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Topic: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review (Read 244 times) previous topic - next topic
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Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Good morning everyone... I just saw this review by Consumer Reports of what to me is a new product, a Mini Battery Jump Starter: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/jump-starters/buying-guide.htm

These mini chargers are apparently small enough that a savings in space and weight would make them worth considering. The review also adds: "In addition to jump-starting, these units can also be used to recharge portable devices, such as mobile phones and tablets—a function that makes them a useful part of a home emergency kit, as well. All of the units we tested had at least one built-in USB port, as well as a flashlight, and some had connectors to charge certain types of laptops."

Chuck
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #1 –

Chuck

While they are new to you, lithium battery jumpers have been around a few years,.
Ours was bought a little over a year ago, after our gell-cell battery booster died.
The XP-10. It is small and powerful. After receiving it, it was used to start the LD several times, after disconnecting the it's starting battery.  It cranked it right up and has since been used several times to start friends or neighbors cars.
People have hard time believing such a small battery can start a truck.
The price of the XP-10 is $30 higher than it was just over a years ago. The XP-1 may be all you need.
Amazon.com: Antigravity Batteries AG-XP-10 Multi-Function Power Supply and...

When traveling, it is left in the toad, so it is always available.
Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #2 –
so after using this can it be plugged into a 12v power supply so my solar cell can top off the charge?  I noticed in the product discription that is has overcharge protection.  
I love the Quick Edit on this new board... Strike that question.  I reread the product description and noticed it comes with a 12v charger.  Don't know that I would leave it plugged in while the RV is stored, but would top it off before trips and leave it plugged in while traveling. Also looks like something I might keep in the car when not RVing.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #3 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 
I reread the product description and noticed it comes with a 12v charger.  Don't know that I would leave it plugged in while the RV is stored, but would top it off before trips and leave it plugged in while traveling.
After use, a quick charging is all it takes.  Lithium batteries have a long shelf life and discharge very slowly.
It can sit for many months without losing its charge, better than its gell-cell predecessor.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #4 –
If you don't use it, the manual says to top off the charge 2x a year. I have the xp-10 in both the LD and my suv at home. It's jumped my Pathfinder repeatedly and also been used multiple times to jump others. I love it.

Lori Y
2011 24FL
Lori Y
2011 24FL
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
Chuck

While they are new to you, lithium battery jumpers have been around a few years,.
Ours was bought a little over a year ago, after our gell-cell battery booster died.
The XP-10. It is small and powerful. After receiving it, it was used to start the LD several times, after disconnecting the it's starting battery.  It cranked it right up and has since been used several times to start friends or neighbors cars.
People have hard time believing such a small battery can start a truck.
The price of the XP-10 is $30 higher than it was just over a years ago. The XP-1 may be all you need.
Amazon.com: Antigravity Batteries AG-XP-10 Multi-Function Power Supply and...

When traveling, it is left in the toad, so it is always available.
Larry

Since we boondock a lot I had been planning on buying one of these ever since I read these posts. Naturally just the other day the Subaru didn't start but we were in town and had our jumper cables. Still a pain though.

So, I got this from Amazon the other day. I want to test it on the LD. I assume that you disconnect both batt cables and connect the Micro Start to the cable ends? Is that all there is to it?

Jim
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
So, I got this from Amazon the other day. I want to test it on the LD. I assume that you disconnect both batt cables and connect the Micro Start to the cable ends? Is that all there is to it?
That's how I tested our lithium booster. Fired the V10 up several times.
Do not leave the booster attached for very long, while the engine is running, to prevent overcharging.
Use the supplied charger instead to recharge.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Mini Battery Jump Starter - Consumer Reports Review
Reply #7 –
These work great. I have one called the Whistler Jump and Go. There are LOTS of options out there.

My T-105's were going ancient last year (they lasted 8 years and pooped out this spring and have been replaced) and my winter genny exercising in COLD weather would require a jump of the T-105's to get the genny going. Fired right up every time and I bet you can get dozens of jumps before recharging.

It comes with 110V and 12V charging cables. I rarely buy RV gadgets that can't go 12V but these work that way. These are an absolute must for the road. A must!

Hmmmm, RV gadgets, now that may be an interesting topic for the board!!! :)
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon