Given Sparks Jump starters Best Diesel Jump Starter

Best Diesel Jump Starter

Diesel engines are notoriously tough and can withstand extreme conditions. But, like any machine, they’re not immune to battery failures. And when that happens, you’d want to have the best jump starter for diesel by your side, ready to bring your vehicle back to life.

Whether you’re a long-haul trucker, a weekend adventurer, or simply someone who relies on their diesel vehicle for daily commuting, a high-quality jump starter is a must-have.

So, stick with me. Let’s dive into the world of jump starters and find the finest one for your diesel engine, ensuring that you’re never left powerless in the middle of nowhere.

The difference between diesel and gasoline jump starters

the difference between diesel and gasoline jump starters

At its core, a jump starter is a portable battery device that gives your car a quick jolt of power to kickstart the engine when the battery dies. But not all jump starters are created equal, especially when we’re talking about diesel and gasoline engines.

You see, diesel engines are a different breed altogether. They’re tougher, larger, and they require more power to start. This is mainly due to the high compression ratios in diesel engines. So, for the same volume, a diesel engine needs a jump starter that packs more punch compared to its gasoline counterpart.

That’s why the best jump pack for diesel is designed with this power requirement in mind. These robust devices come with a higher peak and cranking power, ensuring they can breathe life into almost any diesel car or truck with ease. And that’s what we’re focusing on here: the champions in the realm of diesel jump starters.

Jump starters for diesel comparison table

Name Peak Amps (12V) Cranking Amps Battery Type Review
Truck PAC ES6000 best overall 3000 800(12V) Lead-Acid Review
JNC660 budget 1700 425(12V) Lead-Acid Review
NOCO GB70 2000 N/A Lithium-Ion Review
Here you can check the best lithium jump starter.

Best jump starter for diesel reviews

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Truck PAC ES6000 – best overall

Being designed for the most challenging starting tasks and the toughest cranking environments, the Truck PAC ES6000 is here to cope with any difficulty you may encounter. It's the most powerful unit in the Truck PAC lineup, competing only with a 12V / 24V version having the same power capacity. This model extracts 3000 peak amps and 800 cranking amps from its dual ES Series batteries to give life to 12V vehicles. Read my Truck PAC ES6000 review further to discover what else this "beast" can boast.

Build and design

Truck PAC ES6000 build and design

Such a powerful device can't be compact by default. It weighs 41 lbs and makes 8.8 x 16.7 x 20.2 inches. Let's agree with this. So, it is hardly a unit you can throw into your glove box and forget about it. Luckily, there is a handle for easier portability. ES6000 also features a long 56-inch #4 AWG cable for ideal positioning, which can be somewhat tricky on larger vehicles and machinery. The whole construction feels fine, though I am not very pleased with the clamps.

Ports

There is one DC outlet in this Truck PAC ES6000 jump starter to power 12-volt accessories. Other ports, like a USB, are not available in this model.

Features

Truck PAC ES6000 features

The Truck PAC ES6000 has been made with large vehicles in mind. Thus, it will work with trucks, farm equipment, construction machinery, and fleet vehicles. So, it's robust enough to start nearly everything with the 12V battery. I had no issues cranking my car as I tested this device. It delivered high-output current and jump-started the engine several times in a row on a single charge.

As for charging, my impressions are the following. It's good to have an automatic charging feature. It is backed by state-of-the-art circuitry, which prevents overheating, no matter how long you keep it plugged in. There is also a LED scale for letting you know when the device is fully charged or should be recharged. However, recharging is somewhat slow. But if you keep it for the whole night, the battery level will be restored in the morning.

In general, Truck PAC ES6000 is a robust jump starter that does its job - cranks vehicles. However, it may be hard to grasp for newbies because of the lack of reverse polarity protection. But the instructions explain how to connect the clamps correctly, so I guess you will have no issues with that.

Key specs
  • Peak Amps (12V): 3000.
  • Cranking Amps: 800 (12V).
  • Battery Type: Lead-Acid.

The Truck PAC ES6000 is the best jump starter for diesel vehicles, boasting a power capacity of 3000 peak amps and 800 cranking amps. Its robust design is tailored for large vehicles and demanding environments, demonstrating its remarkable ability to breathe life into 12V vehicles, even under tough conditions. The ES6000’s automatic charging feature, LED charge indicator, and powerful performance make it an indispensable tool for any diesel vehicle owner.

