Anyone using mini glove box sized power booster packs?

[JC220]

As per title I do any board members have recommendations for modern/ small compact power booster packs for emergency jump starting your car?

I have just received one today and intend to test it out before providing details. Just wondering what your guys are using

 

[alabbasi]

Look at the Noco GB150. Seems to have good reviews

 

[JC220]

Look at the Noco GB150. Seems to have good reviews

Yes I have used that model before at a parts yard. They gave it to me to power up a C124 and remove the window regulators. For that task at least it seemed very good. Quite bulky though and not quite a glovebox sized item.

For a DIY user like me my budget was quite a bit less..... I bought a Suaoki 800 Amp one on ebay and initial impressions are very good. Just need to go stage a flat battery and test it out now

 

[gsxr]

Yes I have used [the Noco GB150] before at a parts yard. ... Quite bulky though and not quite a glovebox sized item.

Which size did you look at? Seems there are various ratings, and I'd assume the lower-capacity units would be smaller:

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB150-UltraSafe-Lithium-Starter/dp/B015TKPT1A?th=1

EDIT - my mistake, the GB150 is the "4000A" unit.

 

[JC220]

Which size did you look at? Seems there are various ratings, and I'd assume the lower-capacity units would be smaller:

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB150-UltraSafe-Lithium-Starter/dp/B015TKPT1A?th=1

I have it already Dave, just got it today. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suaoki-20000mAh-800A-Peak-Car-Jump-Starter-Battery-Charger-Booster-Rescue-Pack/182961029868

It is a pocket sized unit which is what I wanted: (Because I do regular parts hunting and in order to test electrical items usually lug around a full sized battery – not fun)



It has slightly larger than most peak AMP output at 800Amp (In this price range at least). Supposedly suitable for up to 5L Diesel or 6L Petrol engines. I did just go get a half dead smaller battery from my parts car, installed into my W211 220 Diesel daily driver and put the headlamps on for 10 minutes to kill it right down to nothing. No starter click – nada. Hooked this little unit on and it started A1 as it usually does. I started it approx 10 times one after another and it didn’t lose any gusto at all. Seems to work on a 30 second timer so it then timed out so I hit the button again to turn it back on. cables felt warm – but not hot immediately after use and still showed 98% charge left on the screen.



It is on ebay UK for £60 or best offer. I stuck in £45 as a cheeky offer and it was accepted. At that rate I think it’s a bargain and does work! I will try it to crank over my spare M104 motor in the coming days to give it another trial. It also has a torch and 2x USB chargers outputs if you happen to be stranded with a dead phone. The seller seems decent too they emailed to say if there are any issues at all to advise them and they will help.

So yeah – this appears great on initial impressions. My most common use for it will be to start up car’s which have sat a little too long and can no longer crank themselves over. Unfortunately this happens to me once or twice a month despite my best efforts to keep all cars charged up. And for parts trips this unit will be ideal.

Note: I am not saying for you guys to run out and buy chineseum chargers. Just that I appear to have struck lucky on this item

 

[northNH]

I've had a similar power one for several years and it has performed admirably on every start attempted up to but not including dead 40hp diesel tractor battery. Cars and anything smaller a piece of cake

What I wish, instead of the USB jacks, is that it had ~10 Amp 12 volt capability in addition to the high amp starter voltage generated by capacitance. Unfortunately it is not intended to continuously power 12 volt devices.

 

[alabbasi]

I picked one up at Costco. It was rubbish, might be able to jump start a cellphone.

 

[alexis]

Hi,
Is this kind of stuff good for the electronic of our cars ?
Personnaly, I wouldn't use one...

 

[JC220]

I picked one up at Costco. It was rubbish, might be able to jump start a cellphone.

Care to elaborate on the model and price range if the one you bought that was crap? Might help members out to know to avoid it

 

[JC220]

Hi,
Is this kind of stuff good for the electronic of our cars ?
Personnaly, I wouldn't use one...

Indeed – jump starting is never recommended or ideal. Butsometimes it’s inevitable. VS traditional jumper cables these are better IMO. Why? Well jumper cables can short out or be connected up incorrectly which would certainly have the potential to cause damage to your car. The unit I bought has various protections inside including reverse polarity, over or under voltage protection and reverse charging protection.

There is also the fact that booster cables are big and bulky to store away, the convenience of these pocket sized small units and not requiring someone else to be there in order to provide the juice from their car. Be mindful also if someone did want to get one of these buy the best you can afford and with the highest amperage also so as it will be capable of starting what you might intend to throw at it. (300 or 400amp cheapies won’t start your I6 or V8 w124!)

The best practice of course is NOT to jump start your w124. Keep the battery up to spec with a maintainer if it must sit for long periods of time. Or I keep spare fully charged batteries on the shelf and swap them out if one loses charge from standing too long. In an emergency situation or when you have no other charged batteries available to swap in these little gizmos with the inbuilt protection therein are a better evil than hooking up traditional jumper cables IMHO due to them having the additional inbuilt protections as stated above.

