Community Forums

Dippytwo · 11-24-2018, 07:21 AM

I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive battery jump starter that I can carry around in my MH (6.8L gasser). With these batteries now days there is no warning when they die and I don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. What have you used?

Waiter21 · 11-24-2018, 08:13 AM

your "EMER START" should provide thi functionality.

I carry a small jumper cable set that I can use my toad to charge the MH battery..

Gary RVRoamer · 11-24-2018, 08:55 AM

Aux (Emergency) start button is the first line of defense, plus a set of jumper cable so you can use the toad as a jump source. The jumper cables also work if used to jump frm house batteries to chassis battery (if the Aux Start button doesn't work for some reason).

But if you want to carry a jump start unit as well, go for it. Just remember to keep it charged up too, or it won't be there when you need it. You can get them as cheap as about $30, but they don't have much capacity. They can help a weak battery, but lack the amps for a "dead" one. For $60-$90 you can get one with enough battery capacity to successfully jump a dead battery.

RichR · 11-24-2018, 09:40 AM

I bought one at Harbor Freight for 40 dollars, work very well. Just remember to keep it charged.

mobilemike · 11-24-2018, 09:43 AM

Being in the boat repair business I jump start more engines than anyone I know.

I have tested many, many retail sold jump boxes and NONE have worked reliably. The $30 dollar units just do not have the cranking amps. Most have cables too short to use on any batteries that are not right on top. And the cables and clamps are not up to transferring 300+ amps needed for cranking a big V8 and also powering the 60+amps of electrical equipment a modern EFI engine has.

My jump start setup is an actual Group 24 battery with 850 cranking amps and a $100 set of cables. Be aware that you could have all the cranking amps you need but those will not be transmitted with a crappy $30 set of cables.

A transfer or combiner switch is the way to go with an RV.

Unicorn Driver · 11-24-2018, 09:47 AM

We have one of these in each car and our MH.

I have used it once to jump start our MH. Often use it to jump a lawn tractor.

I make sure to charge after use or once a month.

https://www.amazon.com/Brightech-Sma...i_sh_in_o1_img

dexters · 11-24-2018, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichR

I bought one at Harbor Freight for 40 dollars, work very well. Just remember to keep it charged.

This is the thing to get.

They include a way to charge your phone and other electronics.

So, in an emergency ... Zombies etc ... you can run your electronics to help you get into the fight.

Mr_D · 11-24-2018, 10:15 AM

My motorhome has four 925 CCA batteries for just the chassis and four 255 amp hour 12 volt AGM's for the house. I don't think any of those emergency start units will do anything for me

Dippytwo · 11-25-2018, 05:47 AM

i was looking at the GOOLOO 1000A Peak 20800mAh SuperSafe Car Jump Starter (Up to 8.0L Gas, 6.0L Diesel Engine) and it has some good reviews, but made in China and not sure about the quality. I took a look at the Rugged Geek and it looks like it is well made.

Big Bear Local · 11-25-2018, 08:15 AM

I have the CAT, bought at Home Depot. Just remember the heavier the better.

huachuca · 11-28-2018, 09:13 AM

NOCO GB150 Lithium jump starter. Not cheap but its compact, holds a charge for months and easily starts the diesel tractors and combines we have around the farm. NOCO also provides these to GM under their part# 19366933. Surprisingly, it can usually be found at a lower price from a GM source than from NOCO direct or one of their dealers.

Disclaimer - I have no experience with diesel rvs with multiple batteries but this should be more than adequate for the OPs 6.8 gas

FIRE UP · 11-28-2018, 10:25 PM

Dippitytwo,
With todays gas engines, even your V-10, they are normally very quick starting engines. So, long hard cranking is pretty much a thing of the past. With that being said, I'd bet my house that the one we use and carry would work just flawlessly for you, and your gas coach, if needed. Here is the link to it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have used it twice so far. Once for our 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L in it and, once for our 2015 Jeep JKUR with the 3.6L Pentastar V-6. In both instances, those engine batteries were stone dead. I hooked up that little jumper and both of those engines cranked as though I was using a 24V battery. And, as others have stated, that little unit also provides ports for charging phones, cameras and more. And, it's got a fair flashlight too but, I carry my own so, it's never needed for that. Anyway, I'd recommend mine in a heartbeat.
Scott

Dippytwo · 11-29-2018, 05:43 AM

I have heard good things about the Rugged Geek RG1000 and think that this is the one that I'm going to go with. This past 6 months I have had to help jump a car in a RV park, at a Walmart and then my car battery just died. So I think someone is trying to tell me that I need a Battery Jumper.