Jump Starter / Power Pack

[EddieON]

I need to replace a cheap jump starter I bought which lasted a year only.
Looks like the Lithium battery ones are the way forward. However they have disadvantages over traditional lead acid ones.
Typical use would be jump starting my lawn tractors after winter, boat after storage. I see a lot of the new ones have inflation capabilities which would be handy, also some have inverters again a handy thing to have.
Any recommendations you folks could make would be most helpful

 

[wizofwas]

Not the answer that you want, but I'd recommend a good battery charger and/or a set of jumper cables instead. Never had any luck with the starter packs that I've borrowed in the past for my car. And nothing beats a good trickle charge on a boat battery to make sure it's up to the top in the spring.

 

[yooper1]

I picked up this unit by Schumacher about 3 years ago.

It has the jump start and a compressor, plus it will briefly power a 110v item. It came with a charging cord you can plug into your power outlet in a car to charge when your engine is running. (if it gets low on you )

https://www.walmart.com/ip/SCHUMACHER-XP2260-Schumacher-1200-Peak-Amp-Instant-Portable-Power/24200840

I went through Amazon to get mine for about $99 with free shipping using Prime.

It is a bit heavier than others.

I am happy with it.

I did not want to chance blowing any electronics in either of my trucks when using traditional jumper cables. This way, the chance of that happening is lessened.

 

[yooper1]

But as far as "jumping" my rider battery or ATV battery after a winter of storage. I always take the batteries out in the fall, and bring in my basement, then put a charger on them for 24 hours the day before I want to get that piece of equipment out in the spring.

Jumping a stone dead battery from sitting over the winter is only a babnd aid and it may place a strain on the charging system of the unit it is in.

 

[hittman]

For me at least .... having the battery on a trickle charger all winter is the ticket. It's doubled the "normal" life span of the batteries in my Harleys.

 

[bogus bill]

I like a trickle charger for my Polaris RZR.

 

[Cholo]

I have a Schumacher that I bought 20 years ago, but it needs to be replaced. Don't expect a new one to last nearly that long. I looked at getting another but believe I'll get one of these instead.

https://no.co/products/power/jumpstarters

I like the GB70 because there's plenty of power to jump start most anything, and to charge personal devices if needed. The GB40 will work for most people. Buy both from internet re-sellers for the best deal.

 

[sfhogman]

I use a trickle charger for all my vehicles so I don't usually need a jump, but for helping other folks (wifey, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, friends) I use a Bolt Power D28 lithium ion jump starter. It also charges my cell phone and works as a flashlight. I've jumped several vehicles with it and it works just fine. I carry it in the glove box.

Jeff

 

[WAYNO]

I have an assortment of chargers, trickle chargers, and I'm on the second of these jump starters. They don't seem to last very long.

They all have a place in the scheme of things. I use a trickle charger more than anything, especially for my motorcycle and my riding lawn mower. But a trickle charger is a little too late when your battery is dead and you need the equipment now. On my lawn mower especially, that's where my jump starter gets quite a bit of use. Winters are hard on these chintzy little lawn mower batteries. And I've found even when bought new, a lawn mower battery could be very old stock. Just for giggles, I'll share this...When I replaced the original battery on my lawn mower, I discovered the manufacture date on the battery was 6-years before I bought the mower, new. :?

 

[EddieON]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Given your replies and what I have read most of these jump start packs do not last long. I like the look of this one, gets good reviews and looks like pretty good quality. A bit pricey, but as my father used to say, buy cheap, buy twice

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DXAEPS2-Professional-Power-Station/dp/B06XDH6XL3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522101277&sr=8-2&keywords=dewalt+power+station

 

[Galaxiedan]

I have a Schumacher that I bought 20 years ago, but it needs to be replaced. Don't expect a new one to last nearly that long. I looked at getting another but believe I'll get one of these instead.

https://no.co/products/power/jumpstarters

I like the GB70 because there's plenty of power to jump start most anything, and to charge personal devices if needed. The GB40 will work for most people. Buy both from internet re-sellers for the best deal.

I have the GB70, it will start my 6.0 diesel with no batteries attached! I bought it for my wifes expedition when it was having a wierd electrical gremlin.

 

[powder smoke]

Never had good luck with those battery packs. Trickle charge things in the spring. ps

 

[Cholo]

EddieON wanted advice on a good corkscrew and everybody told him to get a can opener. Let's see you open that wine bottle with your can opener :mrgreen:

 

[Cape Cod Terry]

I have a Stanley Jumpit 1000 that I got on Amazon for about $60. It has a work light aan air compressor a 12 volt receptacle and a USB port so you can charge a cell phone or a laptop in a power failure.I have used the box to jump a lot of cars and pump up tires. My brother bought the same model and is satisfied also. I never leave home without it. If jump a car with a completely dead battery it may take a few minutes compared to a cable start.
Cape Cod Terry

 

[CGDustDevil]

For me at least .... having the battery on a trickle charger all winter is the ticket. It's doubled the "normal" life span of the batteries in my Harleys.

Yes! I agree 100%! I keep tenders on all my lawn tractors, my J.D., the motorcycles etc.