portable small jump starters/chargers

[cookiedough]

anyone have one and actually used them to jump start their cycles/smaller vehicles if having a dead or weak battery?  They are about  1 inch tops x 6x8 inches or so power pack with mini jumper cables you plug in and attach to your battery.

Have they worked and actually started your cycle or smaller car?  I think they are not powerful enough to start a V8 truck, but most 4 cylinder vehicles or for sure cycles or other smaller battery equipped engines. 

The price is reasonable like 50-60 bucks for most but have noticed most are made in CHINA like most things are nowadays.    Most have a light as well as 2 USB charging ports which would come in handy to at least charge cell phones.

something like this one but there are 100's to pick from

https://www.amazon.com/Nusican-Battery-Starter-18000mAh-Portable/dp/B08MFKSVX5/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=car+jump+starters&qid=1634487889&sr=8-9

[Serk]

I've got one charged in every vehicle.

I've used 'em to jump start my Valks, as well as our V6 powered Acura MDX.

Funny story - after not driving the Acura for a month or two the battery was DEAD. I have a 110V plug in charger/jump starter... Hooked it up, tried multiple times, wouldn't turn the engine over even after letting it go full blast for 90 seconds.

Just for S&G pulled the small battery pack out and hooked it up. Engine fired right up. Have also used it to jump start our V6 powered Nissan Altima.

It's hard to get your head around, but they really do work. Some of the larger ones claim to be able to jump start even a V10, and frankly, I believe it now.

[Jersey mike]

I’ve seen these advertisements but always said “yeah right”.

“It’s hard to wrap your head around is correct.

[scooperhsd]

I have this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFJLP6?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-ypp-ro-model_ypp_ro_model_k0_1_6&crid=3O56Y9WXVF9A1&sprefix=jnc660

, Because both of my VW's are TDI's (diesels).  It works great for this, and I have used it (with an inverter) as a remote power supply for my drill. The only negative with this brand is that the charging cable is extra.

My opinion -  you get what you pay for. That's why I bought what I did. I will concede it's a bit inconvienent as a motorcycle jump battery (it could do it - it's just so large and inconvienent).

I don't think it would have any trouble at all starting a diesel heavy duty truck

[Patrick]

It surprising what those little guys will start. The ones I've used did the job, and, I wasn't using them on small stuff.
I still make service calls for a friends shop.

[Hook#3287]

I needed on today

I bought on today

[Serk]

This is over 2 years old now, the tech has advanced a lot in that time, but for some ideas of what these things can do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN8A2nIMUWA


Edit to add - He did an updated on some other/newer units a year ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixWPx79g3yk

[john]

simple web search .... car jump starters (add USA)

[Psychotic Bovine]

I used the Audew that Project Farm recommended to start my 4.0 liter V6 FJ Cruiser from a totally flat battery. (lights wouldn't come on at all, even dome light).  It cranked it over as fast as the battery normally does and it fired right up.  

They are quite amazing devices.  They even are useful to keep cell phones charged, good for about a week of charges (7 charges, assuming you run your phone down every day).

[wingrider02]

I second the Audew.  I bought the 1500 Amp version, which I think Project Farm may have used.  Quite impressive little package that has started dead bikes, to dead diesels that are bigger than the recommended engine size.

[sandy]

I have a NOCO GB40. It’s rated up to a 350 cu/in engine. I left the dome light on in the F150 and the battery was DEAD the next day. It had no trouble with the extra cu/in. Oh, it’s a 351.

[Bigwolf]

I carry this on my bike, in my car, and in my truck when traveling.  I like it because it is small (fits easily in saddlebag), it comes with an air compressor that I have used to top off my bike tires when I find one a little low, I have used it to start a diesel tractor that had a dead battery, and I have started 5.7L gas engines with it.  I also know of a Valkyrie rider that used one to ride on across about a half of a state in order to get to a shop to replace his alternator.

When I used it to start my brother’s Massey Ferguson tractor, he was so impressed that he ordered one right away!

