These seem quite popular today.   [....look much easier than hooking up jumper leads, onto another vehicle]

Any advice on what to look for when buying ?

Some available, in Australia, on eBay, from around $60 now.



I will need to jump start a diesel ute.

Yadda wrote on Aug 17^th, 2019 at 5:41pm:


Do you really need to jump start that often it's a pain? You could go dual batteries if you go off road. Once one is discharged, you know exactly what you have in reserve.

Is it this one?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Portable-Car-Jump-Starter-Power-Bank-Vehicle-Battery...

Yadda wrote on Aug 17^th, 2019 at 5:41pm:


I would just get a set of jumper leads, what happens if battery bank doesn't have enough charge because it has been sitting unused for a while?

If it needs frequent jump starting then battery is stuffed or didn't have enough cold cranking amps.

Deep discharges ( less than 50% charge) stuff Lead Acid batteries resulting in a much shorter life.

The battery in my Torana is over 20 years old still going strong because I drive it at least once a fortnight.

Baronvonrort wrote on Aug 17^th, 2019 at 10:26pm:



A friend in town has a Power Bank.....

1/ You can charge the power bank [off mains] overnight [if it is low].
They all seem to have an LCD display, which will show % of charge - just keep an eye on the charge level.
I live out of town, and my close neighbours are all getting to be old and infirm, so would rather not bother them for a jump start using cables [to another vehicle].

2/ I know to replace my battery when it is stuffed.   ...it is just that through a cold winter, an early morning start, can test an 'old' battery.
If my battery fails to start my diesel, i just need to start my ute to get into town to buy a new battery.

4/ My last ute battery lasted for 11 years [with frequent water level checks].
My current battery is about 7 yrs old.
I drive into town [charge my battery], at least a couple of times a week.




Reply #7,
miketrees, Thanks for that post.
Sounds good!
It encourages me.



Reply #2,
Setanta,
"Do you really need to jump start that often it's a pain?"
No.    I can't remember the last time i needed a cable jump start.

A friend in town has a two battery setup in his diesel ute.
But it looks like a lot of faffing about [cabling, and switching gear, and all].
That friend, is the one with a Power Bank now [as well].

If a Power Bank will help start my ute on a very cold morning, that will be sufficient.
I just need to start the ute, so i can get to town to replace the L/A battery.

The itech 900A has a 900 Amp peak.
the 1000A has a 1000Amp peak.
And now I see they have a 2000A with a 2000 Amp peak.

They are not only good for jump starting but can recharge mobile devices, run fridges etc.

They also recommend you discharge it every 3 months and recharge.

I discharge mine by running the camping fridge

Yadda wrote on Aug 18^th, 2019 at 12:59pm:



Looks OK - buy it.
The only thing I don't like are the skinny red & black wires -
they don't look thick enough to pass 400 amps.

lee wrote on Aug 18^th, 2019 at 2:48pm:



Your first link is dead.
You shouldn't have to modify them.
Yadda should just try it & see.