Jumpstarter recommendations?

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And for a senior I would recommend a noco brand. I’ve had one since 2019 and it’s been my go to. Holds a charge long term, enough to start an older diesel anytime I’ve needed to. And for a smaller car, you don’t even need a big one.

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No_Industry_1062@reddit

Each to their own.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Thanks I will compare the weights of the two

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ozaudi@reddit

They don't weigh much really and and you need one that will start your vehicle not the one that is the lightest.

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No_Industry_1062@reddit

Well put.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Thank you

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nostradumbass7544678@reddit

Mine lasted 13 years on the original battery, getting loaned out in a shop. Still going strong on #2 after almost two decades now. The batteries they use are actually rated for 300A, unlike the ones in most cheaper jump packs. About $125 on Amazon, and worth every penny.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Thank you I will look at that one.

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BatteryTender@reddit

Hi! Jump Packs are available when in a tight situation. The best option is the Charge N' Start. It lets you have the security of maintaining the battery when sitting but you also have a Jump Starter for emergencies. It's easy to connect and disconnect too. It will charge the battery to it's top charge, then automatically drop the voltage to a minimum output to maintain the life of the battery. No babysitting required.

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NotMuch2@reddit

A trickle charger would be best, but Project Farm has videos on jump packs

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Appropriate-Metal167@reddit

Trickle charger is typically a minimum amperage, simple charger, just charges and never quits. Better is what’s commonly called a smart charger, has moderate amperage, and is “smart”, is able to assess battery, and charges in a series of levels, and when it senses battery is fully charged, subsides to a very low level, maintenance charge, and can be left on indefinitely.

Jump starters are for emergency use, don’t really “revive” your battery. I’ve got one, never need it for our car. Ever.

I’m a senior as well, we’re using the car about once a week on average. It’s garage stored with AC outlets. I’ve got a CTEK 4.3 smart charger, near-constantly connected. It came with a wire harness that you can permanently install, makes it a simple plug-in. Currently the same 4.3 amp charger is called CTEK 5.

They’re pricey though; NOCO is another, well known and widely available brand.

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Sideburn_Cookie_Man@reddit

there are periods where I don't drive my car enough, so the battery dies.

Just stop this happening. Get a trickle charger instead of killing your battery.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

That would be the easy solution, though I am a senior and don't really like going out alot. What is a trickle charger?

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JCDU@reddit

These days a small solar panel just stuck on the dash or rear shelf or next to the car is a good cheap way of doing it.

I've had good results with a small EcoWorthy \~15W panel, has kept cars topped up after 6+ months in storage.

The bonus with solar ones is there's no mains supply needed and if it goes wrong it doesn't have the power to damage your battery.

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SpaceCat72@reddit

A good one will also maintain/condition the battery as well.

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Sideburn_Cookie_Man@reddit

A trickle charger does what it says on the box... it trickle charges your car's battery so it can't go flat when not being driven.

They're literally for exactly this job.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

No need to be sarcastic, if I knew I wouldn't have to ask.

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Talentless_Cooking@reddit

This is the best solution, if you have it in the garage or a secured space.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

No garage.

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broke_fit_dad@reddit

Look up a Solar Battery Maintainer. Walmart sells them. Most are weather proof

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Sideburn_Cookie_Man@reddit

I get it, but some common sense goes a long way.

Trickle chargers have also been a thing for around 100 years now.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Just forget it You're an az

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Auslander808@reddit

You just add a little plug onto the battery. Connect it when the car is going to be sitting. As far as jump boxes go, I like the NOCO brand.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Thank you that is very helpful

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ozaudi@reddit

NOCO. Sized appropriately for your vehicle's engine size.

Jump starter self discharge is 6 to 12 months life but the charge should be checked every six months minimum. They can cope with extreme high temps but are less tolerant of extremely low temps

Turn the engine over every month and idle for just a few minutes.

