Best Portable Jump Pack ?

[robertwhite]

Looking for a new rechargeable portable Jump Pack as my old one died.

I was going to get the top of the line Craftsman model as it is digital and has 2 120V plug ports which will power work lights or any other needed item out in the field when most needed. I can also get 20% off any sale price at Sears so it would have made the always on sale unit sell for $80 instead of $100

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1988000P?mv=rr

Then I started to do a little research on the unit. It seems that the compressor is constantly either breaking or shutting down (too hot) and the fact that if you try to jump vehicle and the vehicles battery is below around 4volts, it will not send power. Something about the unit seeing the battery as stone dead. Problem is that a good deal of the time when a car won't start due to dead battery, the battery will only show 3-4 volts, thus rendering the digital jump pack useless.

I need a jump pack that throws at least 1000 amps peak and has 120v plugs as I will need it in the field to maybe start a tractor or run work lights if something breaks in the dark in a field away from the house. I would also like it to be able to jump a diesel truck. Therfore, it MUST have 120V ports and would like it to have a compressor and not be a stand alone jump pack.

Anyone have a higher end unit and if so, what do you think of it?

 

[FlaDon]

1000 amp unit is going to be hard to find that is anything besides a jump starter. I have a Duracell unit with all you are looking for except that rating. Got it when it was on sale for $49.95, and its twin for use in Ohio. List was over $100. Booster rating is only 100 amp though.

 

[Just Bill]

Although it won't have the bells and whistles, how about a good high powered regular battery. You would get a better warranty and if you buy the right size it could be a replacement for your equipment if needed.
Keep it on a trickle charger when not in use.

 

[amigauser]

Quick Google search showed this one but no 110v outlets. It is strickly a jump pack and received great reviews.

Amazon.com: Clore Automotive ES5000 12 Volt Portable Battery Booster Pack: Automotive

http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_prod.asp?sku_pk=264

 

[robertwhite]

Although it won't have the bells and whistles, how about a good high powered regular battery. You would get a better warranty and if you buy the right size it could be a replacement for your equipment if needed.
Keep it on a trickle charger when not in use.

Ummm, thanks but it MUST have the capabilities to run a halogen work light in the field if even for an hour or so. A battery can not do that.

 

[AKwelder]

i was working in a salvage yard part time and we had one of these packs. I loved it. but did learn these points

-even a full charge wasn't enough to boost my 90 F-250 diesel
-bells and whistles mean more things to brake
-a cigar lighter outlet is GREAT
-there is only so many cycles these live thru
-you get what you pay for. the boss flipped when we bought a blue point unit for 3 or four hundred dollars. It out lasted many other units, but not the concrete floor

good luck, maybe santa will bring you one

 

[RickB]

If you want to start a Diesel truck or tractor, you will spend $400-$500 for the jump pack only. These units typically aren't tricked up with stuff like compressors or inverters because they are HEAVY and EXPENSIVE by themselves. If you are worried about lighting, rig up some DC voltage lighting for the pack to power. You are looking for something I don't believe exists. If it does, you would need a wheelbarrow full of cash to buy it, and still need the wheelbarrow to move it around.

 

[VitaBene]

Although it won't have the bells and whistles, how about a good high powered regular battery. You would get a better warranty and if you buy the right size it could be a replacement for your equipment if needed.
Keep it on a trickle charger when not in use.

I second this idea. It won't be as cheap but it would jump a diesel PU. Start with a good 850 or so CCA battery and add an 800 W Inverter. Use standard cables to jump the PU or tractor. I would set it up so it charges of the trickle charger or car. You can pull it together for less than $150

 

[crbr]

Keep it on a trickle charger when not in use.

An unattended trickle will ruin a battery.

 

[JoelD]

My mom got me A Coleman jump
pack as a present about 4 years ago

I've abused big time and could not ask for more

I dread replacing as it is toiugh to judge one from another

my Colman has been fantastic

I also like the battery idea for warranty

agree cahrging could be tricky

how would one best charge a car bAttery for this purpose?

Joel