Awhile ago I was on a camping trip in the boonies. When I was ready to leave, I turned the ignition switch and all I got was that dreaded “click-click” sound. I had a set of jumper cables, but there was no other vehicle around to attached them to. Fortunately, I had recently purchased a Jump Start System. I attached the unit’s cables to the battery and within minutes, I was on my way.
What is a Jump Start System? It is essentially a portable sealed, un-spillable battery with a built-in charger and heavy-duty jumper cables. You charge the battery by plugging the AC/DC adapter into any convenient 110/120 outlet. Once charged, the unit is ready for a jump start anytime, anywhere. I don’t know how long it will hold a charge, most manufacturers say months. Just to be safe, I top off the portable battery before each trip. Actually, the Vector Networks Jump Start System I have can be charged via the vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, they used to be called cigarette lighters. Therefore, I can charge the unit as I roll along.
There are a variety of Jump Start Systems on the market with list prices starting around $50, or less, the cost of tow truck if you have to call one for a jump start. They go up in price depending on the bells and whistles included. The basic unit I purchased has a powerful, built in LED work light that comes in handy should you have do a jumpstart in the dark. It also has heavy-duty welders type cables and clamps. A reverse polarity warning alarm and power-only with proper polarity connection prevents hooking up the cables backwards. This is a very important feature of most of these Jump Start Systems since a reverse polarity connection can damage delicate electronics and computers found in today’s vehicles. This protection is not available when using conventional jumper cables and another vehicle. More expensive Jump Start Systems include an automatic battery charger and/or an air compressor for inflating tires, toys and so forth.
These Jump Start Systems offer more than a jump start of a vehicle with a dead battery. They can serve as a power supply. Most have a 12-volt outlet for powering any 12-volt appliance. Purchase an inexpensive 12-volt DC to 110-volt AC inverter, and you charge your cell phone or power small appliances, even a laptop computer. However, make sure not to let the unit discharge so it can’t perform it primary function - jump starting a dead battery.
