Booster Battery Packs That Last ??

[bdhsfz6]

During my lifetime, I've gone through almost a dozen of these booster battery packs. None have lasted more than a few years before the internal lead acid battery fails. I've replaced a couple of these dead batteries but the cost is so close to buying a new pack that it doesn't seem worth it.

I've tried everything from leaving them on the charger 24/7 to charging occasionally (when I remember) but they just don't last. The expensive ones don't seem to be any better than the cheap models. There is nothing worse than depending on one of these things only to find out it's dead just when you need it most.

I keep an AC starter/charger in the shop and a deep cycle marine battery on a battery maintainer which I can haul around the property when needed. That battery lasts 8 years or so. Someone should be able to make a portable booster pack with a built in maintainer that will last as long.

I'm curious what experiences others here have had with these booster packs.

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I use a portable Honda generator for this purpose. The charger weighs 29 pounds so it’s easy to take anywhere and it will run for hours on half a gallon of gas. Too pricy if that was my only use but I use it a lot, great for power anywhere you have a project away from the house/barn.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use a portable Honda generator for this purpose. The charger weighs 29 pounds so it’s easy to take anywhere and it will run for hours on half a gallon of gas. Too pricy if that was my only use but I use it a lot, great for power anywhere you have a project away from the house/barn.

View attachment 743973

I have that same Honda EU2200i generator. It can be used to power a battery charger and some models also have a 12V output but both take a long time to charge a battery.

 

[LittleBill21]

buy a lithium setup and keep it out of the sun. the sealed batterys are only good for 3-5 years, I constantly have to change them in my ups's

https://www.amazon.com/GOOLOO-Super...f7850793d379b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I have that same Honda EU2200i generator. It can be used to power a battery charger and some models also have a 12V output but both take a long time to charge a battery.

Yep. I actually have the EU1000i, (great for tailgating and camping) but I find that 10 minutes charge time usually gets me from won’t-turn-over to will-turn-over. At that point the alternator or magneto will finish the job while I’m using the equipment.

I also have an EU3000is but it’s too heavy to move unless I really have to.

 

[mrmikey]

I've got a Noco GB70 2KA lithium booster pack, battery stays charger pretty much forever but I still plug it in once a year or so, works great but a bit pricey. I actually didn't buy it, it was a gift.......M

 

[oosik]

I have a Honda 3000xxx generator. Had it for fifteen plus years. I've never had to jump start any of my vehicles. I load the generator, HD extension cord and any corded tools on my ATV - out on the property to complete another project.

I have several cordless tools, also. But, when you REALLY need the grunt and not a run down battery - go corded.

 

[Vigo327]

I think the two main options have already been presented here.. lithium, and 'deep cycle' lead acid.

The thing about sealed lead acid jump packs is.. there's no magic to lead acid batteries. Which means that if a battery good enough to crank your tractor is $100-200 bucks (some might be more for bigger ones), then a battery good enough to crank your tractor, plus the box around it, plus the cables coming out of it, plus the lights/meter/internal charging stuff/aux power ports/usb ports etc etc that are on a jump pack, means that jump pack should cost WAY more than your tractor battery. If it doesn't, that dictates that the jump pack is not that great of a battery in terms of cranking an engine. Of course, if it WAS that good it would weigh just as much too, so there's a practicality problem of making a lead acid jump pack not inherently sort of crappy.

Lithium batteries have a bunch of advantages. They don't self-discharge nearly as much so don't need as much attention to ensure they are charged when you need them. They are also more power dense so you get more battery performance per lb of weight. They also have a longer 'cycle life' than lead acid which means you can use it more times before it's 'worn out'.

Downside of lithium is mostly cost related. They cost more than lead acid by probably a factor of 4x for equivalent 'cranking amps', and they need a 'smart' charger to avoid damaging them during charge cycles. So while it will have a much higher up front cost, it SHOULD last long enough that you break even comparing it to the cost of 4 lead acid booster boxes, and the real value should be the lack of frustration, the 'ownership experience' being better.


But depending on how portable you need this thing to be, if you need something cheaper that's still going to work better than what you've got, i would just buy a $100 group 29 marine "deep cycle" (picture me doing the quote marks with my hands..) or a $200 12v golf cart deep cycle (no air quotes) battery and hardwire some decent leads to their terminal studs. It won't have a convenient carrying handle, charge port, place to hang the cables, voltmeter or status lights on it, but it will crank stronger and last longer 'on the shelf' than what you're using now, and price is comparable.

