In have one of those portable jumpstarters, it's like a yellow box with a handle, little voltage meter on it, and the black and red cables w/clips. How can I tell if it works? If I don't have a car I need to jumpstart, is there anyway to tell? Thanks...

 

The only way to really tell is to put a load tester on it. You know, the kind for automotive batteries (which is basically what your jump starter box is anyway) that checks the available amperage for 10-15 seconds.

In general, if a fully charged box (12.4 volts or more) should not drop below 10 amps under load for 10-15 seconds. If your jumpbox passes that simple test, then it's fine.

 

Tom, where can I find a load tester? Gas Station?

 

I've got that exact same portable jump start system. I believe mine is made by Everready. Dunno have to check.

But I will tell u this, u charge up that portable jumper and ur set to go....for about 15 sec. If u have a stubborn car that won't start for the 1st couple of seconds ur FKed. U hook that jumper to a car, u better hope that with in 5 secs of turning the engine that the SOB had better start. Cause if not it takes 72 hours to charg it back up!!! I was shocked when I read it in the manual. But when I had that exact same incident happen to my mother's car it was over. The engine is a I6. Not a very big engine. But that portable POS turned the car for no more than 5 sec. It had to be because the engine required so much cranking power. I mean the car's battery looked like two of ours fussed together.

In the end I tried jump starting the car with my CLS. But to no avail, our cars are just not good at jumping larger engines; even when u rev the CLS to 3K. Ended up having to call my friend with his duely to come and give me a jump.

But my conclusion to this story is; yea its a great little paper weight that works in jumping decent working cars that ONLY need a SIMPLE jump.

Oh and the cool thing about my jumper is that it has 2 cigaret lighter sockets. So I can charge my cell with a car charger, away from home, and away from the car.











Juker008

 

Yeah, any gas station that fixes cars should have a portable load tester.


Juker008,

I also have a jumpbox, but it's capable of jumping at least 20 cars in a row before having to be recharged.

Not all of them are pieces of shit. I guess you get what you pay for.....

 

I paid $70 for mine. In reguards to jumping 20 cars. I really don't think I can even get to 12.

Let me ask u this; how long does it take to fully charge the jumperbox? Mine takes close to 72 hours. And I think that is total BS.

By the way what jumperbox do u have?








Juker008

 

Juker008,

Even if you could get 10 cars started without recharging, that's pretty decent. But judging by your first post, it sounded like you couldn't even jump 1 car if it didn't start right away.

I'd have to go look at the brand name of my jumpbox (I don't remember off hand), but it costs about $150 and fully recharges in 3 hours. It's not an industrial unit, but it is far better than some of the cheaper ones you see in most stores.

 

Yes if I can't jump a car a car in the 1st few seconds then the jumper box is dead.

I will say that it is a great little tool for someone who simply left their lights on.











Juker008