Jump Starter for 6.7 CTD

[Summit1]

Now that my Ram is three years old, it will likely be due for a pair of batteries within a couple of years (or less). In the meantime, lest if do not change them prior to failure, I am considering a jump starter pack that is capable of reliably starting that beast. The two I looked at are the Clore JNC660, JNC770 (same ratings as the 660, but added features), and JNC950 (maybe a bit of overkill, but I tend to "over-engineer stuff).

Looking for those with experience and recommendations, please.

Thanks!

 

[tjfdesmo]

Jump N Carry makes good stuff. I have one I got relabeled for Mac Tools that we used in the shop. I carry a Snap On lithium jump pack in the truck. If the batteries are low and you need a boost, I think any of them will work, but if a battery shorts internally and they are both dead-flat I'm not sure any of them have enough zap to carry the whole load. Noco is another decent small jump pack. I tried Micro-Start and, like all the Chi-Com packs the batteries swell up/fail, or they are bad right out of the box.

 

[Summit1]

Jump N Carry makes good stuff. I have one I got relabeled for Mac Tools that we used in the shop. I carry a Snap On lithium jump pack in the truck. If the batteries are low and you need a boost, I think any of them will work, but if a battery shorts internally and they are both dead-flat I'm not sure any of them have enough zap to carry the whole load. Noco is another decent small jump pack. I tried Micro-Start and, like all the Chi-Com packs the batteries swell up/fail, or they are bad right out of the box.

I have a small lithium battery powered charger that I carried in the motorcycle; now it's in my wife's Jeep (3.6L V-6), which does not require major juice to start. I know that will not even faze the Cummins, which will likely laugh and say, "bring a real jump starter!"

I see the 660/770 cranking current rating is slightly less than that one one of the truck's batteries, hence my concern and possible leaning toward the 950. The extra ten (or so) pounds of weight is not a concern, and all three have been on the market for at least six years, so I will not have to be a "guinea pig". For the hundred dollar difference, I am wondering if the JNC950 is justified or necessary.

 

[BossHogg]

Keep in mind, most of these "jump packs" work well with a single battery vehicle. I don't know how well they work when a second discharged battery is added. Interested in knowing what dual-battery jump starter solutions are available.

 

[crash68]

Interested in knowing what dual-battery jump starter solutions are available.

To get a jump pack to work with a dual battery set up to work you might need to pull a cable off the secondary battery so the voltage drop is minimized. Although the CTD grid heater will probably suck the life out of any of those jump packs.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Last year I got a Noco from Amazon after doing my research. There’s a lot of cheap stuff I wouldn’t trust the ratings on.

 

[BossHogg]

To get a jump pack to work with a dual battery set up to work you might need to pull a cable off the secondary battery so the voltage drop is minimized. Although the CTD grid heater will probably suck the life out of any of those jump packs.

You can get around grid heater pre-heat by hitting the start again. Once the engine is running, the grid heater will cycle but the alternator should be able to provide the power.

 

[stevenP]

My 3500 was little over 5 years old, when I replaced the original set of batteries. Everything was still working fine...... Until I was at the dealer test driving new trucks. I didnt realize just how slowly mine was turning over when I started it, compared to the new vehicles.