Power Packs -Jump Start

[chris_the_wrench]

Late last week as I was getting ready to roll out for Joshua Tree I found my '06 Cummins wouldn't start because some dumb ***(me) left a couple lights on for almost a week in my camper and I don't have an isolator(This week I will though). So I needed a jumpstart and the rent a cop security guy where I live rolled up with his powerpack of unknown quality and charge level. I do know, according the neat packaging, it was at one time capable of delivering 800 amps. Anyways it barely allowed me to click the solenoid. He was unwilling to give me a traditional jump start, please don't ask why. I eventually got my truck started after one of the landscapers allowed his little old chevy to run long enough, about 8-10 minutes, to charge my batteries back to a respectable level.

So my question is... Are those powerpacks capable of jumping a really low diesel truck in a variety of weather(down to below freezing)? I see this unit advertised as 2200 amps peak, 330 cranking amps, and 275 cold cranking.http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200331013_200331013

Thanks
-Chris

 

[bronconut]

We've never found one good enough to start dead diesels at the Ford shop I work at. We've made our own using two 1,000cca battery's mounted to a small hand truck type dolly. It's not something you can put in your truck and haul around but it will start a dead diesel. Look at the Solar line of jump boxes they do make some for heavy duty applications.

 

[Regcabguy]

Might want to have the batteries load tested before too long. The stock batteries are real good on these things but I don't know how well they bounce back.

 

[BorntoVenture]

I've tried and tested I believe 9 models and none of them were capable of jumping off my 454c.i. Suburban with a dead battery. The battery I used to test them was known to be in perfect condition other than being discharged for the tests. I'm thinking a booster box big enough to start a big block or diesel would be too big to carry.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

I took it to Napa that day and he load tested them. They came out great. The house battery in the camper was a different story though. That will need to be replaced.

-Chris

Might want to have the batteries load tested before too long. The stock batteries are real good on these things but I don't know how well they bounce back.

 

[Regcabguy]

I've had great luck with the Costco RV deep cells. Before my wife and I left for Utah last April,I took a peek at the water level. Bone dry for I don't know how long! I refilled with distilled water and still no issues. I check more frequently now. I have the isolator so the truck alternator is recharging it on the road. Frequently,I hook the shore power cord up to the house for a recharge for a few hrs. to give the Dodge's alternator a break.