By Tony Barthel
You should have a portable jump starter. Seriously. But why, you ask? Many reasons.
I have had a portable jump start device that lives in my truck for years. The most obvious reason to have one is to jump start a vehicle with a dead or weak battery. But it can serve a lot of other purposes, as well.
Jump starting
The most obvious reason to have one of these is, of course, because the battery that starts your vehicle is low. With the way the universe works, this normally happens on a cold and rainy night when you’re in a big hurry. Of course.
I’ve also watched too many detective shows where someone is the victim of a crime after they can’t start their car in a dark alley.
As with any device that involves vehicle batteries, it’s a really, really good idea to be familiar with how to use this device with your vehicle. While the assumption is that you simply place this on your car’s battery, push the button and get in and start it, that may not be how it actually works on your vehicle.
I also like the units that have a polarity protection function so if you somehow do mix the negative with the positive, you don’t end up with a very, very bad situation. Vehicle batteries can explode for a variety of reasons, so it’s good to know what you’re doing. But it’s also good to have a device that works with you to reduce the chances of something very bad happening.
While I’m pretty meticulous about keeping my vehicle battery clean and well-maintained, I’ve used mine several times to come to the aid of others. It’s always nice to be able to be of assistance. People are also pretty surprised that a relatively small jump start box can actually get a vehicle started, but it can.
More functions
While I haven’t used the jump start function all that often, I have used the flashlight on the jump starter on several occasions. Since there’s a relatively beefy battery in the jump start device, it stands to reason that the somewhat bright light on mine will run for some time.
Thus far, it hasn’t let me down in this department. Mine also can flash the light in an SOS pattern (three short bursts, three long bursts, three short bursts…). Someone out there may know what that means, but it’s a flashing bright light for everyone.
Lastly, this also offers the ability to charge USB devices. If you are stuck somewhere with a dead battery, it’s pretty likely that your phone, too, will be suffering the same fate.
Again, those detective shows.
So, being able to bring your phone back to life is pretty valuable as you can call whatever roadside assistance program you have so that they can get there hours later. I know. I’ve called roadside assistance before.
What to get
Looking on Amazon, I noticed that there are several of these with a variety of capacities, none of which is the brand that I have owned for years. But they share the functionality of being able to charge USB devices, have a flashlight and offer protection in the event that they’re not properly connected or that they detect another issue.
The ones from a company called NOCO Boost seem pretty highly rated, with lots of reviews and offer all the features I mentioned. Further, there are different capacities with prices ranging from under $100 up to over $200.
I bought mine at the local auto parts store and, as written, have been happy with it. I think this is one of those essential things you put in your vehicle and hope you don’t have to use it. But it certainly is nice to have if you do.
And that way you won’t be the starring victim in one of those late-night detective shows.
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RVDT2942
I prefer the GOOLOO GT4000S Jump Starter 4000 Amp over the NOCO Boost. The GOOLOO GT4000S will spin a diesel engine easily. Plus, it is a LOT less expensive than the NOCO Boost.
I also have this jump starter and I have seen this unit jump start a semi truck.
The Ford Hybrid Maverick will drain the average jump starter flat before ever starting the vehicle. I watched a nice jump starter drained empty without starting the Maverick.
The Maverick will easily start with jumper cables and automobile battery.
We have one of the NOCO’s and it has worked for us as long as ‘the jumpee’ is willing to start quickly. The cranking power doesn’t last very long and the clamps are stiffer than they need to be. Also, while I’m complaining, the clamps will not hold on GM side post batteries. Groups 75 and 78. Better than nothing, but I miss my big old clunky battery in box.
Thank you for the admonition, Tony. We have two. One stays in the trunk of DW’s car and the other stays at the house. Only downside of the one in DW’s car is that it may be easy to fail to keep it fully charged. Hopefully, when we learn that it is low on charge is not a dark and rainy night. Have a great day and safe travels!
I check the charge and re-charge (if necessary) every 6-months.
Okay Tony, you prompted me to do a little research and I bought one suitable for our tow vehicle.
Several years ago I was gifted an internal battery car booster. Big clunky thing, and it had a sealed lead acid battery. Which we all know gradually self-discharges. Since out of sight out of mind, I plugged in down in the basement and left it. Only to discover the built-in charger just kept pushing electrons at high currents into the battery and killed it. It was dead when I finally went to use it. Trashed the unit and never looked back.
With the compact lithium battery, it will hold a charge for a year, but checking charge level every 3-6 months is recommended.
I have also used one to jump the battery on a camper that had a dead battery. The battery was old, and the converter could not supply enough juice to bring in the slides.
I have a NoCo Jump Starter in each vehicle. A few days after receiving them I was able to help out a stranger who’s car had stalled in traffic and would not crank. NoCo to the rescue!
A feature I’ve found very handy on my jump starter is a 12v outlet. I’ve used that more than USB charging or jump starting. Also, a big status display showing power going in/out is nice to have.
My model is by Yesper and I’ve been very happy with it for several years now.
And don’t forget to check the charge level regularly as they can discharge over time
I still carry jumper cables, I am behind the times.
I purchased the Nocco Boost GB70 on the last day of Amazon Prime Days when it dropped over $40. Two days after receiving it and 25 miles from the closest parts store the battery in oyr Ram 3500 DRW died. I grabbed the Nocco, hooked it up, and boom the engine started. Paid off immediately! Highly recommend having one in your vehicle