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Vehicle Jump Box / Booster Pac Recommendations

5 Star Auto Spa
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5 Star Auto Spa Community Regular

5 Star Auto Spa

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Our booster pac / jump box just died on us. We have had it for about 2 years and it no longer holds a charge. Trying to get an idea if 2 years is the normal shelf life for jump boxes. Does anyone have any specific brand/model recommendations for jump boxes that have worked well and lasted a long time?

John Pearson Collaborator

John Pearson

Posted
Posted

In Alaska we need some some serious cold cranking amps, and -40 booster packs die fast. what we have now is optima blue top batteries with a trickle charger taped to the side of them and a quick connect for a set of jumper cables that will connect to the batteries, and the shop truck.

alfredauto Experienced

alfredauto

Posted
Posted

I have two - jnc660 and jnc990. Blue and red jump n carry units. My blue jnc660 is going on 6 years, I keep it plugged in now when not in use. The jnc 990 is big red, its heavy but will crank multiple vehicles no matter how dead. These guys don't have flashlights or air compressors. If you don't need to jump diesel trucks the jnc660 will be a better choice, its cheaper and more importantly a lot lighter.

ajnealey Contributor

ajnealey

Posted
Posted (edited)

I have a JNC blue unit as well. But I also have two of the super small lithium ion battery jump packs. They seriously work and fit in your back pocket! They have been able to jump start a V8 gasser with no issues. Seriously cool.

Something like this:

 

54088_3.jpg

Edited by ajnealey
ajnealey Contributor

ajnealey

Posted
Posted

Yea, freezing temps might be tough.

 

John Pearson, I haven't tested it for that long to know how long it can crank an engine over. So for a no start vehicle that needs repeated turning over, it's hard to say.

 

AJ

alfredauto Experienced

alfredauto

Posted
Posted

I haven't replaced the batteries in mine. I also have an allstart boost mini unit, it starts dead cars too, but the cable gets red hot. I mostly use it to charge my phone and tablet. Its bizarre how the little unit can start a car, it weighs 8oz.

 

Also, correction the red unit is a jnc950

LynxStarAuto Contributor

LynxStarAuto

Posted
Posted

I have a Matco MJS3500. It has a small motorcycle battery, which is serviceable. Lasted me 2 years, and I replaced it with a lithium equivalent. Been going strong now for 3 yrs with that.

 

I also have a mini jumper. Works great in a pinch, and very versatile with adapters to charge phones, computers, etc. my only gripe with it, is the included jumper cables are very, very cheap, and will eventually break with the daily grind. Cables are not cheap either 30 bucks. It's a good back up or emergency booster, but not for daily use.

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