What Portable jump starters are you using?

[Poasttown]

What portable jump starters are forum members using/carrying to start their spyder in case of a dead battery?

Plus, when jump starting can you connect them via the pigtail used for a battery maintainer or do they need to be directly attached to the battery terminals to work properly?

I thought this topic was previously discussed but my search didn’t produce much info.

Thanks
Poasttown
2019 F3L

[Peter Aawen]

I just did a quick search looking for the word 'jump' in thread titles, and found this thread on jump packs:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?123666-good-info-on-jump-packs

And this one on external ports:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?117076-External-Battery-Jump-Port

This one on starting off a portable booster:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?111487-Starting-a-Spyder-off-of-a-battery-booster

Or this one on Lithium Ion jump packs:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?106629-MINI-LITHIUM-ION-BATTERY-JUMP-STARTERS

And still without leaving the first page of my search results, this review on a jump pack Lamonster sells:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?104317-Lamonster-Garage-Road-Ready-Gear-Jump-Start-Power-Pack-Review

There's a lot more too, but these looked pretty good for starters. Help any?? :dontknow:

[Poasttown]

Thanks Peter, my search skills need some improvement.
Poasttown

[stillriding]

What portable jump starters are forum members using/carrying to start their spyder in case of a dead battery?

Plus, when jump starting can you connect them via the pigtail used for a battery maintainer or do they need to be directly attached to the battery terminals to work properly?

I thought this topic was previously discussed but my search didn’t produce much info.

Thanks
Poasttown
2019 F3L
If you look at the fifth review that Peter listed, the one on Rugged Geek from Lamonster Garage, that's the unit I bought in 2017. It's everything that Finless says it is. I never had to jump a Spyder or motorcycle, but I used it four times on cars. I'd keep it in my Spyder in the summer then move it to my car after riding season. Last November when I was about to lay up the Spyder for the winter, I inspected it to check the charge before placing in my car and I noticed a seam in the charger had separated and the battery inside it had swelled. Being alarmed I contacted Lamonster Garage and the manufacturer, Rugged Geek, to inquire about its safety. Both suggested not to use it and to dispose of it properly because it was unsafe. The warranty had expired three years ago, but Rugged Geek generously offered me a huge discount on any unit I would buy. They didn't have to do that since it was out of warranty, but they appreciated me as a customer. So, I accepted their offer and bought a little more powerful unit and I'm ready for when/if I need a jump.

[Bfromla]

:lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie::sour: Please do NOT try just using the maintainer/charger pig-tail. Too small use 8 gauge or bigger wire & proper clamps (each wire bigger than a pencil; FYI wire sizing lil backward: pigtails maybe 12-14G ) lot of Amps at starting & want ability to quickly release-remove. Also not advisable test touching leads together checking for sparks. Preferably just battery terminals - designated locations. +1 for Rugged Geek 194585 also has a air compressor that can use the jump plug on jump pack 194586 Often not mentioned, any rechargeable jump pack, INSPECT/RECHARGE every 3 months;avoid extreme temperatures, some are even TSA compliant. :popcorn:
**Super capacitor jump pack:

https://youtu.be/ZMfo4mk3eIw
Gen2:
https://www.amazon.com/autowit-SuperCap-Battery-less-Extremely-Operating/product-reviews/B086L29DL9

[2dogs]

I carry the Harbor Freight small compact jump pack. Price is right and best of all it fits in the bottom of my RTS trunk flat and takes up very little room. I've had it for three years and check it once a year and top it off if needed. It never really needed topping off. I've used to start a couple of cars but never used on a motorcycle or spyder. My compressor and tire plug kit lay flat in the bottom of my frunk. Again that takes up very little space. I've only used that once to help another M/C rider. The compressor is a Slime kit.

[Hound]

I carried a Genius GB 40 on my two wheeler for a year or so and then tried to use it to start my daughter's ATV with an AGM battery. Found out then it only works with lead acid batteries and not an AGM. Worked great on the lawn mowers and cars with regular batteries but not on the ATV.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have one mad by " Schumacher " ..... It was the basic model ..... works as designed .... Mike :thumbup:

[justhere45102]

The rg models seem to sold out every place

[arkyleo]

What portable jump starters are forum members using/carrying to start their spyder in case of a dead battery?

Plus, when jump starting can you connect them via the pigtail used for a battery maintainer or do they need to be directly attached to the battery terminals to work properly?

I thought this topic was previously discussed but my search didn’t produce much info.

Thanks
Poasttown
2019 F3L

I carry the "Viking" from Harbor Freight--but after watching this guy on You Tube, I may have to upgrade to a better one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN8A2nIMUWA&t=496s

[EdMat]

I carry the "Viking" from Harbor Freight--but after watching this guy on You Tube, I may have to upgrade to a better one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN8A2nIMUWA&t=496s

Have one of those and it has never failed. Cranked several cars and pickups with it. Also have a mid range Schumacher that's slightly smaller. It works well also.

[Tadpoll]

I use the Antigravity Micro-Start Sport. I’ve had it for years & used it for the first time a couple months ago just before the battery died on my Versys 1000. They make many sizes to suit your desire. The Sport is their smallest & can start up to a 4.0 liter V6. As said above, I similarly check it about every 6 months & charge it to full whether needed or not.

