Booster Battery Packs That Last ??

[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.