Pros
  • The high capacity model with up to 3000 peak amps is ideal for truck battery needs.
  • Durable and rugged construction, able to perform regardless of environmental constraints.
  • Equipped with lengthy cables for flexible placement during jump starting.
Cons
  • Not fast enough charging.

JNC660 – budget

If you are looking for a versatile, portable, and powerful jump starter for an automotive service garage, car dealership, towing operation, or fleet service facility, Jump-n-Carry has something special for you to offer. Its 660 jump starter with 1700 peak / 425 cranking Amps and 12-Volt battery compatibility is a high-favored solution for challenging situations. In the JNC 660 review, I will cover this device's significant features so that you can make an informed decision.

Build and design

Jump-n-Carry 660 build and design

While there are smaller and lighter lithium jump starters out there, this one doesn't feel extremely heavy. Yes, it's 18 lbs, which is a weight that not all car owners will appreciate. However, compared to the devices that go as heavy as 30-40 lbs, this one is something in the middle. Also, the handle makes it easy for you to carry it around or bring it closer to the car's battery. In addition, there are 46-inch #2 AWG welding cable leads for better access, even when the vehicle is parked in hard-to-reach spots.

Ports

Regarding ports, JNC 660 jump starter doesn't have many of these. Actually, there is one 12VDC outlet to power accessories. No USB ports are included.

Features

Jump-n-Carry 660 features

As for how this jump starter does its primary job, I have no complaints. It jumped my car when the battery was dead on the first try, so I am more than happy with that. If you have a passenger or light commercial vehicle, you can also rely on this unit.

What else I like about Jump-n-Carry 660 is that it has a built-in automatic charger. In addition, it supports continuous charging, so you will always keep the unit in the 'ready' condition, and you won't be caught unprepared in case of an emergency.

I feel a little bit confused about the voltmeter. It shows how much power the jump starter's battery has, not how full it is. What I want to say is that it won't tell you when it's time to unplug the unit once it is fully charged. It will just tell you the max possible storable voltage. That's the reason why I recommend recharging Jump-n-Carry 660 after every use, so you are always prepared for any situation.

The JNC 660 has automatic circuit protection to prevent overloads. However, I wish it also included reverse polarity protection to ensure the car's electronics are not damaged when the polarity is reversed.

Key specs
  • Peak Amps (12V): 1700.
  • Cranking Amps: 425(12V).
  • Battery Type: Lead-Acid.

The Jump-n-Carry JNC660 is the best diesel jump starter for those on a budget. Offering 1700 peak amps and 425 cranking amps, this starter is versatile, portable, and packs a punch despite its relatively modest weight. Designed with automotive service garages, car dealerships, and fleet service facilities in mind, the JNC660 is ready to tackle challenging situations. Its built-in automatic charger and continuous charging feature ensure it’s always ready to go.

Pros
  • 1700 peak / 425 cranking amps and 12-Volt battery compatibility to deal with challenging situations.
  • Convenient handle to bring the charger closer to the battery.
  • Features a 46-inch cable for easy reach of the vehicle.
Cons
  • No USB port for charging other gadgets.
  • Doesn’t show the level of battery.

NOCO GB70

In this NOCO GB70 review, I'll look at a portable 12V lithium-ion battery jump starter. This is a serious upgrade to GB20, the first model in the Boost product lineup. The GB70 model is one of this series's most powerful jump starters, delivering 2,000 Amps. Thanks to this, you can make up to 40 jump starts per charge and start both gas and diesel engines. In addition, the NOCO brand empowered this device with numerous features that will be handy as you hit the road. So let's move on to a more detailed GB70 review.

Build and design

NOCO Boost HD GB70 build and design

If you want to avoid bothering yourself with a hefty and bulky jump starter that is inconvenient to store and carry, NOCO Boost HD GB70 is the unit to go. With a weight of 5 pounds (with clamps and accessories) and dimensions of 12.6 x 7.4 x 3.7 inches, you will enjoy the portability and easy movability. The clamps and cables are heavy-duty, as well as the whole construction.

Ports

I like the visual explanations of available ports on the device body. So you will never go wrong, even if you are a complete rookie in connectivity matters. There is a 2.1A USB out, 2.1A Micro USB in, 12V 15A out, and 12V 3A in for fast charging. Thus, you can power your personal (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.) and 12V devices (power inverters, tire inflators) on the go.

