Every semi-truck driver knows how frustrating it is if the duties are hindered due to a drained battery, especially when you’re on a tight schedule. Hence, you have to be well-equipped to avoid such situations. The right solution here is the best jump starter for semi-trucks! Without this one, you may find yourself stuck waiting for help from another driver or calling roadside assistance.
But what jump starter to choose? There are a huge amount of them on the market! Well, I’ve decided to take the hard work off your shoulders and reviewed several models based on their performance specs, durability, and buyer reviews. My goal is to help you make the right decision that you won’t regret!
Best jump starter for a semi truck
The best jump starter for a semi turck is the Truc PAC ES1224. It is powerful enough to jump start any semi truck on the road, and best of all it is very compact so you can easily store it anywhere.
Do I need a special starter for semi-trucks?
Although an ordinary starter may do the job, you definitely need a specifically designed product for semi-trucks. A semi jump starter is heavy-duty, hence, can handle driving conditions better, and typically feature more voltage and amperage, which is essential for stranded trucks.
Semi truck jump starter | Peak Amps (12 V) | Peak Amps (24 V) | Cranking Amps | Jump to |
---|---|---|---|---|
Truck PAC ES1224 best overall | 3000 | 1500 | 750(12V)/370(24V) | Review |
Schumacher DSR115 most powerful | 4400 | 2000 | 750 (12V) / 475 (24V) | Review |
What size jump starter do I need for a semi-truck?
There are a few things to consider when deciding on what size your truck jump starter should be. And the most important one is its amperage.
Remember that while 400 amps is enough for a pickup truck, a semi-truck will take at least 1,500 to 2,000 peak amps.
What voltage is needed to start a semi-truck
Semi-trucks consume a lot of energy, so you need to choose a jump starter with the right voltage.
If your semi has a 12V battery, then it requires a 12V booster. Respectively, a 24V battery needs a 24V jump starter. However, today’s market offers super convenient options that support both voltages – 12 and 24. With such a versatile semi-truck battery jumper, you’ll effortlessly bring a dead battery back to life and avoid a crisis on the road!
Best Semi Truck Battery Jump Starters Reviews
Truck PAC ES1224 – best overall
Truck PAC jump starters have earned a reputation for their incredible power and reliability. Although some rivals (e.g., Schumacher DSR115) offer higher peak amps and cranking amps, the Truck PAC models are totally unique! They use the ES Series batteries, which are very durable and help them last for a very long time.
The TruckPAC ES1224 is a great option if you have multiple semi-trucks that are both 12 volt and 24 volt. This is because the jump starter can easily switch between the two voltages at the turn of a knob.
This jump starter was designed for semi-trucks and heavy machinery in mind. It has a hardened aluminum out shell that helps protect the jump starter from falls. It also has an extra long cable length of 5 feet.
As far as accessories go, this jump starter features a built-in LED flashlight, which is very convenient if you get stranded in the dark. There is also a built in safety feature that doesn’t allow the jump starter to exert power when the cables are not hooked up correctly. Additionally, there is a master on/off switch which allows you to keep the jump starter off when it’s not in use.
As far as charging goes, it usually takes 10-20 hours for it to reach a full charge. Once it reaches full charge, a green indicator light will come on. With a full charge, it is capable of jump starting a semi truck multiple times. It is also great at retaining a charge, as some people have reported using it after it was sitting in their trunk for over a month.
There are two downsides with this model. The biggest is that the jump starter is pretty bulky, as it weighs around 40 pounds. This can make it hard for some people to transfer. The second downside is that some people have complained that the clamps can become loose over time.
Truck PAC ES1224 is the overall best semi-truck battery jump starter for heavy-duty starting even in extreme service situations. It generates enough power to start up a semi, and is very durable and will last a long time.
Key specs
Peak Amps (12 V) : 3000
Peak Amps (24 V): 1500
Cranking Amps: 750(12V)/370(24V)
Battery Type: Lead Acid
Gas Engine Rating, l: 8
Diesel Engine Rating, l: 6
Pros
Long lasting ES Series batteries
Strong and versatile
Extra long cables
Cons
Bulky and heavy
Clamps can become loose over time.
Schumacher DSR115 – most powerful jump starter for trucks
If you are interested in the most powerful jump starter for semi-trucks, the Schumacher DSR115. This is a great option for semi-trucks needing a bigger boost, especially semi-trucks with diesel engines (which require more power).
