Questions on battery booster packs with compressor

JOCCO · Dec 17, 2016

Yes those emergency jump start rigs. I am in the market. Kind of like the air compressor and light built in to it. My questions for the tribe on here: what brand would you buy? Or where would you buy? I am guessing most are made in China with a name that was thought up the same day!! Tend to see many at liquidation shops and Taiwan tool dealers (which does not impress me) My search is just beginning, thanks for the opinion.

DeltaRed · Dec 17, 2016

I got one for my wife for her car several years ago(like maybe 20). The little compressor wouldn't even air up the 13" tire of her Chevy Citation.

Barts Dad · Dec 17, 2016

At work, auto dealership, the best ones are from Matco, a little pricey, but multiple jumps before recharging .

JD Seller · Dec 17, 2016

The air compressor is a joke and will run the battery down fast. You could pump more air with a hand pump. The light is OK. I have found that the ones with all the "stuff" on them are usually poor quality and 100% imported. Buy just a jump pack that is a name brand. I have several. The best I have is a Schumacher, it is a 800 AMP one. It was not cheap either. IRC it cost around $250 several years ago. It will boost a cold/dead battery well. I have used it hundreds of times on diesel tractors.

Harold Melius · Dec 17, 2016

I have a Stanley 450 amp. that is about 3 years old. I keep it plugged in my truck. It has done the job every time I have used it. The compressor works fine and puts up good pressure. It is a low volume pump so it takes a while to air up a completely flat tire. It's nice to be able to take it anywhere and not be limited by a power cord.

ss55 · Dec 17, 2016

You can find good compressor/light combos that run off a cigar lighter for around $25 on Amazon.com. If you have space in your vehicle I would opt for for a compressor separate from the battery jump pack.

tomNE · Dec 17, 2016

from personal experience; if it has a compressor, don't buy it. sign of a cheap knock off. one other big problem is you need one where the charger kicks out or it over charges the battery.
my experience has come down to the more they weigh, the better. they have a shelf life. maybe 3yrs tops before battery needs replacing, whether they are used or not. This coming from a guy, who works in a professional shop plus has had them at home for use as a backup for a cpap machine.

bcdave · Dec 17, 2016

My booster is about ten years old and died this year. I looked on Amazon and found many types. Has anyone tried one of the small ones. I had a guy try to sell me one. He said it had more power than my big one. I already have a 12 volt compressor so I am just looking for a booster.
Thanks Dave

DoubleR · Dec 17, 2016

I have a Schumacher with a air compressor. I paid about 80 bucks for it. As JD said the compressor is a joke, next to worthless as far as I'm concerned. I keep mine plugged in all the time and its hit and miss weather or not it works good enough to jump start something when needed. I won't buy another one from them.

I have a friend who has had a Harbor Freight 39.95 one for three or four years. It works good and he's been real happy with it. He said he just leaves it plugged in and its always done what its suppose to do.

GarryinNC · Dec 17, 2016

I have made two of them, one using a 12 volt wheelchair battery and one using a U-1 mower battery. Took cables and clamps from inoperable jumper box, bolted right to the terminals on those batteries. Kept them charged with a Battery Tender. Lots of starts from those size batteries and not to heavy to carry around.

Garry

Questions on battery booster packs with compressor

JOCCO

Well-known Member

DeltaRed

Well-known Member

Barts Dad

Member

JD Seller

Well-known Member

Harold Melius

Member

ss55

Well-known Member

tomNE

Member

bcdave

Member

DoubleR

Well-known Member

GarryinNC

Well-known Member

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