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deconstruct110@reddit

Driving the car once a week would be easiest. Since you don't have a garage, you can get a trickle charger with a solar panel from Walmart, Advance Auto, or Harbor Freight. I would get a mid priced one around $50-100. You could then get a mechanic to set it up for you in less than an hour. You need to prop it up on the front dash because you can't leave it outside the car. But then if it snows it won't work unless you clean off the windshield.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

The one someone posted from Harbor Freight looks like a good option. I had no idea there were solar options. I've learned alot tonight. I admit I have to get better about going out more to keep the battery charged.

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deconstruct110@reddit

It's especially an issue for hybrids in the cold, and we have two of them. My husband alternates driving them, and puts a trickle charger on the one with the oldest battery. It's worth avoiding a dead battery.

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all_bullspit@reddit

One of the best jump packs is called NOCO. A gb40 will serve you VERY well. It's a jump pack, light, safety light, power pack all rolled into one. Best part .. $99 at good ole Walmart or Amazon. A solid history with the NOCO devices. It's rechargeable and small enough to toss into your glovebox and only get used as needed. Great little boxes.

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ribrien@reddit

I know others have mentioned it but to be educational, asking for a jump starter in this situation is kind of like asking for antibiotics because you get sick a lot when everyone is suggesting you wash your hands (use a trickle charger or drive it once a week)

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

I have no place to plug a trickle charger in, my car is outside. So that is out of the question.

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vinnygunn@reddit

Where outside? All you need is an outlet. If not possible, they sell solar ones. This is really the right way to deal with your situation.

A jump-starter will get your car started when dead, maybe, but it won't preserve your battery's life as they aren't intended to charge your battery.

Car batteries don't like to be dead, it damages them. Also, jump starting it and idling or driving a short distance doesn't allow it to charge up either. So finding a way to keep it charged when not in use, or charging it regularly, will be the solution.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

I did not know I could damage my 1yr old battery by it going dead. I definitely don't want to damage it. Someone posted a link for a solar powered trickle charger I can put on my dashboard. I live in an apartment so I can't use a plug in one.
Thank you for the info about causing damage though! Appreciate it.

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vinnygunn@reddit

That one requires that the cigarette outlet stays powered on when the vehicle is off, which is usually not the case. You may need to have it rewired to use that, otherwise there are solar trickle chargers that you can connect directly to the battery terminals.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

In a perfect world, yes. There are some times where I am not well enough to go out. So I would like a back up plan.

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vinnygunn@reddit

I don't understand but ok sounds like you've got it covered.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

I rent an apartment so I can't use the landlords electricity. But someone posted a solar version from Harbor Freight Terminal I am going to go check out tomorrow.

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MartinBroMotorsports@reddit

https://a.co/d/0aKmK0WI

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

I just added this to my Amazon cart. Will order it in the morning. I've always been afraid of hooking those cables to a battery though. 🤪

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RangerMother@reddit

You could buy a rotary disconnect that mounts between the ground cable and the battery. Pretty easy install, a wrench and maybe a screwdriver to help you remove the cable end from the battery. They are less than $10 at most auto parts stores.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

That is totally above my capabilities, but I appreciate the info.

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TeraTrad@reddit

If you have a cig lighter port that stays on when car is off, this solar battery tender would work without having to go plug or clip anything outside the car.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-watt-solar-trickle-charger-70830.html

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

I pulled the site up and this looks like it would do the trick and be very easy for me to do! The store closest to me is a bit of a drive so I am going to take a ride tomorrow and check it out. That will also help charge my battery. Tyvm

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jrileyy229@reddit

Any basic battery pack with jump start ability on Amazon is a good investment.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

There are many different kinds on Amazon and have no idea which is good. That is why I came on here to ask for recommendation.

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MartinBroMotorsports@reddit

Look for the Noco brand.

I have a 3000a and it goes for plenty of time without needing to be charged. The smaller ones are just as good if you’re not trying to to start a diesel truck in the winter (takes a lot of battery to crank those over)

For a regular car, the 1500a is plenty.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Thanks

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

My car isn't garaged. There is no where to plug it in.

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IndependenceSalty998@reddit (OP)

Thank you! I am an older woman looking for good advice. I have noone I can ask irl.