noddaz
SuperDork
7/8/18 7:23 p.m.
I have received a West Marine Jumpstart 400 MK2 for free. Did not get the wall wart charger. Someone at work suggested charging it through the clamps. While this sounds like it should work, it didn't. So prior to taking it apart I was wondering what a replacement battery would run for one of these to see if it is worth it to replace the battery. Taking it apart I found one corroded terminal. So currently the sealed cell battery is on a 6 amp charger to see what happens. And the original question still stands. Is the battery worth replacing on a jump box? And no, I haven't Googled it yet. Came to GRM first...
Scott
I have found some batteries are cheaper than others so check on pricing. For my use I just replace the box as the are pretty beat up by the time the batteries fail.
Charging through the clamps works for most of them.
Paul
The mini portable jumpers found all over can be found for as little as $40. Unless you Need it use it a lot I wouldn’t spend more than that.
I have replaced the battery on a jump box but the cost of the battery varies quite a bit. Buying one local is best but also ordering one on line to be shipped can work sometimes. But if you can catch a sale on a new one then you're best bet is to just replace the whole unit.
I bought 2 of them , a couple years old but new in the box,
They were dead on arrival , without ever being used and the company pretty much said tough luck....
So if you buy one , unpack it and test while you still have a chance to return it......
I have an older die-hard branded one. Came with a 22Ah battery which died. Locally (Batteries and Bulbs), i Was able to find a 20Ah in the same form factor to replace it. Your 6A charger should have it charged from full dead in less than 4 hours, so keep that in mind.
You really almost need a battery tender on one of these things, I think. The occasional (once every few months) charge up to full isn't great for them since they sit until used (my cars work, mostly, so ours rarely gets used anymore, especially now that the compressor burned out its fuse, which is soldered onto the board...). I may pull the battery (which isn't quite dead) and use for a backup in my son's power wheels, and trash the rest. The new supercapacitor VHS-tape sized jump packs make much more sense nowadays.
noddaz said:
I have received a West Marine Jumpstart 400 MK2 for free. Did not get the wall wart charger. Someone at work suggested charging it through the clamps. While this sounds like it should work, it didn't. So prior to taking it apart I was wondering what a replacement battery would run for one of these to see if it is worth it to replace the battery. Taking it apart I found one corroded terminal. So currently the sealed cell battery is on a 6 amp charger to see what happens. And the original question still stands. Is the battery worth replacing on a jump box? And no, I haven't Googled it yet. Came to GRM first...
Scott
I’m not familiar with that brand but several jump boxes are pretty much useless. When I was driving truck hauling cars the boss gave me several cheap brands that I was lucky to get one jump out of before needing charged. The auctions I was delivering to had “JNC 660” (Jump n carry) so I spent my own money (about $120) and it has served me well. After 5 years of use it will still jump several cars before needing a charge. NAPA sells a replacement battery for $45 or I can use the one time coupon and return the old unit in any condition and get a new one for $75. Mine is beat up pretty good thanks to my brain dead assistants that had no regard for respecting my stuff but it still works. My .02
