Jump box

[97ranger22bronco]

Looking to get a jump box to have around the garage in case something happens, would love any recommendations. Car and Drive recommended the two below, and honestly I'm not sure what the difference is between them besides the overall size. Thanks!

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[SenorNoob]

The larger one has significantly longer cables but also a lower peak power if either one matters to you. IMO smaller is better for an every day carry situation.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Agree with Noob. Smaller one is also easier to store.

I have a Noco 1000 amplifier jump box that is slightly smaller than the smaller one in your links. Good for about 20 jumps before recharging and has built in flashlight and USB ports to charge your devices. 1000 amps is way more cranking amps than I will ever need without owning a v8 diesel. Plus it was only 100 bucks. Another 20 bucks got me a carrying case for it

AJ

 

[Brain75]

The first one has Lead Acid AGM - so you could open it and replace the battery - last you a lifetime. The second one has has Li- Poly, not even LiFePo4 or Li-Ion, which is the style (polymer) that have exploded on planes and skateboards and such - much much much more sensative to abuse.... and basically you can't really get a replacement battery, yeah someone is going to contradict me and say you can, but in all honesty you can't... a Lead battery cost you $25-$75 (1/5 to 1/2 the device), a Lithium Poly battery 80-90%, which means throw it away and get a new one in 2 years when the battery pukes.

 

[sgtsandman]

Project Farm on Youtube has done a couple videos on them, it might be worth your time to check them out before you decide to buy. I have a few smaller ones I've been real happy with. I think it was ones of the ones he recommended at the time.

I tried to find it in my previous orders on amazon but can't find it. I've either had them longer than I thought I have or they have been discontinued. Audew 1000 A Peak Jump Starter

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

When I worked at the auto auction… it was pretty much always an older version of the big one. Same brand. Those things took abuse and worked great. I have one but it needs a new battery. My mechanic buddy has two.

 

[JoshT]

Up to you on which style to get, but I wouldn't put much stock in the C&D recommendations. These days they aren't much better than a paid advertisement. Instead, look at the ratings and independent reviews on the products.

On styles of jump box, there are the mentioned features. Brian mentions replacement batteries on the larger version, while Noob mentioned it's longer cables. The big packs also come with more weight. The small packs are much lighter and easier to transport. If you needed to pull large current for extended periods, the box would be better because it also has heavier gauge cables, and many packs won't output continuous.

For me the selection came down to transport. If I'm at home I don't need a jump box. I've got 4 drivable vehicles. If battery is dead I'll put it on the charger and drive another. Where I need a jump box is away from home. I'm much more likely to grab the little jump pack and move it vehicle to vehicle, than I am a big jump box. I do not need a long reach on the cables, not trying to drop ve around with it installed. I also don't care about the replaceable battery, the size convenience is worth spending a little more to replace the entire unit.

I selected the Fantttik T8 Max 4000a jump pack based on reviews. Went that large because I have got a 7.3L powerstroke, and if the pack can't start all of my vehicles it is of little use to me. Record shows that is also the one I'm most likely to need a jump in, particularly when I'm away from home with no jumper cables or anyone to provide the other vehicle. So far I've only used it to jump a lawn mower, but the mower had other issues.