Auto/Car portable jump starters. Advice, Opinions!

[martybee]

I am trying to gather as much information as I can on mini jump starters. I think I would like to keep one in the car for that one time the battery is run down and won't start the vehicle. Are they practical, and how many times can you start the car on one full charge? The batteries used in these units, are they Lithium-ion or lithium-polymer? Also in many of the descriptions and spec's, it is stated they are good for about 15 starts! Is that for one full charge cycle, or over the life of the unit?
Those of you who have owned and used these small jump starters; What are your thoughts and experiences? Any info would be very welcomed! Thanks in advance.
(I neglected to state the vehicle that I would use to carry and use this jump starter in is a Buick Encore sub-compact with a 1.4L engine.)

 

[1955joe]

the parts rep brought one by my shop to show me. he said he tested it on a car with no battery and it started it 5 times no problem. I was fairly impressed that something so small packed so much power

 

[Bullet Bob]

I have one; the number of starts is per charge, not the total number over the life of the unit.

Really, for about $100.00, fairly cheap insurance. I gave one to my son, he used it twice before finally breaking down and getting a new battery for his car. He said it worked great, he can also use it to charge his smart phone when needed.

 

[Bugkiller99]

I got one. Right after I needed to jump my truck when my wife was out of town.

 

[doublesharp]

Lowes had a Shumacher Red Fuel lithium ion for $49 so I said Merry Christmas to me. I just plugged it in to charge for the first time a few minutes ago. It was 70% out of the box. About the size of 3"x5" index card. I've got a bigger one that weighs about 20 lbs that I've used for a few years and it's been handy as can be.

 

[meaneyedcatz]

We use JNC, jump n carry at the shop. One of our best tools.

 

[dave b]

I got one as a gift a while back. I haven't used it yet, but I think I'll keep it on my boat. Dead batteries really suck on a boat.

 

[robertrwalsh]

What, you can't push-start a boat?

 

[doublesharp]

FYI: WalMart has the same one I bought on sale for $15 cheaper.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Red-Fuel-Portable-Jump-Starter-and-Battery-Charger/54459184

 

[DeathGrip]

What, you can't push-start a boat?

That hurt my brain

 

[GaryS]

I have a Peak 750, which works well. The early ones had problems with the charging circuit, but they have fixed that with the new units.

It will also charge cell phones and similar devices and has an air compressor. I think it's around $60.00 or so.

 

[martybee]

FYI: WalMart has the same one I bought on sale for $15 cheaper.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Red-Fuel-Portable-Jump-Starter-and-Battery-Charger/54459184

I like that unit! Does it come with a 115v. AC adaptor and/or a vehicle 12 volt dc plug in charging adaptor?

 

[johngalt]

One problem with jump starting modern cars is the electronics. Even in my 20 year old Corvette, low voltage can cause the security system to get confused and not allow the car to start.

 

[armadillo]

The ones I have used will easily start a car in good condition that just ran down the battery. They did not work on cars with "dead cells" or mechanial problems. They also work as a "power banks" for recharging cell phones and other devices.

I use mine at work and started 3 vehicles (2 cars and a V-8 pickup) one day without recharging it. It is the 8k one at COSTCO which I saw marked down to under $50 today.

I used to use a 10k that I found on the internet, but it burned out the contacts on the car battery hookup. The COSTCO one is much better quality.

 

[doublesharp]

I like that unit! Does it come with a 115v. AC adaptor and/or a vehicle 12 volt dc plug in charging adaptor?

Comes with a charger cord that plugs in to 115v. No 12v lighter plug. Has alligator clips to attach to battery post on about a 1 foot lead that plugs into the unit.

I've got a zero turn mower that I'm waiting til spring to buy a new battery so I must jump start it. Tomorrow I'll use this new one just to see if it works.

 

[martybee]

Comes with a charger cord that plugs in to 115v. No 12v lighter plug. Has alligator clips to attach to battery post on about a 1 foot lead that plugs into the unit.

I've got a zero turn mower that I'm waiting til spring to buy a new battery so I must jump start it. Tomorrow I'll use this new one just to see if it works.

Thanks for the replies and info!

 

[nachogrande]

WORKS FOR ME.

I bought a century brand maybe 10 years ago & it was far from top of the line. Almost the same size as a normal car battery & app 1/2 the wt. Jump starting cars/trucks are about the least of things I use it for. Primary use was for running my million candle power spotlight to see the dogs at night in the back yard. A great thing to have during hurricane season or a blackout. Time to upgrade for sure as charges aren't as strong or last as long (sound familiar ). IDK if one would holdup to a Mexican wedding, but am interested in info about a replacement.

 

[oldman10mm]

As stated in post #14,batteries with a dead cell are a problem. Only 5 of the 6 cells puts battery no load voltage at 10V and then that portable device expends its' energy towards the dead cell.
Also a battery with 6 good cells but below 8V no load voltage are also a problem.

 

[doublesharp]

I took the 100% charged mini starter to my garage and tried to start my stone dead riding mower. Would not even click. I let it charge for a few minutes but no love.

Hooked up my old Jump N Carry brand and mower started instantly. I'm going to return the small one.

 

[Watchdog]

What, you can't push-start a boat?

Maybe if you're floating downhill or going over a waterfall.