Hey folks,

Looking to see what my fellow C5 drivers are using for a portable jump pack and compressor. These things have come a long way and are pretty impressive. Looking at the RG1000 Safety Plus. Seems like a good package. I know that there are cheaper alternatives, but for the size and to include an air compressor is pretty impressive.

https://ruggedgeek.com/products/rg10...e-power-supply

 

$179

You can get this one for less than $100

 

I got a Peak Portable Power System 300 Jump Starter/Inflator for Christmas a few years ago. It also includes a 12v DC socket. It has worked very well the couple of times I have used it. I think it is sold at places like Menards.

 

Yeah, I get that there a a large number of units for less than $100. This Stanley one looks like one I had for my boat that I picked up from West Marine. Probably made by the same folks with a different name plate. And you can get the Rugged Geek for $129 at 50% the size...

Looks a lot like the Stanley one too. Certainly fits the bill and will get the car going.

What I like about the Rugged Geek and others is the size. Somewhere between your smartphone and tablet in size. Closer to your phone. It's crazy that something that small can start a car!

Thanks guys!

 

I was going to recommend that one (the larger Stanley) too! I have one like it, but years old now, and it's been great to take along on road trips, or just have handy. Also, it has 12 volt and other connections. I've started cars for people with it 3 or 4 times. Never needed to jump myself yet (knock on wood).

I also have the smaller JumpStarter unit the OP had in the link. Took it to China several times, and it does hold a charge for a long long time, and will charge up lots of phones and lap tops, cameras, KindleFire and all the electrical gadgets we carry with us (on vacations, etc). It never seems to run low, charging those things. Very impressive! I don't know it's limitations, because it's never run out of charge on me...

Never had to use it for a jump start yet, but it's behind the seat in case. I take it out every few months to re-charge, and it's always near fully charged already.

The smaller unit does not have a 12 volt (cig lighter) socket, and that is the only knock on it, for me. I've encountered several 'gadgets' that need that socket.

I have a 'memory saver' tool for my C5 (or any car). If I disconnect the car battery for some reason, just plug the memory saver into the OBD port on the car, and into the 12 volt plug socket of my Stanley. You lose nothing, while car battery is disconnected. But, it needs a 12 volt socket, so the smaller unit won't work for things like that. I suppose one could find an adaptor, maybe. Never looked.

So....I'd prefer the bigger Jump Starter unit, for that reason...if I had to pick just one.
Don

 

I had one once and kept it plugged in to maintain a charge. After 2 years it no longer took a charge and was useless. IMHO they are not worth the money.

 

Mine has worked for years, never failed me, and holds a charge for months. Go figure.

 

Shouldn't keep an LI battery plugged in all the time. Newer ones, not so bad.

Put in the order for the Rugged Geek. Bee here on Thursday.

 

I had a Wagan ionBoost v8 (300/500 peak).
About the size if a paperback book, USB port, LED flashlight, multiconnector USB adapter.
Nice carrying case.

I know the battery in my C5 is weak when cold; 50/50 chance of starting when ambient was 35-45. And no chance when ambient lower than 35

In the 35-45 range, the 300 booster usually started the car.

Below 35, the 300/500 did not have the oopmph, so had to revert to standard cables and a second vehicle. PITA when i was parked in the (15 deg slope, tree and flowerpot lined driveway).

Since i also have a 6.2L, upgraded to the v10 version. (500/700 peak). size wise, it is slightly smaller than a hardback book. USB port, carry handle, light, but didn't ship with the multiple device adapter cable. About 100 on Amazon.


Since spring has sprung, and temps are up, no issues starting anything, so i have not needed to test the new one

YMMV and all that

UPdate: Whne I got home last night, neighbor 1 was using his old Chevy 1500 to (try to) jump start neighbor 2's Ram SUV. Lots of clicks, no crank, no start.

Grabbed the Wagan, both neighbors shook their heads ands said no way.
Started the V8 with no hesitation.

 

I have one, can't tell you how many times I jumped start cars, and the person laughed that the little box would actually jump start the car.
After I jumped few friends, they all own one.

 

A buddy of mine jumped my vette with brand X jump pack. He pulled it out and I just shook my head... Now way. And then - BOOM! Fired right up. I couldn't believe something so small would have the cranking amps.

I like the Rugged Geek since it has the mini compressor too. I've been dancing dangerously (no run flats, not slime and compressor) for too long.

 

I'm looking to order this same unit. Have you had to use it since you purchased it? How do you like it?

 

Battery packs I have had didn't last very long and were not worth the money. I have a Harbor Freight compressor in the vert. Never opened, hope I never need it but if it works once or twice I'll throw it away when I'm done

 

I'd get at least a 700 cold amp. Start any vehicle with that cause you never know.

 

Interesting post/subject....guess a great product if I had a used car lot. But I have no use for one.
I'm sure, after getting that out of my mouth, I'll need one today.

 

(Harbor Freight)....(compressor)...now that's a product I use a lot.
For footballs, pool blow up items and air mattresses.
We have a large family and use the pool 10 to 12 months a year. Yeah, its in the low 80's now at 9:00am

 

I've been using the NOCO GB40 1000A lithium jump starter for a while now and highly recommended it.
https://no.co/gb40

I've used it numerous times on some of my vehicles and to help other people who were stranded. It's amazing how easily it will start any vehicle even 6L diesels. It charges through any USB and can be used to recharge anything that uses a USB like your cell phone, etc.

Steve