Own and drive any brand of vehicle for long enough, and you'll end up needing one sooner or later. A battery boost or jump-start, that is. An empty battery in your car can come from far too many reasons, from a battery nearing the end of its life to somebody accidentally leaving the dome light on.
Whatever the reason for your dead battery, if your Jeep won't start there's one solution: You need a boost. You can get one by calling a tow truck, by relying on a set of jumper cables and the kindness of strangers, or you can get a portable jump pack. Only one of those options lets you get your car started immediately and by yourself, and it's the same option that actually can give you handy portable power whenever you're away from a wall socket.
Portable jump starters, also called battery boosters, jump boxes, and probably a handful of other nicknames all work the same way. They have a small 12-volt battery with enough power to crank over your engine enough times to get it started. From there, everything else is an added bonus feature. Some of those are great, and some of them aren't necessary, but what you want is up to you.
Our pro tip: A battery booster won't give you a boost if it's dead too. So check your portable power pack at least once a month and give it a charge as needed to make sure it's there for you when you need it. Some of the better packs have a light to tell you how much charge they have remaining.
There are several features to decide on, so we also posed the question to the JeepForum.com community. So, without further ado, here are the best portable jump starters for Jeep owners.
Noco's jump boxes were recommended by a handful of users including Goodoldjeep, gmiller0737, kzim93jpz, and more.
The company's GB40 is one of the most popular options, with a 1,000 amp capability that can start gas engines up to 6.0 litres and diesels up to 3.0. Thanks to the lithium-ion battery, it is extremely compact but has enough charge for up to 20 jump starts. It has convenient USB charging (and can provide 5V power to your devices via USB), and easy to see lights to tell you power remaining and to make sure you're properly connected to your car. It even has a flashlight with three power levels to let you see your work, SOS, blink, and strobe functions. All with a convenient storage case.
We had recommendations for the Halo Bolt from users including BenO'K and 93YJ4Fun. Halo has rebranded as Mophie, so we're following along with your recommendations. The company offers plenty of choices, but we like the Powerstation Go with a built-in air compressor. Why? Because it lets you solve two problems in one: a dead battery as well as a flat or low tire. It holds a 15,000 mAH battery that lets you jump start nearly any vehicle. It also includes a compressor that can fill up your tires with an adjustable automatic pressure setting so you can turn it on and walk away. A two-year warranty completes the package making this a great emergency solution for your Jeep.
User hardwaregrrl recommended the Hulkman Alpha85, saying they've been using it for two years. The 85 offers 2000 peak cranking amps, enough to get your car fired up on even the coldest days. Thanks to the lithium-ion battery inside and clever electronics, Hulkman says that their charger can go 18 months in storage without losing charge. The large display tells you exactly how much power you have, if you're charging or discharging, and if you have your car's battery connected properly so you know it's ready to go. It will also give you USB-A, USB-C, and 12V car outlet power to let you charge your portable devices or give you some juice on the road. When it comes time for charging the pack, impressive 65W power lets it top up in under two hours. A fraction of the time of other options.
We put the JNC 660 on the list because some of you said you weren't happy about lithium-ion packs. This is a more conventional jump pack that uses a sealed lead-acid type battery. Plenty of people prefer the old reliable, we get it. Big and bulky, that might take up more room in your trunk, but it's also reassuring compared with some smaller models. Knowing that it can bounce around in your trunk a few times without worry. With 1700 amps of charging, it can start nearly any gas or diesel engine. 46-inch cables mean that you aren't straining to find somewhere to put your jump box where it won't come in contact with moving engine parts once you've started the car. It also has a 12V power plug and an easy-read voltage gauge to let you know when it's time to charge the pack up again before use. The 12V battery is also replaceable, so the unit isn't expensive and hazardous electronic waste down the road.
User flcracker64 asked about the Autowit unit and it's one we put on the list. Why? The innovative design uses a supercapacitor instead of a battery.
The big difference with a capacitor is that it can't help you if your car's battery is fully drained down to near zero volts. Fortunately, that rarely happens. Below 11 is where you'll probably need a boost, and below 9 volts your car is effectively "dead" as far as lights and gauges and the ECU are concerned.
A supercapacitor booster pack draws the low-voltage power remaining in your battery and stores it as 12V power. It can store up to 800-amps this way and can then deliver all of that power at once back to your car when you want to start the engine.
So as long as you have some power left in the battery, a supercapacitor converts that small voltage into the voltage needed to start your engine. It's fascinating, but also complicated. So we understand if you decide to stick with old tech. But this new option can start a gas engine up to 7.0 litres in most conditions without any of the risks of a lithium battery sitting in your trunk.
Well....... I'm sure I'm gonna get yelled at for this one.... Someone stole my Jump pack..... Last time I needed jump my WJ 4.7, I used my 5.0 MAH 20 volt Bauer drill battery, 2 dimes, and a set of jumper cables..... slid a dime into the + and - connected cables to coins, then to my battery. 2 or 3 minutes later, I was driving away again.....
