Jumper Cables

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by RoadEyePie

So someone stated that jumper cables is a good way to destroy your alternator. I've used cables a dozen times and never had a problem and I've never heard anyone say this. Is this one of those rare occasions (like being struck by lightning) sort of events? How and why does it / can it happen. Just like to understand it better to learn something.

About 20 years ago I jumped a guy's dead car in a parking lot from my Toyota Corolla. Destroyed my alternator. Had it repaired at a local rebuild shop and they said they saw that occasionally.

I don't know how nor why that happened but I have never jumped anybody ever again.

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

About 20 years ago I jumped a guy's dead car in a parking lot from my Toyota Corolla. Destroyed my alternator. Had it repaired at a local rebuild shop and they said they saw that occasionally.

I don't know how nor why that happened but I have never jumped anybody ever again.

Could it have been something wrong with your Toyota?

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by RoadEyePie

Could it have been something wrong with your Toyota?

Possibly but it was fine until that day. Like I said I have no idea what caused the failure but I'm not going to push my luck.

[twinboat]

Alternators fail when you hook up the jumper cables backwards.

All of that current, traveling the wrong way blows the diodes out.

[featherlite]

not booster cables but I have used this on many occasion's and have never had it not start . car , diesel truck and diesel MH

it cost a little more money but it also fits under the towed seat and other then it takes a long time to charge ( most times 4-8 hrs ) usb charge . I have used it many times on cars without needing to charge it

https://www.walmart.com/ip/NOCO-Boos...gines/46605768

great tool to have

dave

[Mr Ted]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Alternators fail when you hook up the jumper cables backwards.

All of that current, traveling the wrong way blows the diodes out.

^^^^Exactly^^^ When used correctly there is NO risk as the battery is used as a "buffer" between cars.

[allenb12]

I have carried jumper cables in my vehicles since 1969. I could not afford a real good set until mid 70's. The ones I have today I bought in the late 80's. 20 feet long. Still in excellent condition and have been used often. In the boat I have a set made from welding lead.

[Rzrbrn]

Thanks for replying everyone. I do boondock a lot and I have used jumper cables. I also read the instructions each time because I can't remember what goes where. I don't really want to use a jump charger with it's own battery, just one more thing I have to keep charged up for an event that may not happen for years. I will go with a HD aluminum jumper cable 20 or 25' long.

I tried using two short cables one time and I pulled a bit too hard and the + and - clamps touched in the middle. Shorted out: Very exciting sparks for a short time, will not ever do that again.

[Paul R. Haller]

alternators will blow if the diodes are old or if you short the leads or hook them up backwards. I build my own jumper cables out of 2/0 welding cable and heavy duty spring clamps. Better by far then anything you can buy plus you can make them as long as you want. they will never wear out.

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

You can get a decent quality 20-25 ft jumper cable these days for $40-$50. Amazon has this one that is 25 ft and 1 gauge wire for $42:

https://smile.amazon.com/Heavy-Boost...dp/B078WLYNFT/

The 2 gauge 20 footer from HF isn't shabby either.

I clicked on your link and it said, "Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock."

So it offered others as an option. I selected https://www.amazon.com/EPAuto-Booste...1I40QM5E&psc=1 but at the top of the page it says This does not fit your:
2018 GMC Sierra 3500 HD". How can jumper cables "Not Fit"?

[Boogie_]

The clamps are more important than the cable.

What's the point of having cables that will carry 800+ amps when the clamps are only good for ~200 amps?


Anyhoo, I've not seen my people who know how to properly use jumper cables by revving the "jumpor" car to 2000+/- rpm and charging the "jumpee" car for 5 minutes or so first before cranking.


If you can afford to buy the high-dollar cables, get 'em.

...just don't loan them to my brother-in-law.

[Digger01]

Buy a jump starter takes up less space and works great,

[NevadaNick]

Good cables also coil up easier.

[jarwiebe]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Alternators fail when you hook up the jumper cables backwards.

All of that current, traveling the wrong way blows the diodes out.

Did this to the alternator in my boat.