Mini 12V Booster Packs

[TomoHawk]

Does anyone have any experience with the mini battery booster packs that are popular now?  The older ones were about the size of a small briefcase and weighed like a toolbox, but these mini things are smaller than a carton of eggs, and boast up to 100 Amps!  they usually have a 5V USB outlet for a phone, and a USB inlet for charging, LED lights (red, flashing or illumination, etc.) but no hand-crank or air compressor like the older bulky  booster packs.

It would fit well in the Zed almost anywhere, like in the tool bin, but you'll still need to charge it occasionally.

It might be a good thing to have in the boot of the city car for the winter, but since I keep my car's electrical system well-maintained, I don't think I'll need one this winter.  I'm concerned with the extra wiring you'll need to connect it to a vehicle, and how long it'll last sitting on a warm shelf or in a cold boot. I suppose I could keep it in the cabin with me and charge it "occasionally."

Is there anything to look for, or to steer clear from? What is the usual cost?

thxZ

[psdenno]

I've had one for a year, but haven't had the need to use it.  Available from Amazon and places like Costco and Sam's Club.  Reasonably priced around $50 give or take $10.  Hooks up to a dead battery just like jumper cables or plug it into your cigarette lighter socket to slowly charge the car's battery.  My only concern is the warning on storing in a hot place.  Temperatures inside cars left outside in the summer where I live exceed the warning level for battery damage or fire.

Shelf life is six months to a year.  Recharge from a 110 outlet.  As you mentioned, you can also recharge USB devices.  Nice to have, just like a AAA card.

Dennis

[TomoHawk]

 

In that case, only old cars can benefit by plugging it into the cigarette lighter jack, because new cars need the power on to connect the 12V plugs, (which is useless if the battery is already dead) and some have reverse-polarity protection so you can't back-charge the battery.  But I think that on newer cars you can still get  to the terminals to add a permanent charging harness or there is a charge plug provided.

Six months shelf life is not so bad. as long as you can remember to charge it, kinda like changing the battery in the smoke detector, or for me, to charge the emergency lanterns.

BTW-  you can't say "cigarette" lighter jack any more, because of today's PC non-smoking policies.    At least you can still open the window to throw your butts out! 

I think a visit to ConsumerReports.com is in order...

Edited December 20, 2016 by TomoHawk

[7tooZ]

Bought one for my wife's car. Used it one day when the gardeners couldn't get their stump grinder to start. Honestly I didn't think it would work but it kick that old grinder over easily
Recently acquired a "resQ" spare tire kit for the Z. Find it t Griot's now no need for spare.
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[7tooZ]

Ps it will charge your phone and flash light too


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[ta240]

20 minutes ago, 7tooZ said:

Recently acquired a "resQ" spare tire kit for the Z. Find it t Griot's now no need for spare.

I once had a screw go in the bottom of the tire and out the sidewall, split the sidewall wide open.   The tire fix in-a-can that I had did nothing to help that.  Might have been a one in a million shot but I still like having a spare.

[7tooZ]

Ta240 you have a point. This is not really "fix-it-n-can" beside that is why all should have great vintage car insurance with flat bed towing coverage. Plus in 30 years I've never had a flat on the Z. Just replaced 8 year old tires with only 20k miles on them because most alignment shops won't balance them due to age.
Plus I love doing a "ton" when I can.
Enjoy every ride.


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[psdenno]

3 hours ago, TomoHawk said:

 

 

BTW-  you can't say "cigarette" lighter jack any more, because of today's PC non-smoking policies.   

My bad.  Change that to read "auxiliary power receptacle". 

Dennis

[psdenno]

Tire Fix In A Can, the aerosol type, also doesn't last long here in the desert.  I learned that the hard way when a can blew up in my hot car on a typical 120º summer day - goo everywhere!  Our Infiniti G37 didn't come with a spare tire, just a jug of shoe goo type leak stop, and I ordered a spare tire & wheel.  Still, nothing beats a AAA card - light weight and packs easy on a trip.

Dennis

[S30Driver]

Mike W did a write up a little while back on the Suaoki mini ultra portable booster packs.  Myself, Zup & 2 friends have bought one since. 

 

[gwri8]

26 minutes ago, S30Driver said:

Mike W did a write up a little while back on the Suaoki mini ultra portable booster packs.  Myself, Zup & 2 friends have bought one since. 

 

+1 on the Suaoki. The only time I've had to use mine was to jump a Volvo S80 (not mine).  Fired right up.  Seems to hold a charge well. I carry it with me in whatever vehicle I drive.

[Mike]

Only advice I have is to steer clear of the cheap-o bargain bin units.  These units are typically holding Lithium Ion (or Polymer) batteries and those can catch fire if not designed correctly.  Just ask Samsung and Hover Board.  

I haven't used one yet, but, the marine shops I frequent have a brand called Noco.  Looks like a good option and reviews aren't bad.  The marine environment is pretty harsh for these kinds of things, so they typically carry good quality items.  https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB40-UltraSafe-Lithium-Starter/dp/B015TKUPIC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482288515&sr=8-2&keywords=noco