Warning: I do not recommend trying this unless you are willing to lose a power tool battery or $0.20.... Do Not arc the cables..... You could short the battery circuit board...
ANOTHER WARNING..... You can laugh at me.... Lithium Batteries can explode or burn like thermite. fire is hot.... Thermite makes fire cry.... That's Why the fire departments let Teslas burn when the Batteries catch fire
I bought some cheap knockoffs from Amazon and had them refuse to accept a charge after being used twice. I now have a NOCO GB40. Used it to start several vehicles from tractors to cars. I also use it as a battery for a gas powered wood splitter, probably a dozen times. Just keeps working even after getting the case partially melted on a hot exhaust. It was worth every penny
I have not had or tried any of the new lithium jump packs that are available but I have had several of the older style jump starter batteries some expensive and some knock offs and every time I picked one up to use it was dead. I even tried leaving them connected to power so they would stay charged with no luck. Sounds like Goodoldjeep had a good one.
I generally just don’t let myself get in a position where I need one. I do keep a set of 20’ jumper cables in all my vehicles. My Jeep and my truck both have dual battery setups and the Jeep has an isolator that prevents draw down of the auxiliary battery when not switched on. I also do my best to replace my batteries before they quit on me. I’m a firm believer that an ounce of prevention goes a long way.
Back in the day I had one of those large jumper packs with a handle maybe the size of a lunchbox. Eventually that thing would drain all the time and wasn’t worth much. I was given a Halo and that thing has jumpstarted me way out in the middle of nowhere hidden within trees with no one around for miles when the sun was going down. I thought it was a waste of money until I actually needed it. It holds a full charge forever and I haven’t needed to charge it for at least a year. Small and handy and has USB ports to charge phones as well as a light if you need one.
I carry one of the Viking 450 Amp Lithium Ion units (from Harbor Freight) in each of my vehicles. At $90, they are a good value and their smaller size makes them easier to store than the 600 Amp to 3400 Amp units with a handle. They seem to hold a charge well but I have each of them on monthly schedule of being plugged into house current overnight.
I use a Nocco 40 and it works great! I check it every now and then to make sure the battery is still charged. They wont do you any good if they have dead batteries as well.
I have been though a lot of BS with jump packs, even the "good ones"
so whats the best?
a spare battery,
Yup a full size spare battery
and just swap them from time to time in a running vehicle
gives you the chance to service the terminals and add water.
and it seems I need it in something long before it goes bad
and I then just buy a new one as the rotating spare.
You spend just as much as the socalled GOOD jump packs
but over time you actually get to use it so the cost is near nil.
Stick a cheap set of replacement cable terminals on it so you don't
tear up the posts with jumper cables and charger clamps.
GOOLOO 1500A Peak SuperSafe Car Jump Starter (Up to 8.0L Gas or 6.0L Diesel Engine). Purchased it for my CRD, have jumped everything from lawn tractors to diesel tractors to motorcycles and cars with zilch for charge. Things are amazing and we keep one in every car. I just check the charge about 2-4x/year and I am good to go. It really is amazing how much current they can pass in a unit that can almost fit in my pocket. Just saw the link I put on that there is currently a 20$ off coupon which puts them at $59 bucks, wish I needed another one!
I am considering the purchase of a battery-less capacitor jumpstarter - have heard good things about them from mechanics and service drivers. Anyone here have experience with them?
I was given a HALO last year and have already used it a number of times on my CJ-7 (and my daily driver Honda Pilot, too). It has worked great for me. A single charge of the battery works for several (at least 4??) jumps. Using it is idiot-proof— literally just hook it up and push one button. Can’t yet comment on how badly it degrades over time or through repeated charging cycles.
I am considering the purchase of a battery-less capacitor jumpstarter - have heard good things about them from mechanics and service drivers. Anyone here have experience with them?.
I have a NOCO 50, its small and can do about 3-6 jumps on a charge depending on how long you need to crank it. The larger ones like the 150 or 200 can crank a 8L Cat motor (we've had them at work).
I've got a NOCO GBX45 and it works great. I've jumped my '06 4.7 with it a few times back to back when I drove it (like an idiot) for less time than it could put charge into the battery before turning it off. It's rated for a 6.5L gas or 3L diesel, and had no issues starting the Jeep. After that one day and about 3-4 jumps, it was around 50%, and still was able to jump my other car (small 4cyl) without issues. It seems to hold it's charge well. I just checked it now, after not having used it for about 6 months, and it's showing 75% charged. Plus side, is that you can top it off pretty quick as it charges back up decently fast. IMO
I can second, and third, the recommendation for Gooloo jump starters. I have 2 of them, and have used one extensively. They hold a charge forever, are easy to use, and can be used quite a bit on one charge.