Yes, it works amazingly well!

https://www.utvsource.com/rugged-geek-rg1200-safety-plus-jump-starter-power-supply/?network=google&ad=11ROI&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0dCc4-XS8wIVUIFaBR0fbQvdEAQYASABEgLI3vD_BwE[/url]

[MarkT]

The XP-10 jump starter is top-rated and recommended by Consumer Reports.  However there are some negative reviews from users.  It's $179.99 at Wal-mart (not a fan of WM).  Bolt Power and Spirit are the next two.  Reading reviews, looks like storing a LI-ion jump starter in your vehicle is not a good idea for several reasons including (1) damaging the battery from heat and (2) causing a fire.  I personally don't have one.  Haven't needed one - except when my 4runner had a parasitic voltage leak - which Liberty Toyota in Co Springs couldn't find in 2 weeks of diagnostics.  It went away w/o being found as a result of power cycling the computers.  The leak happened while sitting at home and I have proper chargers here.  I tend to replace batteries before they get to the point of not holding a charge. Only potential problem would be if I left some manual power drain turned on accidentally.  Not likely with modern cars unless it's an accessory I added.  I have caused that problem on Jade by leaving the amp on - it has a 3-position switch selecting trigger for the power relay in which I included power with engine off - assumes I plug it into a charger.  This is for parking lot music while at a ride-in motel.  But I also travel with a proper charger and wire among other tools in my Tagalong.

At times in the past with Deerslayer - before I became proactive with replacing batteries as they gave signs of failing - The few times I was stuck with a starter that would crank but not fire - I push started.  On a road trip, discovering this problem, I would always park on an incline.  I was never actually stranded that required a rescue - or a jump start.  One exception is when I had Jade delivered by Haulbikes.  I told him to park his truck on the inclined road behind the Walmart in Elizabeth.  Instead the idiot parked on the LEVEL parking lot behind Walmart, recessed from all roads so even the semi couldn't be seen.  When I actually found him - and only by calling his cell phone - we tried to start the bike with a dead battery by push starting it.  (I needed to start it to drive it onto the trailer)  Not enough juice for even that.  Then the driver left me to my devices by leaving and stranding me with no help - that's after they were paid a LOT of money.  And damaged my bike.  I was able to get a cell phone connection (finally) and got the wife to come help, with jumper cables.  I should have anticipated that and brought them already.  They also took TWO MONTHS instead of the two weeks they promised, and lied repeatedly on calls of where the F is my bike.  DON'T HIRE HAULBIKES.

[cookiedough]

This is over 2 years old now, the tech has advanced a lot in that time, but for some ideas of what these things can do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN8A2nIMUWA


Edit to add - He did an updated on some other/newer units a year ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixWPx79g3yk

I watch this guys videos on other products.  He does a good job comparing the brands on equal levels of effectiveness.

biggest problem I have even if I spent say only 60 bucks on one would be most likely I would leave it at home vs. putting it in my cycle or scooter bags not having it when I needed it.  Is a good thing to get though I think if not having towing coverage or away from home not able to get cycle home on a trailer if dead battery.  One use and it easily pays for itself and if nothing else,  can use it for a flashlight or charge up cell phones easy enough.  One would think even the cheapest 50-60 dollar ones rated for say a V6 engine (no V8)  would have enough OOMPH to start most cycles if dead battery?  After all our Valks are only 6 cylinders last time I checked is no BOSS HOSS V8

[3fan4life]

I have this one from Harbor Freight:



https://www.harborfreight.com/450-peak-amp-portable-lithium-ion-jump-starter-and-power-pack-62749.html?_br_psugg_q=jump+starter


It works well and easily fits into a saddle bag.

[thedon]

I have a rugged geek. It started my car at -27 degrees after the battery failed.

[crow]

I used
Mine at work one day to jump start a small 25 ton crane.  Everyone said no way .   But even to my surprise, it did start!

[cookiedough]

wow concensus says go buy one work well overall almost all of them and most all should start a dead battery on a cycle at least for sure even cheaper ones but ONLY if you bring it along on a cycle ride that is.    Never knew so many of you had one already good to know.