TBH – these are simply my thoughts and I have no interest inconvincing any members to buy one! Do as you will. I like the item I bought and think it will be useful for me personally. The P6 Unit I bought does work and there are plenty of reviews on Amazon.com with the same thoughts. Of course, like anything these days there will be cheap nasty items out there on ebay, (Costco)and the likes so do your homework first before parting with your hard earned dosh!

My main use for it however will be for testing electrical items from parts car’s in yards, and trying not to have to jump start my own car’s with it (Or any other jump start method) if I can help it. It will be stowed in the trunk of my w211 daily driver for me or anyone else who might need it. (Will also let me jump other people’s cars when needed and not worry about compromising my own W211 DD’s electrical system in the process by using jump cables) I have often seen and ignored these little units and thought it was time to try a cheap one out for myself to start with. (Pardon the pun!)

 

[northNH]

I've always believed that warnings about the dangers of correctly jump-starting cars with appropriate equipment to be overblown (like working around "hair-trigger" airbags), and over many years have NEVER caused a jumper problem even on equipment quite a bit more electronically fragile than a 124. I'm sure it's not because of my perfect technique.

And after you start the car you can plug the battery pack into the car lighter receptacle and quickly recharge it...WAY more convenient all around than any set of jumper cables.

 

[jhodg5ck]

I have 3 of these...they're Awesome!!

GOOLOO 800A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe Car Jump Starter, 12V Portable Power Pack:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748D8KT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LB.tBb49BAJH3


1 at the shop jic, one in wifes car and one in the house. Super super handy and shockingly powerful. Jumped off the sl700 after leaving the blower motor on No Problem...


Jono

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[kwontumspeed]

^ I have this same one.

 

[gsxr]

Late bump... I picked up NOCO jumper boxes, details at link below. I didn't like the bulky clamps on most jumper boxes, making for a very tight fit on the 034/036 positive terminal, which is very close to the fender sheet metal. The new-style NOCO has slim clamps. Photos in post #3 at link below.

FYI - NOCO Boost on sale at Amazon for Cyber Monday, 2019-2021 | Off-Topic Discussions

UPDATE, NOVEMBER 2021: NOCO boosters are on sale again for Cyber Monday, including the fancy new "X" series boosters with USB-C support and allegedly higher power. See post #22 below for details. ========================================================================= UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 2020...

www.500eboard.co

 

[alabbasi]

I have a couple, they work okay to get a slightly weak battery going. They're not going t wake up a dead Super Duty [Ford truck] in the middle of winter. My Noco GB 150 did.

 

[Glen]

I have had a generic 1200A one for over a year now and it will start either an M103 or M104 with a completely dead battery, no problem at all. Haven't had a need to try it on a V8 yet.

 

[nocfn]

I have 3 of these...they're Awesome!!

GOOLOO 800A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe Car Jump Starter, 12V Portable Power Pack:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748D8KT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LB.tBb49BAJH3


1 at the shop jic, one in wifes car and one in the house. Super super handy and shockingly powerful. Jumped off the sl700 after leaving the blower motor on No Problem...


Jono

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I too have this. It worked fantastic when I needed to get my defective replaced but I had errands to run. It cranked up the car 4-5x and could have done more if needed but the replacement was installed by then.

 

[alabbasi]

For anyone who's interested, WOOT, which is Amazon's clearance site has a special on the Noco GB40 for $70. I already have a GB150, but figured this would be nice to have around given that my shop is 60 miles from my house.

NOCO Boost Jump Starters

I wonder how they came up with the name BOOST for a jump start system? The world may never know...

www.woot.com

 

[LWB250]

For anyone who's interested, WOOT, which is Amazon's clearance site has a special on the Noco GB40 for $70. I already have a GB150, but figured this would be nice to have around given that my shop is 60 miles from my house.

NOCO Boost Jump Starters

I wonder how they came up with the name BOOST for a jump start system? The world may never know...

www.woot.com

I snagged one of the GB40s from Woot! Never had one of these things, hopefully I'll never need one....looks like it's already shipped and should be here Wednesday.

Dan

 

[gsxr]

 

[LWB250]

That was quick! Placed the order yesterday around 7:00 am local time, the GB40 shows up in today's mail. Got it charging right now.

It's all your fault, @gsxr! You shamed me into this.

Dan

 

[gsxr]

If it makes you feel any better, I bought one too... but estimated delivery is next week.

 

[JC220]

I havent heard of that company before but regret not trying to get one bought and sent over .... next time!

 

[LWB250]

If it makes you feel any better, I bought one too... but estimated delivery is next week.

It must have been close by, because it came via USPS because of the battery. If you didn't live so far out in the boonies....



Dan

 

[alabbasi]

Mine is coming today via UPS.

 

[alabbasi]

In case you're curious about the size difference between a GB40 and GB150

 

[gsxr]

That was quick! Placed the order yesterday around 7:00 am local time, the GB40 shows up in today's mail. Got it charging right now.