Features

NOCO Boost HD GB70 features

NOCO GB70 is one of those devices that people who know nothing about polarity and other technical stuff can use. It comes with patented safety technology that delivers a spark-proof connection. So, no matter what you do and how you connect the clamps, you won't blow the system in your vehicle.

There is a 400-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes. It is bright and powerful, so it will significantly help at night. You will also find SOS and an emergency strobe for critical situations.

LED indicators will keep you in the loop about possible errors and the level of the battery. As for the battery, it's rather capacious. I jump-started the engine twice, and the device retained its full battery level. So, a NOCO GB70 jump starter is nifty if your car's battery acts up from time to time. Also, it is charged pretty quickly on USB, but you can also use a Fast Charge input for a 3-hour recharge. The only thing with the USB charge that doesn't feel ok to me is that the jump starter gets very hot.

With the GB70 jump starter, you can bring back to life gas engines up to 8 liters and diesel engines up to 6 liters. So, it does its job with cars, SUVs, trucks, boats, RVs, and more pretty well.

Key specs
  • Peak Amps (12V): 2000.
  • Gas Engine Rating, l: 8.
  • Diesel Engine Rating, l: 6.
  • Battery Type: Lithium-Ion.

The NOCO GB70 is a highly efficient portable jump starter, suitable for diesel engines up to 6 liters. It delivers powerful 2000 amps, enabling up to 40 jump starts per charge. This lightweight and compact unit features patented safety technology for a spark-proof connection, a 400-lumen LED flashlight for night-time emergencies, and a variety of ports for device charging.

Pros
  • Compact, so it is easy to store and carry.
  • Comes with a wide range of outs for charging different devices.
  • Ensures spark-proof connection.
Cons
  • Gets pretty hot when charging the device via a USB.

Truck PAC ES1224

When exploring the market for an easy-to-use and versatile jump starter that supports 12 and 24-volt batteries, you can't pass up my Truck PAC ES1224 review. Featuring dual ES Series batteries, this device delivers high output current of 3000 peak 12 Volt amps and 1500 peak 24 Volt amps. It already sounds promising, but what else does this unit offer?

Build and design

Truck PAC ES1224 build and design

The ES1224 jump starter is not a device to carry around easily. It's 40 lbs and measures 13.25 x 15 x 6 inches, limiting the freedom of effortless mobility. Luckily, there are 60-inch #2 AWG cables which may compensate for the heavy weight of the unit in some situations. There are cable wraps for more convenient storage, but they do not work properly, and the cable ends up falling off. I am not totally pleased with the clamps, either. They feel substandard, and no metal pins are holding the clamps together, just plastic.

Ports

If you hope to charge your phone or USB devices with the ES1224 jump starter, that won’t happen. It has a DC outlet to power 12-volt accessories, and that's it. But it's good to know that the outlet has automatic overload protection for peace of mind.

Features

Truck PAC ES1224 features

The booster pac ES1224 is a beast in the jump starter world. It has more than enough power to jump-start almost anything, from cars to trucks, delivery vehicles, and farm equipment. I think this jump starter will start a vehicle a bunch of times before it needs to be recharged. There remained a 90% battery level after I cranked the vehicle's engine three times.

With a LED battery indicator, you will always know how much power the battery holds. It recharges overnight, which is slower than you may want but still tolerable. There is also an option for automatic recharging. You just keep the unit plugged in all the time. This way, you always know it has enough cranking power to jump-start any vehicle. What's great is that there is no risk of overcharging due to special advanced circuitry.

The Advanced Warning System is another pleasant bonus for users who may be new to the whole jump-starting thing. Once you mismatch voltages or reverse polarity, you will be notified about unsafe conditions.

Key specs
  • Peak Amps (12V): 3000.
  • Peak Amps (24V): 1500.
  • Cranking Amps: 750(12V)/370(24V).
  • Battery Type: Lead-Acid.

The Truck PAC ES1224 is a versatile heavy-duty jump starter for diesel engines, suitable for both 12 and 24-volt batteries. This unit delivers 3000 peak 12 Volt amps and 1500 peak 24 Volt amps, making it a robust solution for diesel cars, trucks, and farm equipment. Yes, this model has considerable weight; it offers reliable performance with built-in safety features such as an advanced warning system and overload protection.

