This unit should provide the capacity needed to jump start most cars. However, there are a few things to note:
1. This unit does not have an automatic float charging system. This means you can't just leave it plugged in & expect it to maintain a full charge. Instead, you must periodically unplug it and replug it in (at least every few months). If you forget, you will not only not have a charged unit when you need it, but, the battery can become damaged as well if left to fully discharge. Chargers costing as little as $20 have this feature; There's no reason to exclude it on a unit like this.
2. This unit does not include a power cord. Instead, you will need to use an extension cord; it needs to be a single dongle version because of the design of the unit.
3. This unit does not include a storage compartment. Not a big deal, but, if you have some accessories you want to tote (like a power cord or inflation needle), you won't have a convenient place to store it.
I've also had two PowerStation units. One died within a year and the other still works (I think). Time will tell how the Stanley stacks up.
...and that's saying a lot, since this thing is so heavy.
I haven't used all the features, but I recently had a electrical problem in my car. The alternator was draining my battery, and I had to unplug it every time. I got the jump starter after my car was fixed, but then I forgot to turn my lights off two days later. This thing jumped my car just fine.
I also have a lot of problems with my tires in the winter, air slowly leaks out of one of my tires. This will come in handy then, as well. It'll save me a couple bucks going to the gas station to fill up air.
Pros: It works. Lots of features, including a cigarette lighter charger, USB charger, and air compressor for your tires. Easy to carry with the handle up top.
Cons: Heavy, it takes a long time to charge (15-19 hrs), and you'll need an extension cord to charge it.
Buy Stanley J5C09 500-Amp Jump Starter with Built-In Air Compressor Now
I drive a honda ridgeline pickup truck and my wife drive a honda civic. I've been looking for a decent jumpstarter that would be powerful enough for both of our vehicles. Rather then having 2 various models it just seemed easier to get two identical units. After reading reviews on several various jump-starters I opted for this model.
Now the most negative thing I could find about this thing was it lacked a flat charger so you couldn't leave it plugged in. For me that's not even a factor, after all I bought this to charge it and then put it in the trunk of my wifes car and in the cargo area of my truck. I don't intend on leaving this plugged in. So if you plan on using this HOW IT IS DESIGNED then you too don't even need to worry about the lack of a float charger.
That being said, the unit itself is a bit heavy, imagine picking up really big battery, that's essentially what this is. It has some weight to it.
The jumpstarter itself also features an interesting little light that pivots as well as an air compressor. I've heard/read back reviews on the air compressor, for me it's not why I bought it. But initial checks it looks like it works fine and even has somewhere to store the air hose which is really nice.
The one negative I have on this thing is the power switch for the air compressor is on the back and is not protected. In other words it could in theory be flipped on and drain the battery. So when you need to jump your car the starter would be dead. I wish they put a cover or moved the switch but honestly it would take a perfect mistake for that to get turned on so it's really not that critical. To prevent this from potentially happening I actually went down to Target and bought 2 milk crates,one for me and one for my wife. I put a jump starter, first aid kit, oil, etc in the crate so it's essentially the roadside emergency crate and also protects the jumpstarter from getting knocked around and/or turned on.
Overall I spent $140 total on 2 of these and I'm really happy with the quality. They charge overnight easily, the indicator lights show you the charge remaining on the battery and it has power ports for 12volt and USB which is an added bonus.
If you need a jumpstarter I would definitely consider this one.
Read Best Reviews of Stanley J5C09 500-Amp Jump Starter with Built-In Air Compressor Here
The basic function of one of these things is pretty simple: take a car with a dead battery and give it enough of a boost in juice to get the engine to turn over. They certainly beat trying to find and then position someone to get a jump between cars.
That said, there are several different "flavors" of jump starters. I've had the smaller 200 amp versions and found myself stranded when it didn't have enough oomph to start my car from a fully dead battery. I don't drive a tank or a pick-up with a Hemi, so it's not like I needed a lot of juice. The little one just didn't have the power. The person that was kind enough to brave a torrential downpour and give me a jump had a 500 amp that worked like a charm.
This thing is a life saver. Off of one charge, it's jump started over five cars and one was an Avalanche with a stone dead battery. The battery has held a charge for over a year, even being in my trunk the whole time. On top of being beefy enough to start every vehicle I've attached it to, there are little bells and whistles that add to the overall wow. There's an attached LED mini-spotlight comparable to a medium mag-lite, an air compressor and get this a USB port AND a socket similar to your car's cigarette lighter in case you want to power/charge a gadget for hours at a time without being near a computer. This thing has some heft but I didn't find it obnoxiously heavy. It certainly weighed less than a regular car battery!
Pros:
1. Portable
2. Powerful
3. Simple to use
4. Easy to understand charge meter
5. Attached LED light for use at night
6. Includes a USB port
7. Includes a cigarette lighter socket (and cord) for both powering gadgets and slow trickle charging your car's battery.
Cons:
1. No charge cord. You have to use a 3-prong extension cord to recharge this.
After using it for several years, I bought one for both parents and a good friend and they, too, love it. If you're on the fence about buying one of these, I'll make it easy: BUY IT. You won't regret it.
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I had to use this already and it worked great. I like how the postive and negive clamps clamp to the box so they aren't free. The light for the air compressor is great too. When you are in the dark the light on the side is handy to have.
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Features are good. Materials are bad.