For the record, lots of automotive shops DO use something like this (with full size deep cycle batteries in it), but it's in a wheeled cart and assumes you have the benefit of a paved surface to roll it across.. not always the case with tractors..Jump Cart

And the ultimate, excessive, opulent, indulgent, but very effective option.. get an electric golf cart. It drives itself to the job site and has a ton of battery power onboard. My property is only 5 acres and i have the worlds crappiest golf cart running off just 2 group 29 marine batteries, but it still makes a hell of a jump cart.

 

[seville009]

I've got a Noco GB70 2KA lithium booster pack, battery stays charger pretty much forever but I still plug it in once a year or so, works great but a bit pricey. I actually didn't buy it, it was a gift.......M

agree....I have them in all my vehicles and in the garage for my equipment. They maintain a charge a long time, are powerful, and can do multiple jump starts between charges. They are also compact and idiot proofed. They are expensive, but eorth it.

 

[newbury]

During my lifetime, I've gone through almost a dozen of these booster battery packs. <snip>

That's too bad. I had always wanted one but didn't dare. Then shortly after HF came out with their "450 Peak Amp Portable Lithium Ion Jump Starter and Power Pack" I bought one on a reduced sale. I think I got it for $50.
Note that it is NOT LiOn, it's LI Iron, much safer. Mostly used it as a big battery bank for Wyze cams but started several small cars with it and my B7610.
Liked it so much I've bought a GooLoo 4000A which will start my diesel in warm weather, have not tried it in cold weather.

 

[alpha&omega]

I have been very happy with this unit. I’ve had it for 4 years and have never once had an issue with it. The company even offers a one time exchange for the lifetime of the unit (or at least they did when I bought one). They come in blue or red and have a few different features that made this an easy choice over the competition. I sent back my Schumacher and Energizer.

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GQDBNWS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[lukeh]

I have a couple of small lithium jump packs like the one already linked (my preferred brand is DBpower). I have used it for everything from motorcycles, ~40hp 3cyl tractors, all the way to my 6.7 cummins (not from dead flat, but pretty close!).
I've run a gas tractor off the jump pack alone (no onboard battery). They throw down a LOT of cranking amps.

They are honestly game changing. Like you, I had previously had several of the old fashioned type (usually also have an onboard compressor), and they are all junk.

For ~$60, I'd recommend trying one. I'm pretty sure you'll be converted

 

[streamin]

I have been very happy with this unit. I’ve had it for 4 years and have never once had an issue with it. The company even offers a one time exchange for the lifetime of the unit (or at least they did when I bought one). They come in blue or red and have a few different features that made this an easy choice over the competition. I sent back my Schumacher and Energizer.

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GQDBNWS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have the same brand as this one. I have a small body shop and use it at least 2 or 3 times a week. I think in 30 years I am on my 3rd one.

 

[rv7charlie]

FWIW, short life could well be due to either (unintentional) abuse or neglect, with a side of unreasonable expectations. SLA batteries (what's in most of the less expensive jump start packs) typically have a lifespan of 4-5 years, if used in some type of vehicle that gets regular use. About on par (probably a little better than) with flooded cell batteries. Jump packs get either abused or neglected. If they're allowed to fully discharge over time, it will kill the battery. If they're left plugged into an AC outlet, it's a roll of loaded dice on whether the internal charger is 'smart' enough to avoid overcharging the battery, which will kill the battery. Given how cheap jump packs are these days, it's a pretty safe bet there's not much money in the internal charger.

An SLA battery will retain up to 80% of its charge for about a year (*much* better than a flooded cell battery), as long as there aren't any 'vampire' loads on it. So ideally, you'd just let it sit for at least 6-8 months (if you're not using it), then remember to put it on charge for a day or so (at most), and then let it sit again.

Given the fact that most of us won't remember to maintain that regimen, a lithium Iron pack might make more sense because of the even longer self-discharge intervals. As long as the cost can be justified, of course.

 

[newbury]

Does anyone know of one with the form factor like the Clore but LiFePO4 based?
I like the sides built with the place to wrap the cords, the compressor, the gauges etc. but I would like to have the LiFePO4 reliability.

