OT: Recommendations For Li-Ion Automotive Jump Starter

dbCooper

Negative 2 degrees here earlier this morning and Angie had a Dr. appointment to get to.  Her Santa Fe would not start, low battery and click-click-click from the starter.  My Impala was good to go, but boxed in by the SF.  Vehicles were parked in such a way that jumper cables were too short to be of use.  Using an extension cord and battery charger/booster I got her on her way.  The whole time I'm thinking how much faster/easier this might be with a Li-Ion battery pack.

For those that have experience with these I'd appreciate your views about them.  Specific items of interest:

- Real world experience, how capable have you found them to be?  Particularly in temps below 20 F.

- Minimum peak amps and Ah rating to consider.  I'd be using on vehicles up to 6.2L engine size.

- Any brands to stay away from?

- Not interested in USB as only means to recharge, would like to also have ability to charge from cigarette lighter port.  AC charging would be even better.

RRP

I swear by the DieHard 750 peak amps with 18" cables. You recharge with AC. When you use it it still has much-o reserve power for future starts. It also has auxiliary ports for other uses. BTW it started my diesel Mercedes with no effort when that battery was drained to zilch! I only paid like $60 for it and even got it on sale at that!

nolaegghead

I have a few. Keep one in the boat, one in each vehicle.  They hold a charge for a long time.  Top up once a year or after use.  In cold weather:  Lithium chemistry loves hot weather, performs horribly in cold.  You probably want to keep them inside your house in the winter unless you have a heated garage...if the batteries will get insanely cold.   I'm sure there are some crappy brands out there, just look for name-brand and you get what you  pay for.  These units will start a very large engine, but part of it's ability is to induce a slight charge in the lead acid battery.  Don't try to start a car through the cigarette lighter.

Ozzie_Isaac

What is insanely cold?  My garage sometimes gets into the 40s.

nolaegghead

Ozzie_Isaac said:

What is insanely cold?  My garage sometimes gets into the 40s.

You're not even in the ball park.

If you can get a couple MRE chemical heaters and store with your Lithium pack, I think we can solve the cold weather problem.

nolaegghead

https://www.amazon.com/MRE-Flameless-Heater-CASE-24/dp/B0128CRV9A/ref=asc_df_B0128CRV9A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=289694399267&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2217383037042762330&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9025146&hvtargid=pla-527195131593&psc=1

lkapigian

I have this- Had a short in my SS Camero and had battery issues , this started it no problem not LI but......

• 1,700 Peak Amps; 425 Cranking Amps
• 22Ah Clore PROformer battery technology is designed to provide extremely high power output, extended cranking power and a long service life
• Reach starting points with extra long 68" #2 AWG welding cables with industrial grade PowerJaw clamps
• Master ON/OFF switch with digital display shows state of internal battery
• Includes Protective Cover (model JNCCVRXL) and Charging Cable

Ozzie_Isaac

Can you jump start a regular car with a Tesla?  If so, I recommend that as a pretty decent Li-Po jump starting option.

FreeNHim

I like / have the NOCO Boost Pro GB150. It has gotten the job done so far. 

paqman

I am curious to see what recommendations will come up.

The battery on my brand new Highlander Hybrid was somehow completely depleted (no logical explanation) a couple of weeks ago.  I ended up using the roadside assistance but I decided to get a jump starter as a precaution going forward.  My trusted local auto parts shop was out of stock on everything so I ended up ordering this guy from Costco.ca: Shell SH916WC Jump Starter with Wireless Charger and 16000mAh Portable Power Bank

It doubles up as a portable wireless Qi charger so we’ll be able to use it while camping, etc.  It also has a PD USB-C charger port.

I also got a wired 4A charger that I’ll be able to use with the car or snowblower, etc.

No real life experience with them yet but time will tell I guess.

fishlessman

i use this one and so far it has worked well

https://www.jbtools.com/antigravity-batteries-xp-10-micro-start-multi-function-jump-starter-power-supply-kit/?wi=off&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_i200-l350&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9qOBhC-ARIsAG-rdn4Do-DEtm_WSwLNSqe6oa_gWauL4py63bkjBnhh4T2_OI4riiNbHFIaAndlEALw_wcB

poster

I've used a few in the -20's and haven't found one that worked well yet while cold, so keep them indoors and not stored in the vehicle. A 6.2 would be a tough crank at 0F, but shouldn't be impossible with one of these. They seem to be severely over rated in their specs, so pick one that says 2000 amps+ or up to 8.0 liter capability and also stick with a somewhat reputable make and you should be good. Basically you get what you pay for with these

Moleman

This is what I use. Battery issues on my Toyota Tundra, 5.7 liter in winter because of an add on camera I had installed. I leave it in my truck here in PA and it has never failed me. Surprised by how good it works. I paid 60 something though two years ago, not certain why so costly currently. 

Moleman

Sorry I tried to add a photo, didn’t work, imazing portable car jump starter, -2500 peak 210000mah off of Amazon. 

FreeNHim

kdink

I purchased this one 3yrs ago, after borrowing the one from my repair shop, decided if its good enough for him, would meet my needs.  I leave it plugged in my office and works like a charm.  Had no problem jumping my suburban.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Booster-ES5000-1500-Peak-Starter/dp/B000JFHNQA/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=es5000+booster+pack+charger&qid=1641738901&sprefix=es5,aps,53&sr=8-3

caliking

I bought one from Costco, as well. Its handy, and has worked well the few times we needed it. 

MN-Egger

Take a look at this very in depth comparison of jump starter packs. I bought the Audew unit years ago and only used it in the last two weeks for the first time. 5.7 Ram battery was dead so got the starter out of ice cold (MN winter) truck and upon firing it up, said it had 100% power available. Hooked it up to truck batt and the truck turned right over. As I was disconnecting the starter pack, it now said it still had 97% power left! 

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

CtTOPGUN

I have the Audew rated in the video above. Holds a charge well. Has saved me a couple times. But no experience at real cold temps.

GrateEggspectations

Off-topic for the thread itself, but I thought I’d post here in case anyone else wasn’t familiar with the story. 

Just recently read a summary of the Dan Cooper mystery and remembered your profile and pic. Fascinating, really. The only unsolved air piracy in commercial aviation history.

Who would have thought that you had been hiding on a barbecue forum all of this time?

dbCooper

Thanks to everyone for the feedback and suggestions, all very helpful.  I ended up going with a Audew 2000A/20,000mAh unit, $84.36 all in...

https://www.amazon.com/Starter-20000mAh-Battery-Charger-Automotive/dp/B09N37C4LG/

@GrateEggspectations

My real initials are D.B. and over 30 years ago a friend addressed a Xmas package for me with those initials.  Some time later another friend appended "Cooper" to the package label.  Ever since then it has been my nickname.  It is my default for signing guest books, visitor logs, sign-in sheets etc. in any situation that does not require a legal name.  Address field is populated with "Pacific N.W."  This has been done in multiple states in the US, along with Canada, Mexico, Central/South America and Europe. 

You might find this of interest...

https://fearoflanding.com/history/the-odd-story-of-richard-floyd-mccoy-jr/

nolaegghead

https://www.woot.com/category/tools?ref=w_ngh_tg_6

dbCooper

@nolaegghead  Thanks for the woot link, nice pricing on that.  Not sure 1200A is enough for my intended primary use (battery boost/jump in below freezing temps) but why not have a secondary unit on hand for other uses?