Battery booster, jump starter

[BobH]

Went out on Saturday, not in the Pagoda, in my modern reliable car, and when i returned to the car to come home, completely flat battery.  Called my daughter in law to bail me out with the jump leads.

It's not the first time it's happened, so i decided to buy one of these

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/battery-maintenance/jump-starters/noco-boost-x-gbx45-1250a-12v-ultrasafe-portable-lithium-jump-starter-581718.html

My, how technology has moved on, this will start up to a 6.5L petrol and 4L diesel engine, 1,250Amps, and its only slightly larger than a mobile phone

Just need to remember to take it with me depending on what car i'm using

[JamesL]

Funny, I used mine just last week to start my G400, and I have a smaller one that I use on the Pagoda (no power where it's stored so I take it there just inc ase)
Good bits of kit

[su8pack1]

I carry one in every car, and have used them several times over the years. Cheaper than a service call when on the road.

[mdsalemi]

My experience with them falls into the category of "your mileage may vary..."

I bought a larger one that plugged in to a wall outlet to recharge. Tried it once and it didn't provide enough power to get the car started. Tried it again more recently with the same result. Maybe defective. Who knows. Tossed it in the trash.

In the latter case, it was my neighbors Toyota Sienna minivan that wouldn't start because of a dead battery. So, onto plan B. Got out my heavy duty jumper cables, connected the Sienna to his adjacent Volvo XC90. Same basic result. WTH? Finally I told my neighbor to get in his Volvo, and instead of keeping the car at idle, rev the engine to like 2,500 RPM (a bit deafening in the garage might I add!). Well, THAT did the trick. Guess we needed more than just a "battery jump" but the Volvo's alternator at max output in order to provide enough cranking power for the dead Toyota.

Neighbor gets to the Toyota dealer, and they said, "yeah, we noted your battery was weak at the last service..." and they also noted that the battery was a week out of warranty.

You don't want to know the rest of the story. This is a family friendly forum.

[johnk]

I bought a slightly larger one for $100 that will jump up to a 10’ liter diesel and I love it. No more big unit to log around or try and fit somewhere in my engine bay without scratching everything to jump the battery. It has an extra button to jump a completely dead battery that most units won’t jump.

[Merc_Girl]

Got one and is excellent. Only problem I found is that the booster itself looses charge, and of course one shouldn’t leave on permanent charge!

I too mine up once a month just to make sure 😁

Interesting though, I tried to use in neighbours hybrid car and wouldn’t work at all! Not sure if that’s normal, but had to do a direct jump off my car to get theirs to jump.

I’m sure some clever folk on this site will know why a booster doesn’t work, or it might just be me!

[sandcrab59]

I have used  for over 30 years this battery Pack.
Solar ES6000, Century Mfg Co , I believe Minnesota.
It is very heavy and expensive and I use it for my Diesel cars and truck.
It starts all cars (gas and diesels). I have replaced batteries inside and eventually purchased another one.
It is plugged in when I am not using my cars.
it is heavy.
Tom

[OR Pagoda]

My daughter gave me an AVAPOW lithium ion jump box for my birthday 10 months ago.. It has been used about 10 times on everything from my 280 SL to my Toyota Sienna van to my neighbors Toyota pickup, and his Suburban.  Works like a charm and i still haven't needed to charge it.   About $70 (??) on Amazon

[johnk]

Actually I think you are supposed to charge after every use to keep the battery healthy. I learned that after ruining a large diehard jump box in less than two years. I charged its replacement after every use and it lasted over ten years.

[zoegrlh]

I got a HELO, bought it on QVC. It is so easy to use and will start my SLK, SL, and my E320 Bluetec, have used it on all three cars. It is amazing. Suggest every car should have one as Michael did.

[dirkbalter]

I got a HELO, bought it on QVC. It is so easy to use and will start my SLK, SL, and my E320 Bluetec, have used it on all three cars. It is amazing. Suggest every car should have one as Michael did.

I am surprised to see how often your cars don't start due to batterie issues. I have had very little batterie issues that came by surprise during the last few decades and that couldn't be fixed with a simple jump start.
(After I said this, my car will probably noy start tomorrow. lol)