Best Portable Jump Pack ?

[Diamondpilot]

I got a Peak (like the anti-freeze) one 8 years ago and its not missed a beat. It was $30. Has zero features other than a 12 volt cigarette style outlet, work light, and a press to test volt meter. It has been abused and used well over 1000 times mainly jump starting boats and running cell phone charges at the lake. I also have used for the last 5 years to power the winch on my car haul trailer without a hiccup.

Chris

 

[Gator6x4]

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?

I think only Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny have such a Jump Pack.

 

[two_bit_score]

Go to NAPA and pay about $150 and get a good jump pack.

 

[AKwelder]

i worked for a guy who was CHEAP! He had 2 batteries bolted to brackets on a hand dolly with cables. They were big batteries and had cables wired directly to them. if you go the battery route this would work well

 

[scoutcub]

I tried to get by with 1 but ended up with 2. I have a smaller one with the air compressor/lights/plugs, etc. that wouldn't start my truck when I need it to. So I shopped on Ebay and got a truckpac ES6000, with 3000 peak amps. Bought it used for less than $200. It will start anything I own, trucks, tractors, heavy equipment. One of the best pieces of gear I've ever bought.

 

[Runner]

"An unattended trickle will ruin a battery."

That is why I always keep anything with a trickle charger(including boats and my jumper packs) on a lamp timer set to only allow power for about two hours per day.

Speaking of charging, I find that, at least for the cheapo jumpers (Everstart from Wally World), they don't hold a charge very long at all. That is why I always keep them plugged into the charger on the lamp timer. Keeps them topped-up and ready when I need them.

 

[wrangler6831]

"An unattended trickle will ruin a battery."

Take a look at Battery Tender brand. It is a battery conditioner more than a charger. I have one I use on my motorcycle ( BMW R1150RT ) battery. The battery is original to the bike 2004 (bought in Sept 2003) and it still starts my bike as good as day one. Great product!




Rich

 

[MikePA]

Take a look at Battery Tender brand. It is a battery conditioner more than a charger. Great product!

I always connect one to my tractor when I'm done doing chores. It can be weeks/months between using my tractor and the Battery Tender ensures the tractor will fire right up.

 

[scoutcub]

Speak of the devil, just had to use the trukpac this morning. The 06 powerstroke was-a-clickin when I turned the key.....so hooked up and started er up!

 

[dodge man]

I bought one of the jump packs at Sears for my father in law for Christmas. The link no longer works, I bet they sold out, but is sure sounds like the same unit. I liked the idea of the 110 volt outlets, but I can't remember what the amps were on the jump start.