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Jumper cable discussion

4K views 17 replies 11 participants last post by  Hilldweller 
#1 ·
Looking about for 'decent' jumper cables.
The old cheapies I've had for 30+ years still might work if pushed to it...yet I prefer something little newer.

Don't want the $100+ rhinestone version.

Looking for copper/great clamps/about 2-4 gauge, maybe 16' long,
#rubber/NotPlasticLivesMatter style

There's tons of choices out there, some for around $50 range.

Tips/links/discussion/solicited.
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
Agree, with the wanky canbus system and the TIPM, I will not use a set of jumper cables to jump someone. I carry a jump box.
 
#5 ·
I have a set of cables from AutoZone or Advanced Auto, can't remember which one. Had them for about 10 years. Used several times on many different vehicles. Just used them a few weeks ago on my buddy's minivan when the alternator went, just to get him home. Tried to convince him it was time for a Jeep!

I have this on my wish list: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00YE5Q...olid=C2Q5TQW8CJ6C&coliid=I3NDRDV3NPGF4T&psc=1

But I will always carry cables too. Use the gizmo thing first, if that fails, break out cables!
 
#8 ·
+1 on the jump box instead of cables. I bought the cheapie jump boxes so I have to charge them about every 2 months but they have never failed. With vehicles today jumper cables scare me when the person I'm jumping has good intentions to HELP even though I volunteer to do it and a cable comes off are goes on in the wrong order. No thanks. I just hand them the jump box.
 
#9 ·
I'm barely adjusted these past few months, to using a 'smart phone'.....somewhat.....and not sure of the advantages it theoretically bestows.

Are those of you with 'jump box' experience saying something horrid melts if the cables cross or the little spark-fest of tradition, somehow fries the Jeep gizzard, if you don't have some Chinese box???
 
#10 ·
I bought a dbpower like Rudawg linked and haven't looked back (left the cables in the focus pack) it is so much easier to use.

Much more convenient to simply walk over with a little pack and start the car without worrying about bad parking spots, blocked cars short cables etc etc

~edit and since it's also just a jumbo battery pack it's been a great hit at tailgates for the folks with phones and tablets streaming all afternoon
 
#12 ·
Prior instances with dead Jeep batteries did not involve any handy hillsides. Nor is manual tranny.

I've had several instances in my old 'new' Jeep where the battery simply died from internally shorted out plates. Sitting over night once.

I've been reviewing the advantages of the jumper box thing.

Don't care for the execution of yet another electronic gadget that has really unknowable vulnerabilities.

That a host of other electronic gizmos can suckle off of it does not raise my interest level enough to purchase one.
 
#14 ·
So how do extremely minimal time and effort (yes cables aren't bad but this is still faster), lack of other vehicles needed to jump own, and ability to always be able to reach their battery without shuffling vehicles and or cables sound?

As for vulnerability I know the dbpower I have shuts itself off after the jump so no sparks or accidentally removing wrong cable first

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
 
#15 ·
That Stanley jumper box won't fry. It will beep angrily at you whenever you reverse the polarity and won't apply a current. All you do it hook (+) to the positive terminal, (-) to the negative terminal, and turn the switch to on. Thats it. Turn it back off once it cranks.

My alternator once went out in my truck and I used this thing as a parallel battery to limp me home. It was worth every penny that day.
 
#16 ·
How well do those small jump boxes work? No sense in getting one of those large ones like the Stanley listed above imo. If it does not hide away in the glovebox or rear hatch it will just get stolen on topless days. Would be good for people with trunks though.

I jumped a friend off last week with no issue to my jeep. Jumper cables have always worked for me over the years. 90% of the time I'm the one jumping someone else. I would be interested in those small boxes though. If they work well.
 
#17 ·
Gents, you are beginning to become convincing.
Looking to my own last 3 Jeep battery issues, just one was solved with cables alone.

The other 2 (oddly enough 'at home') required resuscitation by an actual charger & eventual replacement with a new battery.

It's a leap into 'new technology' to adapt to the power of the new ion jump box battery realm.

I'm going to go shopping.
 
#18 ·
I've used my cables plenty in the woods.
It's usually a hipster or young parent from the city who has ventured into the wild, played their stereo too long, and is bordering on panic.
I jump them and tell them to pay it forward.
 
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