 

[lukeh]

Does anyone know of one with the form factor like the Clore but LiFePO4 based?
I like the sides built with the place to wrap the cords, the compressor, the gauges etc. but I would like to have the LiFePO4 reliability.

I've never seen a lithium jump pack that has a compressor built in like this. In my opinion they are two different tools. I have 12v portable compressors as well, but I'd be inclined to power them from a running vehicle rather than try and combine with a jump starter.

On a side note I've also never seen a jump starter with LiFePO4 batteries, I believe they are Lithium ion (usually 18650 cells). My understanding is that LiFePO4 is good for delivering a long steady supply of power, but not as well suited to dropping all the power in a few seconds like Li-ion. I could well be wrong on that though.

 

[rv7charlie]

Most of the lithium tech starting batteries being offered for cycles & watercraft are LiFePO4.
Amazon search for 'lithium starting battery'
You really don't want a Li ion battery between your legs on a bike, or even worse, out on the water. I'd be really paranoid about leaving one unattended on a charger, too.

 

[Buggs67]

I have been very happy with this unit. I’ve had it for 4 years and have never once had an issue with it. The company even offers a one time exchange for the lifetime of the unit (or at least they did when I bought one). They come in blue or red and have a few different features that made this an easy choice over the competition. I sent back my Schumacher and Energizer.

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GQDBNWS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

That is what we had at the PD for when patrol cars were run down. It was always plugged in and saw lots of use (no abuse) and years of service.

I have a DieHard with USB and 12v ports as well as a small light. I use it occasionally when I run down batteries; on the tractor, ATV, car and Jeep. I plug it in for a day or so every time I use it or every month or so. It's usually in my wife's car's trunk. Got it for about $60 maybe 7 years ago.

For around here I'd just go with an RV/Marine deep cycle battery on the ATV rack but I've no need, what with a Jeep and tractor to provide a jump with cables.

 

[newbury]

That's too bad. I had always wanted one but didn't dare. Then shortly after HF came out with their "450 Peak Amp Portable Lithium Ion Jump Starter and Power Pack" I bought one on a reduced sale. I think I got it for $50.
Note that it is NOT LiOn, it's LI Iron, much safer. Mostly used it as a big battery bank for Wyze cams but started several small cars with it and my B7610.
Liked it so much I've bought a GooLoo 4000A which will start my diesel in warm weather, have not tried it in cold weather.

I've never seen a lithium jump pack that has a compressor built in like this. In my opinion they are two different tools. I have 12v portable compressors as well, but I'd be inclined to power them from a running vehicle rather than try and combine with a jump starter.

On a side note I've also never seen a jump starter with LiFePO4 batteries, I believe they are Lithium ion (usually 18650 cells). My understanding is that LiFePO4 is good for delivering a long steady supply of power, but not as well suited to dropping all the power in a few seconds like Li-ion. I could well be wrong on that though.

Well what Harbor Freight sells, and I linked to, is listed a a jump starter. And I've used it as a jump starter.
/edit - and if it could be combined with a small compressor, like the larger SLA ones are, it would be what I want.
I found on Amazon Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor, Multi-Function Jump Box 1000A 18000mAh 12V Auto Battery Booster Pack (up to 7.5L Gas and 6.0L Diesel Engines) with 150 PSI Tire Inflator, Portable Car Jumper but it's Lithium polmer, still likely to go bang,

 

[Advil]

lifepo4 lithium batteries are far far safer than traditional lithium batteries. You can find some videos of people doing puncture tests of lifepo4 and yes you can get a big one to start burning. But that is true of ANY large battery that stores energy. There is an unavoidable release of energy that can start anything on fire under bad circumstances.

The difference is the immediate lethal danger such as an explosion. You might think lifepo4 is potentially dangerous until you see a side by side of what happens when you puncture a small 18650 lithium battery and a single large lifepo4 cell:

puncture test lifepo4 vs common lithium battery

One of these failures you can easily get away from if it starts to burn. The other is going to mess you up. That 18650 cell is the same basic chemistry type that all our cell phones and laptops use. We don't freak out over those...

This is why lifepo4 batteries are popular for server and home backup batteries, as well as niche markets like motorcycle/powersport starter batteries.