an older vehicle that had to be towed home twice recently because it would not start (turned out to be a failing starter). Both tow truck operators tried their lithium packs, and both said the packs were sufficient to start their own diesel rigs.

 

[FigureItOut]

A note on maximising the life span of the lead-acid type. It was said they need to be used often, which isn't the case. They need to stay charged, and I'm guessing since most people would charge after use is where that came from.
Anyway, the professional units like the Clore products used to come with unregulated charging circuitry, so you couldn't leave it plugged in. Now, just about any box you buy will stop charging when it's at a certain voltage.
What I do is keep mine plugged in to a small inverter all the time in all my vehicles. I have the inverters hard wired in to an accessory circuit that's energized only with the key on. I use a 750 watt inverter but you can get away with a much smaller one.
If anyone is curious I'll measure the 110 v amp draw with a 660 charging and you can get an inverter based on that.
Alternatively, I believe you could wire in a charge controller for solar systems and have your box charging on 12 v whenever the car is running.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[kblee27]

I can't say I run a tow truck, but I do own an older vehicle that had to be towed home twice recently because it would not start (turned out to be a failing starter). Both tow truck operators tried their lithium packs, and both said the packs were sufficient to start their own diesel rigs.

I tried lithium packs on diesel. Most of the time, it has not enough energy to start the engine. It goes flat or the wires get hot before the engine started.
This happens usually when the battery is really flat after forgetting to switch lights or the diesel is difficult to start.

Then I have to revert to the standard battery + thick jump cables.

 

[valentine]

I've purchased quite a few JNC jump boxes for my office fleet. The JNC's have all lasted for years and none of them were well taken care of. When you have a hundred cars and trucks and twice that many people driving them, there's lots of opportunities for neglect and abuse. The JNC's are the best built, longest lasting units that I've come accross. Only problem I ever had with a JNC was with the model which has an air compressors built in. One of those compressors lost its ability to pump a tire up to proper pressure. The compressor still worked but it didn't work well. Other than that I'd give JNC's a very high rating.
-Valentine

 

[kblee27]

JNC seemed to popular around here.
Anyone knows what's the battery used inside ?

I have a dead 18AH battery in a different casing, that I'd like to replace.

 

[FigureItOut]

JNC seemed to popular around here.
Anyone knows what's the battery used inside ?

I have a dead 18AH battery in a different casing, that I'd like to replace.

It's a 22AH battery and is available online for about $50. I've taken apart several boxes and the fitment is about the same on all of them.

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[wafrederick]

Make your own using a 350 cold cranking amp lawnmower battery,ends off a cheap set of jumper cables.Have one at my dad's shop this way,keep it on a battery tendor when not in use.Basically cut the ends off a cheap set of jumper cables stripping off one side and crimp on a bolt on connector.Finally bolt them on the lawnmower battery.Just put in a carry case with a good handle to carry it around

 

[efb16acrx]

I don't think too many people will argue against the jnc660 being the gold standard of jump boxes.

 

[94EG8]

We've got a few JNC660s at work, great booster packs, they really are a lot better than most. I liked them so well I bought one for myself at home.

 

[kblee27]

It's a 22AH battery and is available online for about $50. I've taken apart several boxes and the fitment is about the same on all of them.

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Thank you, sir