Also, when my wife’s Micro-Start wouldn’t charge after a little over a year old, they replaced it, no charge, even though past the warranty period. Great customer service.

Find them here. https://antigravitybatteries.com/productline/micro-starts/

[Jetfixer]

I got one of these for free from a work related perks program. Haven't used it to jump start yet, but it seems capable, has a nice case, and fits in the bike well.

https://www.lifelinefirstaid.com/product/201

[ThreeWheels]

What portable jump starters are forum members using/carrying to start their spyder in case of a dead battery?

Plus, when jump starting can you connect them via the pigtail used for a battery maintainer or do they need to be directly attached to the battery terminals to work properly?

I thought this topic was previously discussed but my search didn’t produce much info.

Thanks
Poasttown
2019 F3L

This is the one I use, but it's a little big to carry on the Spyder for daily use.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=194609&d=1644984840

[Knizar]

This is the one I use, but it's a little big to carry on the Spyder for daily use.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=194609&d=1644984840

We have 3 of these in our shop, best heavy duty jump starts we have found. As for the Spyder, I do not believe in a travel along jump starter. If we were to carry everything that could possibly happen, we would need tandem trailer. JMHO....:thumbup:....Bill

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

We have 3 of these in our shop, best heavy duty jump starts we have found. As for the Spyder, I do not believe in a travel along jump starter. If we were to carry everything that could possibly happen, we would need tandem trailer. JMHO....:thumbup:....Bill

:agree:... I might carry that one in my car/trk ... but not in a Sp[yder .... I have a lithium Ion jump charger and it's about the size of two cigarette packs..... Mike :thumbup:

[Poasttown]

Thanks everyone for their reply’s. Useful info.
Poasttown

[pidjones]

Daughter got me a Halo Bolt for Christmas years ago. Still carry and use it.

[ferrasr]

This is what I carry.

5 1/2" Long x 2 1/2" Wide x 1/2" High

[RICZ]

My Harbor Freight power pack has served me well so far. But after watching that comparison video, it's looking like it's going to br replaced with an Audew or Top Vision.

[trikermutha]

I have two a Norco and Harbor Freight Viking. The viking I used a few times and nver charged it except when I first got it.

Norco have not needed to use it yet , but may keep this with my Spyder as I am pushing 8 years on the battery :yikes:

[Gwolf]

An F-150 with jumper cables and a sister with a cell phone. Back when I used to roam all over the country I had road service included in my Spyder insurance policy. Still do, but not able to go roaming very far any more.

[gkamer]

I use the Audew Jump Starter, Portable Battery Jump Starter 2000A Charger 20000mAh. I read some good reviews on it. Plus is comes in a nice hard case not a flimsy cloth carry bag.

[RICZ]

In spite of the Harbor Frieght jump starter not doing well in the test video, has anyone who has one had a problem with their's when it was needed? Thinking most are pretty much the same, I sprung for the HF one. The test showed me they are not similar.

[2dogs]

In spite of the Harbor Frieght jump starter not doing well in the test video, has anyone who has one had a problem with their's when it was needed? Thinking most are pretty much the same, I sprung for the HF one. The test showed me they are not similar.

See #6.

[safecracker]

After watching "Project Farmer" on You Tube, I purchased a Audew battery pack. I have used it twice so far. Very compact and works very well.

[JohnRuckus]

I bought a halo from QVC. Multipurpose and IMO well worth it. I got mine for a decent price during black Friday sales.
You may be able to find it elsewhere for less.

https://www.qvc.com/HALO-Bolt-Air%2B...0.html?sc=SRCH

[arkyleo]

In spite of the Harbor Frieght jump starter not doing well in the test video, has anyone who has one had a problem with their's when it was needed? Thinking most are pretty much the same, I sprung for the HF one. The test showed me they are not similar.
Project Farm guy may have gotten a "bad one" of the Viking--and maybe should have tried another. But in fairness, none of the other brands got that chance. I have not had to use mine for an emergency, but did use it to start my whole house generator w/o its own battery and it worked fine. The instructions state that they must be charged monthly for the warranty to be valid.

[2dogs]

Project Farm guy may have gotten a "bad one" of the Viking--and maybe should have tried another. But in fairness, none of the other brands got that chance. I have not had to use mine for an emergency, but did use it to start my whole house generator w/o its own battery and it worked fine. The instructions state that they must be charged monthly for the warranty to be valid.



:agree: :thumbup:

[Rednaxs60]

Use a Trekpow: https://www.trekpow.com/

[Bfromla]

The rg models seem to sold out every place


FYI got email today April 4 they back in stock:2thumbs::clap: definitely one of better ones:firstplace:

[Haze]

I just bought a Viking 450 on-sale at Harbor Freight.

Will test it in the next few days to see how well it will run my CPAP for camping and powering my tent light and fan.

Then I plan to carry it on the Spyder for emergencies.
Also it appears to be capable of being charged by the bike while riding. That's a plus.

EDIT: Took it back for a return. The Viking 450 failed to operate correctly. The 12V out terminal failed and caused alarms.
USB port was almost unusable due to the high insertion pressure needed to engage. IMO very poor quality...