Jump Start Pack
- Thread starter Roktoys84
- Start date
James86004
Expedition Leader
I was given a Black and Decker Electromate® 250 AC/DC Portable Power Station/Jump-Starter for Christmas:
http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=15589
It is a nice size, about the size of one of my work boots. I have jump started two vehicles with it without issue. I have mainly used it as a very large flashlight when camping - it has a pretty nice LED light.
http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=15589
It is a nice size, about the size of one of my work boots. I have jump started two vehicles with it without issue. I have mainly used it as a very large flashlight when camping - it has a pretty nice LED light.
mountainpete
Spamicus Eliminatus
I picked one up from Costco a few years ago. It has a huge CCA rating (1200 I think) and has served me very well. I use it at the campsite connected to an ARB adventure light all the time.
Haven't seen that model since though. They all have exactly what you aren't looking for - air compressors, etc, added on.
Pete
Haven't seen that model since though. They all have exactly what you aren't looking for - air compressors, etc, added on.
Pete
I have borrowed a friends battery pac on several occasions and am impressed enough that I am currently price shopping for my own. I will be buying the Solar ES 2500 Booster Pac by Century Manufacturing. I have jumped numerous cars with it, used it to power a radar gun and other electronics at my children's assorted fund raisers. My friend keeps it charged in his car all the time as an emergency power source.
I'm sure there are other capable units out there but the performance of this unit has been very good.
I'm sure there are other capable units out there but the performance of this unit has been very good.
crawler#976
Expedition Leader
http://www.batterychargers.com/detai...A&catid=13
I travel solo a lot, so part of my travel kit has been a portable jump starter/12V power source. I have carried a Shumacher Mighty Mite for four years in the trail rig, and it's been used numerous times to jump start a battery, and as a power source for a 100W rechargeable spot light. It will run a rechargeable 100W light longer than I want to stay in the local mine shafts. (most of which are now closed and foamed shut )
I've found that it holds a charge for about 4 months, so the upkeep maintinace is really very easy. The unit plugs directly into a standard 110V cord, and charges overnight.
I found one this weekend for the '98 Taco at our local ACE Hardware for $49.99, a lot less than the MSRP.
While this unit doesn't compare to a dual battery system, it offers a lot of portability and sufficient power to get a flat battery going again. They can be stored in any position, anywhere in a vehicle without fear of leaks or fumes.
Later
I travel solo a lot, so part of my travel kit has been a portable jump starter/12V power source. I have carried a Shumacher Mighty Mite for four years in the trail rig, and it's been used numerous times to jump start a battery, and as a power source for a 100W rechargeable spot light. It will run a rechargeable 100W light longer than I want to stay in the local mine shafts. (most of which are now closed and foamed shut )
I've found that it holds a charge for about 4 months, so the upkeep maintinace is really very easy. The unit plugs directly into a standard 110V cord, and charges overnight.
I found one this weekend for the '98 Taco at our local ACE Hardware for $49.99, a lot less than the MSRP.
While this unit doesn't compare to a dual battery system, it offers a lot of portability and sufficient power to get a flat battery going again. They can be stored in any position, anywhere in a vehicle without fear of leaks or fumes.
Later
Big Daddy Chia
Adventurer
I have the Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight that I use for work. 1200 amps and fresh off the charger has enough juice to jump a diesel truck. Best part is you can catch them on sale for 60 bucks all the time.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
i've also got the one from costco. i've used it about 15 times in the year or so i've had it...works wonderfully.
just plug it in after 4 or 5 uses and it's ready to go again...
the only extra it has is a compressor, but its well hidden.
i've used the compressor 2 or 3 times and its a good, slow backup
to my viair.
it was about 40.00 and i got it for xmas. i'd say its a bit bulky compared to some that have come out recently but its been very reliable, so i'm reluctant
to replace it for a "newer" version.
regards,
Brian
just plug it in after 4 or 5 uses and it's ready to go again...
the only extra it has is a compressor, but its well hidden.
i've used the compressor 2 or 3 times and its a good, slow backup
to my viair.
it was about 40.00 and i got it for xmas. i'd say its a bit bulky compared to some that have come out recently but its been very reliable, so i'm reluctant
to replace it for a "newer" version.
regards,
Brian
Napa's online site should show some commercial quality versions of battery jump packs.
I know wally world and everyone else has versions now and I guess if you learn who made it you could wind up with a quality name for a walmart price, kind of like the vector invertors labeled black and decker.
I had one of these almost a decade ago and it is now dead.
I waver from wanting to open it up and find a new battery for it to just buying a generic small car battery and using my jumper cables to jump start stuff when I need to do so. A small car battery is not that heavy and while I agree with it not being able to be stored upside down or on its side other than that I think it might be easier to wind up with a setup going this route.
But I have some old jumper cables sitting around and somewhat wound up wondering if I would build a little basket to carry it in.
I know wally world and everyone else has versions now and I guess if you learn who made it you could wind up with a quality name for a walmart price, kind of like the vector invertors labeled black and decker.
I had one of these almost a decade ago and it is now dead.
I waver from wanting to open it up and find a new battery for it to just buying a generic small car battery and using my jumper cables to jump start stuff when I need to do so. A small car battery is not that heavy and while I agree with it not being able to be stored upside down or on its side other than that I think it might be easier to wind up with a setup going this route.
But I have some old jumper cables sitting around and somewhat wound up wondering if I would build a little basket to carry it in.
You can certainly find less expensive brands out there that work fine, but I have found these to be about the best ones as far as durability and just plain working when you need them.
http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_cat.asp?family_pk=11&br_pk=37&category_pk=70
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KK-JNC4000.html
http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_cat.asp?family_pk=11&br_pk=37&category_pk=70
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KK-JNC4000.html
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Roktoys84
Adventurer
I just got back from a 10 day trip to Southern Utah and I ended up getting the Chicago 5 in 1 Portable Power Pack on my way out of town. It did what I needed it to when my new Engel 45 drained the red top Optima in my fathers truck overnight. It also charged our portable dvd player and Ipod several times. I think I paid $60 for it.
