Lithium Ion jump starters

[AlanCasida]

I like to carry a battery jump start pack with me and have always had the lead acid model. I'd like to have something a little more compact and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the lithium ion units out now. Thanks.

[gregaba]

I am kind of scared of them. I have solar and while looking at what kind of battery's to buy looked at them.
The problem I found is they can self combust on their own for no reason.
I decided to go with the agm battery even though they are not as efficient. Do a search on the web about battery fires and you will see what I mean.
I would not carry one in my car or have one in my shop unless I was looking to file an insurance claim.
Greg

[FrozenMerc]

We had a handfull of them when I managed the Testing Group at a ATV and Side-by-Side OEM.  Used them to jump start ATV's that had been sitting out for a few months, normally in the dead of a Northern Minnesota winter.  They worked well for that.  However, the packs never seemed to have enough oomph to light a frozen tow truck off though (Chebbie Dirtymax's).

[TurboChris]

I really like the Gooloo brand on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/GOOLOO-GP2000-Starter-Supersafe-Portable/dp/B0C5M36W2G/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?hvadid=631556830795&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031577&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3744526220434248938&hvtargid=kwd-144014180226&hydadcr=7487_13294059&keywords=gooloo+jump+starter&qid=1692066971&sr=8-13-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

I have two of these and have bought my dad and brother both one. Just in the last two weeks I've jumped my wifes Acura TLX about 5x (dead battery and i haven't gotten around to replacing it) to move it and my Xterrra twice. And it still shows 90%.

[475fetoploader]

We have several of the NOCO boost units. They are extremely impressive, can usually handle 15-20 dead batteries in a short amount of time.  Plus they have a light, if you’re in the dark.

[70tp]

I use a gooloo. Not sure of the size.  Usually on sale for $99.   It has started everything I put it on so far. 300hp diesel John Deere.    500 Cummins  in a truck.  Etc.  I’ve got a smaller one that I keep in the pickup truck.   They are amazing as to the power they have.   

[Mark Bliss]

Hi Alan,

I too have several. They are great for what I do and it sure beats dragging out a big heavy jump box. Nice t have a solution that nearly fits in a pocket.
I would note that they are best for those cases where a battery is weak and the starter either just clicks or cranks too slowly. Mine have an internal switch, and they wont even engage on a truly dead flat battery unless they sense some minimum voltage level. So I do still keep a jump box and good jumper cables around as well.
Otherwise- they are impressive and handy. Hold a charge for a surprising amount of time. One has USB outlets and could run/charge a dead phone, etc.

[Rory428]

Although they seem to work well, they scare the crap out of me. I know 2 guys that have had garage fires caused by charging Lithium Ion batteries, that caught on fire without warning. One was a guy that was charging the batteries for his RC car, His garage was almost a total loss, but he was able to get his 36 Ford coupe street rod out, with just smoke damage. The other guy last a number of classic Chevys in his collection, luckily he had good insurance, the damage was in the millions.I do have some Lithium Ion battery powered tools, but I never charge them overnight, or if I am not in the garage while they are charging. They just seem far to tempermental to trust. That said, I do not recall hearing of issues with them while not being charged.

[Mark Bliss]

Note that the R/C car (or whatever) batteries do often scare me, as they often come with a "dumb" wall-wart style charger...
They don't sense battery voltage, control rate, nothing. Even worse, some drones/quads. etc. use Li-Po battery chemistry that is even more scary if forgotten on a "dumb" charger. Very risky.

First investment for such toys is a charger upgrade. Nothing is 100% safe, but it sure is a big leap in the right direction.

[Tunnelwedge]

The Lithium Ion Battery, the savior of mankind. Right.