What do I need to know about jumper packs?

[ganchan]

I assume I should carry a jumper pack with me at all times in case my prospective minivan's battery decides to poop out in the middle of nowhere. So what sort of product should I look for in terms of amps, features, lithium vs non-lithium, weight/bulk, price range, makes/models etc?

For what it's worth, I'll most likely be jump-starting a Sienna (but possibly a Sedona or Grand Caravan).

I like this kind of setup because it includes an air compressor:
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-JC50...ncoding=UTF8&refRID=FCVTT0QV0CAF1XGHS281&th=1

But I might need a more heavy-duty one in extreme weather?

 

[SternWake]

I am going to throw a lot of opinion here.

Do not get any jumper pack with bells or whistles. The aircompressors have very short run times before they will overheat blow the compressor seal, and become battery and tire deflators instead. The ones with inverters are likely very poor inverters which can all too easily drain the battery rendering it useless for jumpstartng in short order. I'd carry a separate compressor if one is required.

I am still on the fence about Lithium jumper packs, until I use one myself.

The batteries in most jumper packs are small 12 or 18Ah asian AGMS. These batteries can be had for 24 to 38$

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Poorman-s-DIY-jumper-pack

 

[RVTravel]

Lithium of at least 600 peak amps that the literature states will start a 6 liter engine.

 

[Gunny]

I bought one of the cheaper ones at Harbor Freight and it has worked flawlessly. It's a Centech 3 in 1. It's started about 10 cars here where I live with no problems at all. Paid about 40 dollars for it.

Rob

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-portable-power-pack-with-jump-starter-62306.html

 

[LeeRevell]

Mine is a Schumacher unit, built-in air pump and 12VDC auto socket. Been useful several times.

 

[TooManyDogs]

I like this kind of setup because it includes an air compressor:
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-JC50...ncoding=UTF8&refRID=FCVTT0QV0CAF1XGHS281&th=1

But I might need a more heavy-duty one in extreme weather?

I think I have an older model than what you linked. I've used it several times to jumpstart a Ford Focus, helped jumpstart a stranger in a SUV, and jumped my 2004 E350 van last month when the alternator went bad. Never any issues, even though it was pretty cold last month for the big van. Have used the air compressor too (it's slow and the valve attachment seems cheaply made so I'm careful when connecting it) but it's worked well. Well worth the $50 I paid for it.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[Bud Smiley]

I have a 200/400amp Lithium Ion jumper pack, one of the generic ones from Amazon. It has worked great. It started my brother's ride-on mower, my Integra, and my Jeep Cherokee on one charge. Surprised the heck out of me.

I tried it on the 6.5L diesel in my van and it turned it over but not quick enough to start it -- and that's fine! It shouldn't be able to start that engine.

It's about the size of a thick paperback book and comes with a huge assortment of connectors. It's great that it can be used as a USB battery pack also (I seem to recall a 15,000mAh capacity at 5V).

I paid about $40 for it and would recommend it to anyone. I wouldn't bother with the  "old" style ones with the FLA batteries.

Lastly, a decent 12V Slime air pump is cheap and never runs out of batteries as long as your car has power. I prefer to carry separate air pump and jump pack.



EDIT:

This is the jump pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QSJ9K7G/
This is the air compressor I use: https://www.amazon.com/Slime-40001-Motorcycle-Tire-Inflator/dp/B000ET9SB4/

 

[SternWake]

My jumper pack was also a schumacher brand.

This was the exact battery inside of it:

https://www.amazon.com/Replaces-Bat...rd_wg=5IprG&psc=1&refRID=RW0CH3BAFEQAFZQQCSN5

I used that particular link as it shows a simple wall wart charger, and the charging specs on the battery too

Notice they say 1.8 amps initial current in standby use and 3.6 amps in (deep cycle) cyclic use, yet the charger it comes with is a 1 amp charger, and does not meet the specs of the battery it is being sold with.

I bring ths up as most of these lead acid jumper packscome with similar wall wart single voltage power supply/chargers, which are not a very fast charging source that could charge the battery from a low state of charge in a manner( amperage rate) where the battery will retain the most of its capacity. Perfectly adequate for holding it at full charge though, usually.