[Twofeather]

I have used a Dewalt 20v battery to jump start full size truck. I have never used it on motor cycle, but I'm sure it would work.

[mbramley]

 I have the NOCO GB40 also. I have used it several times on different vehicles. The largest displacement so far was my F-250 with a 351 with a combination deep cycle/starting battery in it for the plow. If you forget and leave the switch on to drop the plow it kills the battery and the GB40 started it no problem. I get multiple jumps without a recharge. The sales person at Auto zone said they can get 40 jumps before recharge, I'm not going to try to verify that one.lol.

[scooperhsd]

I have the NOCO GB40 also. I have used it several times on different vehicles. The largest displacement so far was my F-250 with a 351 with a combination deep cycle/starting battery in it for the plow. If you forget and leave the switch on to drop the plow it kills the battery and the GB40 started it no problem. I get multiple jumps without a recharge. The sales person at Auto zone said they can get 40 jumps before recharge, I'm not going to try to verify that one.lol.

I don't blame you - at least when you might need it before you get to charge it again.

[Jess from VA]

Once or twice, I had a guy or two push me fast enough to bump start it.

No matter how small though, you cannot carry one or two guys on the bike all the time to perform this service.   

[Willow]

...
No matter how small though, you cannot carry one or two guys on the bike all the time to perform this service.   

The "trunk monkey" comes to mind.  Those chimps are incredibly strong for their weight.   

[Jess from VA]

Yeah, with chimps, baby ones are cute, but big ones bite your fingers and face off. 

[Willow]

Yeah, with chimps, baby ones are cute, but big ones bite your fingers and face off. 

And, in anger I'm told, your genitals if you're male.   

[Jess from VA]

I don't even want a dog.   

[john.esher]

I have this in all three of my daily drivers and just bought one for the new to me '99 Interstate. It starts my 1999 Suburban 5.7L with no problems which is currently waiting for a tranny, so the battery is low low low. I like that the clips are not huge, and will fit into tiny motorcycle battery crevices.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08V88B82M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[KG]

Carry a NOCO in every vehicle and have this adapter installed on the bike to use with my battery maintainer and jump the bike if I need to without having to pull the seat
I have it ran back to where the passenger headset plug is on the interstate


https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GBC007-Accessory-X-Connect-Charging/dp/B071F36LXZ/ref=asc_df_B071F36LXZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309821119663&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6131999670975298589&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013500&hvtargid=pla-641879344512&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62379238755&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309821119663&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6131999670975298589&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013500&hvtargid=pla-641879344512

[MAD6Gun]

 I bought one years ago when I was a mechanic. I was called out to the parking lot to jump a dead car. Owner said "no way that little things going is going to start my car". He was amazed when it did.

 Since I'm basically retired now I haven't used it in over three years. I was cleaning out my tool box and found it. Needless to say it was dead. So I took a chance and plugged it in. After about ten minutes it started bulging out. Battery is junk. Took it apart and removed the battery pack. I think I can replace the battery without having to replace the whole unit.  Bottom line make sure you keep them charged or the battery will go bad.

[Charlie McCready]

I have a Halo Bolt in my car and also one in my truck. My truck is a 3500 Chevy dually with a 454 engine.  Truck wouldn't start one day at Lowes.  I popped the hood and got the Halo out while two guys watching me laughed.  When the truck started the two guys looked on in disbelief, shook their heads and walked away.  I have never had occasion to use it on the bikes but I think it'd work just fine !!

[Serk]

Bottom line make sure you keep them charged or the battery will go bad.

Lithium Ion batteries often bulge just about whatever you do with them. I have one jump starter unit in my Acura MDX, it's in the center console connected to a charging plug that's always on when the vehicle's on, so it's always being topped off.

It still works, but it's bulged and popped the case open. I'll be replacing it soon, but for now it's still functional.

[hubcapsc]

This thing is kind of big (11.75 x 6 x 13 inches), but it is a tire pump,
a jumper, a charger - it charges your phones and stuff and it's own battery...
if you already have and maintain dewalt batteries... I don't have one,
I just think about them when I read this thread...

