Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Car battery jump starters. Many, many small models. Can they really do it? Do they have the oomph? (Original Post) keithbvadu2 May 2024 OP
As a car guy ... indigoth May 2024 #1
Yes, they work and are much easier to use, check reviews as some are cheaply built Shellback Squid May 2024 #2
My battery died and the tow truck guy used one of those to jump my car. QED May 2024 #3
This charger has worked well for us. Ialwaysvote May 2024 #4
I bought that battery jumper from Amazon. Works great! Thanks. keithbvadu2 May 2024 #6
I have a 3.3 liter v-6 minivan. So far, these look quite capable. keithbvadu2 May 2024 #5
Everyone should have a jump box in heir trunk. JohnnyRingo Jun 2024 #7
They work. But remember to charge them every 6 weeks or so. 3Hotdogs Jun 2024 #8
Yeah. Mine says 3 months. Don't crank over 3 seconds. keithbvadu2 Jun 2024 #9
I have a DieHard that didn't turn over a guy's truck engine, but usonian Jun 2024 #10

indigoth

(162 posts)
1. As a car guy ...
Mon May 27, 2024, 11:07 AM
May 2024

I’ve been highly suspicious. However. Two friends have them and rely on them, heavily. I’ve seen one start a Toyota with a totally dead battery in -10F temperatures. After seeing that, I do think, if sized reasonably well, they’d serve their intended purpose acceptably.

Shellback Squid

(9,082 posts)
2. Yes, they work and are much easier to use, check reviews as some are cheaply built
Mon May 27, 2024, 11:14 AM
May 2024

I bought this one:

Schumacher Electric SL1639 Lithium Portable Power Pack and Jump Starter for Car, Motorcycle, Truck, and Boat Batteries, 1000 Amps, 12 Volt, Red and Black, 1 Unit

QED

(2,946 posts)
3. My battery died and the tow truck guy used one of those to jump my car.
Mon May 27, 2024, 11:17 AM
May 2024

I have cables but no one in the neighborhood was home. The tow truck guy said cables were becoming obsolete because the small hand held devices were more convenient.

I found a device at Costco that is a combo air compressor and jump starter for about $100. The two truck charged $65.

https://www.costco.com/UltraPro-Elite-1200A-Jump-Starter,-Air-Compressor,-LED-Light.product.1701431.html

keithbvadu2

(40,120 posts)
6. I bought that battery jumper from Amazon. Works great! Thanks.
Wed May 29, 2024, 07:06 PM
May 2024

I bought that battery jumper from Amazon. Works great! Small wires. You can only use it for a short time and then let it cool off.
It came with 75% charge and started the engine three times I think.
The one from Costco looked good but would get it around June 4th.
Amazon was one day.

JohnnyRingo

(19,313 posts)
7. Everyone should have a jump box in heir trunk.
Sat Jun 1, 2024, 08:34 AM
Jun 2024

The general rule applies: Don't buy the cheapest one or the most expensive one.
One that says it will start full size trucks is a good idea. Probably talking about $125 at the most.

3Hotdogs

(13,398 posts)
8. They work. But remember to charge them every 6 weeks or so.
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 12:41 PM
Jun 2024

I have one to help other peeps in parking lots. I have a hybrid so I can't use it on my car. My car has its on internal jump start mechanism. It too, works.


I also carry an electric jack, full array of lug sockets and 1`8" brakes bar to help people on the road. I also carry a tire patching kit for my car and other people.

usonian

(13,836 posts)
10. I have a DieHard that didn't turn over a guy's truck engine, but
Sat Jun 22, 2024, 07:59 PM
Jun 2024

I had let the charge run down to 80%. Oops.

Cables did the job.

Check everything!

Audew rated well in a comparison I did a few years ago.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Automobile Enthusiasts»Car battery jump starters...