Pros
  • Features a LED battery indicator and option for automatic recharging with no risk of overcharging​.
  • Includes the Advanced Warning System for safe and easy use, especially for beginners​.
Cons
  • Pretty heavy and bulky, which can limit mobility and storage​.
  • Cable wraps for storage do not work properly,​ and clamps feel substandard.
  • Lacks USB ports for charging devices like smartphones.

JNC950

You can't just use any jump starter when you have issues with a dead battery on a truck, construction, or farm equipment. Instead, you will need a special one with enough capacity to crank powerful batteries. In this JNC 950 review, I will look exactly at such a device. With 2000 peak amps and 700 cranking amps, you will effortlessly start a 12V battery in a van, truck, or SUV. This makes it the largest jump starter JNC has ever manufactured.

Build and design

Jump-n-Carry 950 build and design

It is not the kind of jump starter you can call lightweight and easy to carry around. It's 34 lbs and somewhat bulky, so storing it may be a hassle. However, there is a convenient handle on top of the body, so it doesn't take a huge effort to bring it to the vehicle. 46-inch #2 AWG welding cable leads are also handy for extending the area of your reach. The device's build is solid, though the clamps are not as heavy-duty as I expected.

Ports

The Jump-n-Carry 950 jump starter doesn't come with a lot of ports. Actually, there is only one 12VDC outlet for power accessories. However, it would be great to have at least a single USB port for charging gadgets on the go.

Features

Jump-n-Carry 950 features

This device solves the issue of dead batteries in large vehicles like it's nothing. It will give you the amps your car requires so you can go on with your affairs. I am not sure how many cranks per charge the JNC 950 unit will enable, but I can say with confidence - more than two. At least, that's how many times I started the engine, and I am pretty sure there was still enough power for other sequences.

The other reason I think this device is great is the smart charge function. You can leave it plugged in, and it maintains the battery without the risk of overcharging. The only thing the JNC 950 jump starter lacks is the charge meter. There is no way to check the charge level, which is inconvenient. But there is a volt gauge indicator display to give you more information about the cranking progress.

I can also leave it plugged in overnight and use it to jump cars all day long. It will easily start completely dead cars without hesitation all day on a single charge.

Key specs
  • Peak Amps (12V): 2000.
  • Cranking Amps: 700(12V).
  • Battery Type: Lead-Acid.

The JNC950 is a powerful jump starter for diesel engines, capable of handling large vehicles like vans, trucks, or SUVs. With a robust output of 2000 peak amps and 700 cranking amps, it provides reliable battery cranking. Though it’s somewhat bulky and lacks a charge meter, it makes up for these shortcomings with features like the smart charge function, preventing overcharging, and a volt gauge indicator.

Pros
  • Solid build and comes with a convenient handle for carrying​.
  • Can be left plugged in overnight for all-day use.
Cons
  • Lacks a charge meter to check the charge level, although it has a volt gauge indicator display.
  • No USB ports for charging gadgets.

FAQ

Why is it so hard to jump-start a diesel?

Jump-starting a diesel engine can indeed be a bit of a challenge, but there’s a good reason for that. Diesel engines operate on the principle of high compression. This means they need more power to overcome the resistance and kickstart the engine. So, it’s not that it’s hard; it’s just that it requires a more robust jolt of energy compared to a gasoline engine.

How many amps does it take to jumpstart a diesel truck?

The amount of amps needed to jumpstart a diesel truck can vary based on the size and specific model of the engine. The larger the engine, the more amperage you’ll need. However, as a general rule of thumb, a jump starter for diesel truck should have a peak amperage of at least 1000 to 2000 amps.

How many volts does it take to jumpstart a diesel?

Typically, a 12-volt jump starter will do the job for most diesel cars and trucks. While this may seem similar to gasoline vehicles, remember that the power (or amps) that this voltage must deliver is significantly higher in the case of diesel.

How many cranking amps does a diesel need?

For most diesel vehicles, a jump starter with a cranking amps rating of around 400 to 600 amps should suffice. However, larger vehicles may require more.

How to jump a diesel truck with 2 batteries?

Jumping a diesel truck with two batteries isn’t much different from the usual process. You’ll need to connect the positive (red) clamp of your jump starter to the positive terminal of one battery and the negative (black) clamp to the negative terminal of the other battery. This distributes the power across both batteries, providing the necessary kick to start your engine.
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About Marcos Caselli
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