-Mike

[turtle254]

Bottom line make sure you keep them charged or the battery will go bad.

Lithium Ion batteries often bulge just about whatever you do with them. I have one jump starter unit in my Acura MDX, it's in the center console connected to a charging plug that's always on when the vehicle's on, so it's always being topped off.

It still works, but it's bulged and popped the case open. I'll be replacing it soon, but for now it's still functional.

moved my old one to lawn mower ... caught fire while wife was mowing. move it there be cause it had bulged. nothing will put it out, had to wait till it burned out!

[Serk]

This thing is kind of big (11.75 x 6 x 13 inches), but it is a tire pump,
a jumper, a charger - it charges your phones and stuff and it's own battery...
if you already have and maintain dewalt batteries... I don't have one,
I just think about them when I read this thread...

-Mike

I'm starting to think the Project Farm guy is quietly reading our forums... This review was posted yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zAgL2L4ILY

[Psychotic Bovine]

This thing is kind of big (11.75 x 6 x 13 inches), but it is a tire pump,
a jumper, a charger - it charges your phones and stuff and it's own battery...
if you already have and maintain dewalt batteries... I don't have one,
I just think about them when I read this thread...

-Mike

I'm starting to think the Project Farm guy is quietly reading our forums... This review was posted yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zAgL2L4ILY

He smoked a few of them!  I like his channel, he's pretty thorough in his testing.

[..]

I know this is an old thread.

I recommend this.Received yesterday. It had a 82% charge. I charged it to 100%.

Started a 2000 Mercury grand Marquis with it this morning. Fired right up. Showed a 96% charge after starting the car.

Two thumbs up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DS1BXBF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I paid $49.99 as there was a $20 coupon attached to it. The pricing varies day by day and color of unit. 

[carolinarider09]

Added to wish list.  You never know when I might need a present 

[Rams]

Pretty cool jump starters.

Not knocking them in the least but, I'm happy with my home-made jumper cables, about 8-foot-long small clips that fit inside our battery compartment on the battery terminals and don't take up much space.   Cost me less than $5.00 when I first put them together.

Rams

[hubcapsc]

Pretty cool jump starters.

Not knocking them in the least but, I'm happy with my home-made jumper cables, about 8-foot-long small clips that fit inside our battery compartment on the battery terminals and don't take up much space.   Cost me less than $5.00 when I first put them together.

Rams

For me your home-made (or store bought) cables have a giant flaw: they require having an entire extra car to do any good.

I got a little battery jump starter that fits in my saddlebags (and in my hand) before we left for Inzane last year.

A couple of other guys in the little group I rode with had them too. Ross used his to make his bike turn on so he could ride it
back to the motel from the gas station where his alternator conked out.

-Mike

[cookiedough]

I know this is an old thread.

I recommend this.Received yesterday. It had a 82% charge. I charged it to 100%.

Started a 2000 Mercury grand Marquis with it this morning. Fired right up. Showed a 96% charge after starting the car.

Two thumbs up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DS1BXBF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I paid $49.99 as there was a $20 coupon attached to it. The pricing varies day by day and color of unit. 

that is a good deal I think on one fairly powerful as well.  You use it ONLY once and the unit has paid for itself right there.    I bought one already and left in my car since am pushing it on 8 full years and 113K miles on my OEM hyundai AGM battery.  Is winter out and luckily only had 1 instance in 10 degree or colder temps where the car sorta struggled to start but did fire over after about 5 seconds.  Above 25 degrees in the morning and car still starts pretty good turns over quicker.  

No matter what, going to BEFORE next winter replace the OEM battery from 2014 car with another AGM battery which cost 190 bucks now to get the AGM battery identical to what is in there now from the factory.  

No way going to 'push it' and attempt to get by next winter with a then 9 year old battery which has been tested under load at a local auto shop and it failed the load test recently I think had under load 450 amps left is all on a 700 amp (or more) new battery, but the voltage was still around 12.6 volts.  

I do wonder though if a somewhat failing battery causes more stress and can ruin the starter and other electrical parts on modern cars, mine being a 2014?