Portable Jump Starters

M

Mwald3

New member
Hey everyone,
I'm fairly new to the forums and I tried searching for this topic and didn't come up with any useful results. If this has already been discussed, I apologize for missing it.

I have an '06 V8 Limited and I'm looking for a portable jump pack and air compressor to keep in my vehicle as a part of its emergency kit. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for specific models or amps needed to be able to jump my Runner, should it ever die.

Here are the two jump starter models I'm considering. The first seems to be really good and more than enough power at 1700 peak amps. The second is half as much money but only has 900 peak amps. However, from the reviews, it sounds like people have had success jumping V8 engines by connecting both cables directly to the battery.

What do you guys think? Is it worth paying $130 for the more powerful unit or can I get by with the $65? Also, the air compressor seems like a pretty good deal at $43.

1) Clore Automotive JNC660 Jump-N-Carry 1, 700 Peak Amp 12-Volt Jump Starter : Amazon.com : Automotive

2) Jump-N-Carry JNC300XL 900 Peak Amp Ultraportable 12-Volt Jump Starter with Light : Amazon.com : Automotive

Air Compressor:

Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor : Amazon.com : Automotive
 
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I have this one I got from Costco for about $70 and I like it. The air compressor is about twice as fast as most light duty 12v compressors. The LED light is pretty weak, though. As weak as the light is, it would probably stay lit for a month. I have to say, though, it failed to start my V8 once way out in the sticks, but that probably doesn't mean anything. Before I had a chance to try leaving it connected for a minute or two, I bolted to flag down a truck I heard in the distance. It's fired up my old 4 banger truck a few times with no effort.

PowerStation PSX-2 Rugged Hi-Power 1000 Peak Amp Hi-Current EHP Battery Jumpstarter with Hi-Volume Air Compressor, LED Worklight & 12V DC Power Source : Amazon.com : Automotive
 
Lol, if your the guy that always seems to leave the lights on, the stereo blastin, or doors open just that 1min too long...(happens to me all the time) then I would get a dual battery set-up with an isolator on the second batt...that way you never take any draw from the second battery unless you want it but its always charging if the truck is on.
 
On a slightly related note... Anyone ever thought about putting a charging port on their bumper or somewhere on the outside like some Tow Trucks have? They just pull out their jumper cables, plug them into the socket and do it that way?
 
BlackWorksInc said:
On a slightly related note... Anyone ever thought about putting a charging port on their bumper or somewhere on the outside like some Tow Trucks have? They just pull out their jumper cables, plug them into the socket and do it that way?
Click to expand...

Why go thru all that mess??? If this is something that you would want, why not just get one of those portable battery booster pack, otherwise I would just get a second battery for all the other accessories.
 
Oh, I have serious plans for the electrical system down the line, don't you worry about that!

It was just something I noticed on Tow Trucks and service trucks and I thought it was a cool idea. My 4Runner doubles as a mini-service truck most of the time, between helping friends, towing cars on the lot, jump starting cars, ect ect. I figured that would be a neat feature.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
Oh, I have serious plans for the electrical system down the line, don't you worry about that!

It was just something I noticed on Tow Trucks and service trucks and I thought it was a cool idea. My 4Runner doubles as a mini-service truck most of the time, between helping friends, towing cars on the lot, jump starting cars, ect ect. I figured that would be a neat feature.
Click to expand...

That's just great Paul, so I'll just have to give you a call when my battery goes out, shoot I don't have your numbers.
 
I was thinking about that too, but also have it fuse circuit breaker so i can switch it off when not in use. But i just got a 20 feet 4 gauge booster cable from ebay (25 bucks), jumped 3 cars and 2 trucks with ease since i run dual battery.
 
I've had a couple of those rechargeable jump things. for me it was a pain keeping it charged, eventually the thing will stop taking a charge. the batts can be replaced but cost as much as a new unit. Don't have a working one right now.
 
DexTech said:
I've had a couple of those rechargeable jump things. for me it was a pain keeping it charged, eventually the thing will stop taking a charge. the batts can be replaced but cost as much as a new unit. Don't have a working one right now.
Click to expand...

DexTech, did you ever have to use one to jump your car? You know offhand how many amps the jump starters were that you used? I'd rather not connect both cables to the battery to jump it if I don't have to (though I'd also rather not spend $130 on one of those things either.
 
I purchased a jump box from Autozone, no compressor, a few years ago. It has started numerous cars ranging from 4cyl, V6 and V8. The thing to keep in mind about the jump-box is the Cold Cranking Amps, here in the bay area I don't really have a need for anything above 900CCA...however, in colder weather one may want a box with a little more kick to turn over an otherwise dead battery (more $$). I think my Jump-box was less then $50. Also, no jump box will save you if it sits in the back of your truck and never gets a chance to re-charge via good old AC.

As for the compressor, maybe just an air tank would suit your needs or an on-board compressor (can be found for $80-$120). If you are only planning on airing up tires. If you plan on using air tools with it you will be spending a little bit more money.

Personally, my Porta Cable contractor pancake compressor and a power inverter(still looking for one) will be part of my emergency road/trail set. Along with impact gun and sockets.

my .02
 
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them portercable pancake compressor takes forever to fill up. look on ebay for a inverter, cheapest place would be harbor frieght.
 
I should add, I don't use it to fill up on the trail, but it's way handy for topping off in the garage since I don't have a tank compressor.
 
Over the years I did jump a few cars, as I recall they fired up without any trouble. Of course these were all relatively well cared for vehicles, with either a bad battery or alternator. can't say one of these things would have started the car I had in college, that one required a jump and a good dose of starting fluid. ;)
 
BlackWorksInc said:
On a slightly related note... Anyone ever thought about putting a charging port on their bumper or somewhere on the outside like some Tow Trucks have? They just pull out their jumper cables, plug them into the socket and do it that way?
Click to expand...
it will make it easy to give or receive a jump start circuit. a good idea and it would be easy to install. correct size cable, nicely secured and you are good to go.
tow trucks have the connection on the fore and aft bumpers.
 
I have a Stanley fat max. Walmart’s most popular item in automotive. I like it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Consumer report did a test on lithium starter packs and while all started a cold and weak battery, NONE started the cold and weak battery if the booster itself was cold.
Most of those were 1000 amps and lower
Food for thought.. If it fails the first time, and it was stored outside in cold climate, try warming up the booster before trying a second time


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I have the Antigravity XP-1 and have used it once. My Northstar Marine battery was drained to about 7 Volts after I left my Indel fridge on all weekend. I didn't think a fridge would suck up that much amperage, but it did. So I used it to jump it. It took about 3 tries to get it to go, but it finally went so I'm glad I had it. Now, I've bought a solar panel system so it never happens again.

https://smile.amazon.com/Antigravit...d=1512511861&sr=8-1&keywords=xp-1+micro-start
 
I picked up the Harbor Freight "VIKING" jump pack a couple weeks ago to jump my dead G35.

It's sitting in the 4Runner now cause someone always needs a jump during winter.
 
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