Neighbor of mine was having a battery issue. Ends up good battery was bad, and his alternator belt was loose. I ended up having to jump start his car 10 times just to get him home. Used that same pack on the same charge to jump start my extra car that has been sitting forever. And when on a mountain drive it jump started a car for a family that was stranded in the snow.
They was all in one charge. It has 5 battery level lights, and after that it went down one light.
One thing I strongly suggest is not using it to charge your phone and things. Keep this for your cars. Get yourself a cheaper phone charger for the other.
GOOLOO Jump Starter Battery Pack 1200A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe Car Starter (Up to 7.0L Gas or 5.5L Diesel Engine) with USB Quick Charge and LED Light,12V Lithium Jump Box Booster Portable Charger,Gray https://a.co/d/0lmMSUl
I have also had the halo jumper. They work. But this Gooloo is a much much better product from experience.
Anybody who’s ever been set to hit the trails or drive to work and found their battery dead knows what a damper that can put on your day. If you don’t happen to have a set of jumper cables and another car nearby to help, it can get even worse. Unless, of course, you happen to have a portable jump starter to get your Jeep up and running again.
A portable jump starter is essentially a battery pack that you can use to charge up your vehicle’s battery. They are small enough to leave in your truck and are a pretty affordable way to get a little peace of mind.
A portable jump starter can also be used to charge up things like your laptop, phone, or any other handheld electronics you have on hand.
To figure out the best available options, we wanted to ask the JeepForum members what they think is the best portable jump starter available to get their Jeep up and running again. Once we get some replies, we will follow up here and update the original post so the community can use this as a resource going forward.
My TJ has a dual battery system. I have two AGM batteries with a 240 amp alternator. I have a switch inside the cab which designates which battery I am using or which one I am charging. I also have a Warn set of jumper cables hooked up to my second battery for helping others. My Jeep pulls a 1943 Bantam Army trailer which also holds a Solar Generator, brand name Jackery. The generator powers my two Engel refrigeration units plus my medical equipment. I've had this set up for 18 years, no problems. I also run a 1000 watt inverter, two winches and six Australian off road lights. That's what happens when you are a retired mechanic.
What I carry in the old WJ/WG is a Australian JS80 from Itechworld.
Finally used it in anger recently after fixing an air in fuel issue on the side of the road in the rain... extended cranking required. I have borrowed a cheap one previously, but the battery leads melted off the soldered pads and pulled out.
This one pumps out a rated 3000A with a total of 88 Wh (7 Ah), plus has all the fruit outputs (2 USB-A and a 12V coaxial socket with lighter adapter) and an led torch. Charging port is the latest USB-C power delivery (powers my laptop directly via the USB-C).
Bullet proof so far after 2 years.
Not cheap, but what price peace of mind.
Simply leave it in the bag or plug in permanently in a rear cigarette lighter outlet.
I have not had or tried any of the new lithium jump packs that are available but I have had several of the older style jump starter batteries some expensive and some knock offs and every time I picked one up to use it was dead. I even tried leaving them connected to power so they would stay charged with no luck. Sounds like Goodoldjeep had a good one.
I generally just don’t let myself get in a position where I need one. I do keep a set of 20’ jumper cables in all my vehicles. My Jeep and my truck both have dual battery setups and the Jeep has an isolator that prevents draw down of the auxiliary battery when not switched on. I also do my best to replace my batteries before they quit on me. I’m a firm believer that an ounce of prevention goes a long way.
I agree. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In support of that philosophy, before buying a jump pack, I suggest buying a high quality battery tester. Make it a habit of testing your battery every time you change your oil. Then you won't be surprised by a dead battery due to an aged battery. Now that you have eliminated the most common cause of battery failure, you can cover 99% of the remaining battery failure scenarios by carrying jumper cables.
I agree. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In support of that philosophy, before buying a jump pack, I suggest buying a high quality battery tester. Make it a habit of testing your battery every time you change your oil. Then you won't be surprised by a dead battery due to an aged battery. Now that you have eliminated the most common cause of battery failure, you can cover 99% of the remaining battery failure scenarios by carrying jumper cables.
I could not agree more with with this, with the addional caveat of terminals and cable maintenance, the very 1st step in any code diag. is checking battery and terminal/Cable integrity, are the ends clean and tight on BOTH ends of the cable? Pos AND Neg?
In addition I have seen creeping corrosion at the crimp/under the insulation, radically increase wire resistance under load, (you may not see a volt drop whilst static or under light load).
Then add in a spare battery for those times you are out in the boonies (strapped down in a bat box if wheeling)
Nearly all of my dead battery issues have been from me doing something stupid like leaving on a dome light or other accessory, or just extreme cold temps here in the mountains. Nothing like connecting a warm battery from the house
with #2 Jumpers whilst at 35 below zero to Up the voltage for starting.
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