I'm looking to buy a portable power pack and could use some suggestions. I'm mostly looking to recharge my phones if the power goes out, but I'd like it to be a jump starter as well. Any suggestions?
September 22, 2017, 12:48 PM
rduckwor
Amazon has a bunch, some rated 5 stars. I have an old Black and Decker that I need to recharge.
Thanks for the reminder.
RMD
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September 22, 2017, 12:57 PM
Leemur
Got one from Harbor Frieght a couple years ago and it's worked great.
September 22, 2017, 01:06 PM
12GA
I bought the JNC660 from Clore Automotive and have been very satisfied. Buy a good inverter to go with it to really expand its capabilities.
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September 22, 2017, 01:07 PM
Ackks
quote:
Originally posted by rduckwor: Amazon has a bunch, some rated 5 stars.
Thanks for the reminder.
RMD
There seem to be so many options it's hard to know which to buy and which hold their charge the longest.
Seems solid and well made but again, I have no history with it and have not tested it. But the reviews (assuming that they are true) seem favorable.
Other members recommended a Noco branded model but I opted for this while it was on sale.
If someone knows how to test its jumpstart capability, I might be willing to try it. But not on my cars with 'good' batteries
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September 22, 2017, 01:28 PM
Krazeehorse
We use an Allspark here at the shop. It's great. I can't believe they work the way the do as small as they are. Battery technology has come a long way.
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September 22, 2017, 01:41 PM
Ackks
I forgot to mention I'm looking for a smaller unit like konata88 posted, so it can fit in a backpack or large center console.
Use the noco boost packs for starting cars and generators at Cummins for work in emergencies when the generator battery is dead.
Keep the 1000 amp GB40 in the bikes saddle bag to start motorcycle and charge up our Bluetooth com devices during long trips.
Have another GB40 in my maxpedition fat boy bag with my medical kit that I use at the Sheriff's Dept for the rescue Shifts.
Nice feature is if the batttery you are jumping has no or low voltage most jump packs will not allow you to boost them. The noco has a button that will allow you to jump that battery.
Also has protection in case you connect the battery cables backwards.This message has been edited. Last edited by: kg5388, September 22, 2017 03:02 PM
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Seems solid and well made but again, I have no history with it and have not tested it. But the reviews (assuming that they are true) seem favorable.
Other members recommended a Noco branded model but I opted for this while it was on sale.
If someone knows how to test its jumpstart capability, I might be willing to try it. But not on my cars with 'good' batteries
disconnect your battery leads. Connect them to your jump pack. Start the car, if it starts then your pack is rated and operating well enough to start the car, if it doesn't then you may have bought a jump pack that doesn't have the amps to turn over your car.
Batteries are not necessary to run a car, just start it. It will run off the alternator.
I bought the above about 6 months ago based on the advice of a Verizon fleet mechanic. I have jumped my company van and my Neighbors small SUV with this. Charges my Note 5 and my Amazon fire also.
It's available at Amazon.
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September 22, 2017, 03:23 PM
egregore
quote:
JNC660
The one my shop has gets used daily, far more than yours is likely to be. It will take up more space in your trunk or other storage than those miniature ones. But when you need a jump start, you need it bad and now. Fork over the $$$ and only cry once. I buy most of my non-Snap-on tools from Amazon or Tooltopia.
September 23, 2017, 06:29 PM
Ackks
Does one brand hold a charge longer than the others? What about charging cycles?
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September 23, 2017, 09:39 PM
41
quote:
disconnect your battery leads. Connect them to your jump pack. Start the car, if it starts then your pack is rated and operating well enough to start the car, if it doesn't then you may have bought a jump pack that doesn't have the amps to turn over your car.
Batteries are not necessary to run a car, just start it. It will run off the alternator.
That is very bad advice if you want to ruin your computer or other electronics on the vehicle. The battery acts as a low impedance load or short to spikes or other high voltages generated.
41
September 23, 2017, 09:46 PM
Appliance Brad
I just got one of the Fuel units.
I needed a jump while on a camping trip, people at the next camp site had one. I was amazed, the size of a large cell phone and it turned my v8 over no problem. I went and bought one, $50 at WalMart. It has 2 USB ports, charged my phone of it once already.
Going to buy some for Christmas gifts.
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What I like most is it has an override switch for the reverse book up protection. That's important because of the battery is 100% dead jump packs with reverse book up protection read no charge like a reverse book up. Without an override capability one of those jump packs becomes useless.
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September 24, 2017, 12:48 AM
Chowser
It's not available anymore but I bought this in June of 2016 from Amazon and my kids use it constantly to charge their phones. I've used it over a dozen times to jump start cars at work.
KMASHI 3.3 out of 5 stars 313 Reviews KMASHI 400A Peak 14.8V 8000mAh Compact Car Jump Starter Power Bank Battery Charger with LED Flashlight and Advanced Safety Protection
Not minority enough!
September 24, 2017, 04:13 AM
kkina
I've gotten good use out of this one. About $100. Besides the extra juice for starting big motors, this one sports an air compressor. Really convenient for topping off tire pressures.
If you're not planning on jumping big V8s, you might get by just fine with one of their smaller and less expensive jumper units. More than enough for powering personal electronics in any case.
Batteries are not necessary to run a car, just start it. It will run off the alternator.
Ummm, actually no. Alternator need a battery input to charge the field to make power. some of which is fed back into the battery to maintain it's charge. disconnect the battery, the car will stop.
Old school cars with a "generator" will run with out a battery. Jump started many cars when the lights left on, wore down the battery.
