Portable Jump Starter Recommendations

[NC Nole]

I am looking to purchase a portable jump starter that will be powerful enough to start my 1978 FJ40 but can also be used for my boat. The 40 has the original 2F engine. Any recommendations on brands and CCA and peak power amp levels? Also, while an air compressor and all the extras would be fine to have, I don't really need them as I already have a separate portable air compressor, flashlights, etc. Thanks!

 

[pugslyyy]

any jump box will do (they are all cheap Chinese boxes of junk - even the Snap-On one)... but remember that they need to be plugged in to the wall when not in use! I usually do better with jumper cables and another vehicle. I also leave vehicles on a float charger when not in use for extended periods.

 

[orionkhan]

I use one of these, dare I say, HF portable power packs. Bought it on sale along with a 20% off coupon. It came through and jumped my Yukon XL in Zion last summer. Never used the air compressor on it. But it is good for charging phones and kids nintendos and such. Contrary to pugslyyy, this one shouldn't be plugged in all the time when not in use. Not supposed to charge it for more than 12 hours. After fully charging it, disconnect it from the wall outlet. I have no complaints about it and always throw it in the rig when going out camping.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-portable-power-pack-96157.html

 

[pugslyyy]

I use one of these, dare I say, HF portable power packs. Bought it on sale along with a 20% off coupon. It came through and jumped my Yukon XL in Zion last summer. Never used the air compressor on it. But it is good for charging phones and kids nintendos and such. Contrary to pugslyyy, this one shouldn't be plugged in all the time when not in use. Not supposed to charge it for more than 12 hours. After fully charging it, disconnect it from the wall outlet. I have no complaints about it and always throw it in the rig when going out camping.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-portable-power-pack-96157.html

could that be a function of the charger? If it is single stage you wouldn't want to leave it plugged in for sure.

 

[nickmimi]

I have been using a JNC 660 for years and have never had a problem starting any vehicle with it. I bought one after seeing the roadside assistance guy using one. I have bought them as gifts and never heard any problems with them.

http://www.amazon.com/Clore-JNC660-...e=UTF8&qid=1369420322&sr=8-1&keywords=jnc+660

 

[madmax718]

Some of these damn small ones dont do crap. They are good for charging a phone though. the larger the better. I had a car that I needed a full size battery and cables to get enough amps into.

 

[orionkhan]

could that be a function of the charger? If it is single stage you wouldn't want to leave it plugged in for sure.

Don't know. Could be. I've just been following the manual and it's worked great for me. I did notice that it does not drain very down very fast when not in use. I usually plug it in every couple of months or the night before a trip. It's been fine.

 

[wrcsixeight]

Most jumper packs have a 12/18 or maybe a 22 A/h agm battery inside.
http://www.amazon.com/UB12120/dp/B003NN7A3Q

I was given one with a 12a/h battery, which was useful, if the battery that needed jumping was not too dead.

It was most beneficial when others needed jumping and were hoping I would break down camp, drive over and jump them.

Eventually it could not jump a 4banger, and I recyled its parts

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I've got AAA auto ins."road assist" !!

Heh Heh, yeah, but not for off-road--I always carry an extra battery/jeep replacement size and when I take the trailer/w its battery I'll have an extra battery for "emergencies"-

I haven't used any of the "quickstarts" in the last 8/10 years, so I don't know how good they are-

My laptop or pwr plug/usb plug will charge my cameras/phones-etc

It's a jungle out there !

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[theksmith]

JNC300XL. Tiny but works to start my v8... only good for starting not as a camping power source (small batt with high CCA but low AH). I charge it in the house every three months.

 

[Rattler]

I picked one up last spring. It is almost the exact same thing as this one but gray and has a name brand company's logo on it (I think its Peak). I paid just over $40 for it. It has come in handy for several things. Our favorite is powering the portable DVD player in the RTT for the boy when its raining out or getting ready for bed while camping. We got a 12v. electric blanket we run off it some but it kills it pretty quick. Long enough to get warm for sleep though!

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-portable-power-pack-96157.html

 

[southpier]

I have been using a JNC 660 for years ...

ditto. spend the money, sleep at night.

 

[racehorse]

JNC 660 x3

ditto. spend the money, sleep at night.

Carry two of them one in each vehicle. It's what the tow truck drivers use. Don't mess with the rest of the stuff out there.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I have the el-cheapo HF one, works just fine to start my 4.6 Tundra, even if its cold. I charge it about every two weeks and I have never had a problem.

 

[madmax718]

If you ever take apart the jnc, its the same battery. Its guts seem a little more robust though. Just check the AHR of the battery to give you an idea of what your getting. Some are dismally small.