Got mine yesterday. I was a little perturbed to find it was not "new", but rather an opened box / returned item, as it wasn't factory packed... someone stuffed everything back in. No visible damage and it charged OK though. Wish there was some way to test without purposely draining a battery!

 

[LWB250]

Got mine yesterday. I was a little perturbed to find it was not "new", but rather an opened box / returned item, as it wasn't factory packed... someone stuffed everything back in. No visible damage and it charged OK though. Wish there was some way to test without purposely draining a battery!

Really? Mine was new and sealed. No indication that it was anything but.

Dan

 

[Glen]

Got mine yesterday. I was a little perturbed to find it was not "new", but rather an opened box / returned item, as it wasn't factory packed... someone stuffed everything back in. No visible damage and it charged OK though. Wish there was some way to test without purposely draining a battery!

Just disconnect the battery and connect it directly to the terminals.

 

[gsxr]

Just disconnect the battery and connect it directly to the terminals.

Really? Is it safe to do that? Hadn't thought of it before...

 

[Glen]

Really? Is it safe to do that? Hadn't thought of it before...

I’ve had to do it a couple times on an M103. No issues for me.

 

[gsxr]

I’ve had to do it a couple times on an M103. No issues for me.

Very cool. I assume you put it in "manual" mode. Does the alternator charge the battery pack? I should try this on an OM603 where there's not much concern about electronics. And it would be interesting to see how it handles draw from glow plugs before cranking.

 

[Glen]

Very cool. I assume you put it in "manual" mode. Does the alternator charge the battery pack? I should try this on an OM603 where there's not much concern about electronics. And it would be interesting to see how it handles draw from glow plugs before cranking.

Once the engine starts I disconnect the jump box.

 

[dionphaneuf]

One to stay away from: DB POWER 800A. Bought it, used it maybe 5-10 times over 3 or 4 years, went to use it once while at home (thankfully) and it was dead. Put it aside, tried to fix a few times, no love. I emailed their support after noticing a 3 year warranty, got a bit of assistance but they refused to honor the warranty, given that I was outside the 3 year window by a few months. I was frustrated they didn't take more pride in their product, but more importantly, I'm not confident in people buying something that will break in a few short years and leave you stranded when you need it most.

 

[gsxr]

I posted more info on my NOCO purchases in the thread linked below... see the top of post #1:

FYI - NOCO Boost on sale at Amazon for Cyber Monday, 2019-2021 | Off-Topic Discussions

UPDATE, NOVEMBER 2021: NOCO boosters are on sale again for Cyber Monday, including the fancy new "X" series boosters with USB-C support and allegedly higher power. See post #22 below for details. ========================================================================= UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 2020...

www.500eboard.co

 

[alabbasi]

I now own a few of those. A Noco GB50 and GB150 and a Gooloo, The Gooloo was about 1/2 price as the Noco and seems to be able to jump anything i own. I would rate it over the GB50 for value now that the new models support USB C.

The GB150 won't fit in your glove box, but it's a monster.

 

[mikeym]

I have the GB40 and pretty happy with it. The extras such as usb charger and light have been useful in recent power outage.

Gooloo on the other hand, not so great experience. The fan kept running as if the unit was overheating and display went garbled when garage temps dropped below 50F. So, shipped it back....

 

[JC220]

The little cheapie one I have and the initial subject of this thread is still working amazingly well. It will crank over any 6 Cylinder or V8.

I use it more so for simple power supply to test window motors etc and for parts car moving seats etc. I think part of the key to longevity is keeping it in some sort of use and charged up every few months. This, a cordless tyre inflator & tyre plug kit go with me on any long trip from home. (Not so many of those lately!!)

 

[vatc5637]

I've used this Audew 2000a jump pack repeatedly over the past 3 months. Works well, easy to use, no issues (yet).

Audew 1500A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter for Up To 8.5L Gas or 6.5L Diesel Engines with 15W Wireless Quick Charging

Your friend shared a website for you! Check it now.

www.audew.com

 

[dionphaneuf]

Anyone have a 5+ year track record with any of these that they can attest to? I'd be pretty steamed if I keep buying ones that break after 2-4 years.

 

[alabbasi]

Anyone have a 5+ year track record with any of these that they can attest to? I'd be pretty steamed if I keep buying ones that break after 2-4 years.

I've had the GooLoo for more than 2 years and it's been fine. I just picked up another one today to throw in the glove box. If it dies in 2 yeas, I'd not be too upset. I spent a lot more on the old heavy duty pro Schumacher jump boxes and they've lasted less than a year.

You can't really go wrong with a 2000 amp unit for $80 bucks.

 

[gsxr]

Anyone have a 5+ year track record with any of these that they can attest to? I'd be pretty steamed if I keep buying ones that break after 2-4 years.

I've got three and other than testing them (both on a car with battery disconnected, and also a carbon-pile load tester)... I've only used one booster, one time, when a battery failed in storage. I hope they last many years. I also would be pretty steamed if they die in 2-4 years. Guess I should load-test them on the bench every 6 months or so and then re-charge, just to make sure they aren't dead.