This jump starter packs a powerful punch, generating 4,400 peak amps for both 12v and 14v batteries. You can easily switch between 12v, 14v, and the off switch by simply turning the knob. It also comes with a digital display screen which displays the jump starters battery status, voltage, and the battery performance of the vehicle.
I really like the automatic charging feature of this jump starter. It allows you to keep the charger plugged in, and it will automatically stop charging once it reaches a full charge. This will help extend the jump starter’s life.
This jump starter also comes with a couple very handy accessories. It features a USB port to charge your personal electronics, and also comes with a 12V DC outlet. This makes it a great choice if you do a lot of driving in remote places, and might need some power sources if your semi won’t start.
The cables on this jump starter are also 5 feet long, which makes it easier to use on bigger vehicles and machinery. It also has a built in safety features which restricts the jump starter from exerting power if the cables are not hooked up correctly.
The only downsides of this jump starter is that it is pretty heavy (41 pounds) and is expensive (around $400). That being said, it is very durable and long lasting, so I would say it is worth the money.
Schumacher DSR115 successfully competes with our top-list model Truck PAC ES1224. Although the latter is a premium-quality unit, the former features maximum power. So, if you are looking for the most powerful, heavy-duty jump starter for a semi-truck, the Schumacher DSR115 may be the right choice for you.
Key specs
Peak Amps (12 V) : 4400
Peak Amps (24 V): 2000
Cranking Amps: 750 (12V) / 475 (24V)
Battery Type: Lead Acid
Gas Engine Rating, l: 7.5
Diesel Engine Rating, l: 6
Pros
Can power large semi trucks, including diesel engines
Comes with many features: an automatic charger, USB port, 12 volt DC power adapter
Meets all industry standards
NOCO GB150 – lithium
If you are looking for a smaller, portable jump starter for your semi-truck, the NOCO GB150 is a great option. It only weighs 7 pounds, and is even water resistant. Despite its small size, it still packs a powerful punch of 3,000 peak amps. It can jump start gasoline engines up to 9 liters, and diesel engines up to 7 liters.
The jump start’s battery is also long-lasting, as it can provide up to 80 jump starts per charge. This makes it a great choice for someone who is on the road a lot and might not have the opportunity to charge it frequently. Another really cool feature is that you can charge the jump starter from a usb port.
Like the other jump starters on this list, it has a safety feature that prevents the jump starter from exerting power if the cords are not attached to the vehicles battery correctly. Additionally, it also prevents sparks from jumping from your trucks battery.
The coolest part about this jump starter is all of the power accessories. It comes with a usb port, as well as a 12V DC outlet. It also has a built in flash light which will make your life a lot easier if your car dies in the middle of the night.
The only downsides of this jump starter is that the cables are only 24 inches, and that the jump starter is pretty expensive (around $300). One more con is that it only works on 12V engines.
NOCO GB150 is a great portable jump starter that packs a powerful punch. It also comes with a lot of handy accessories.
Key specs
Peak Amps (12 V) : 3000
Battery Type: Lithium
Cranking Amps: 625(12V)
Gas Engine Rating, l: 9
Diesel Engine Rating, l: 7
Pros
Very lightweight and portable
Charges super fast
Great safety features
Cons
Only 12 Volts
The jumper cables are only 24 inches
How to choose a jump starter for semi-trucks?
As you can guess, not all jump starters are created equal. If you need an effective battery booster for your semi, you need to make sure it is the right voltage and power for your semi truck. You also need to decide between a lithium or lead-acid jump starter.
Lithium or lead-acid jump starter for semi?
Lithium-ion and lead-acid jump starters are the most popular types of battery boosters, and they serve the same purpose. But what’s the difference between them? Let’s take a look at their advantages and disadvantages!
Lithium-ion jump starter
Pros
Quickly re-charges
Compact, lightweight, portable
Environmentally friendly – no heavy metals
Cons
Must be protected when it’s cold
Can’t give power for a long time with insufficient voltage or voltage spikes
Lead-acid jump starter
Pros
Affordable
Recharges quickly
Long shelf life
Cons
Bulky
Doesn’t hold a very long electric charge
FAQs
Сan you jumpstart a semi with a car?
Yes, you can jump-start a semi-truck with a car if both vehicles have 12-volt batteries compatible for this task. You will connect both vehicles using jumper cables and also connect the truck’s positive jumper cable to the car battery.
Do not attach or touch any part of either vehicle except for the clamps and cables used in this process, as it can cause a spark and lead to an explosion. Turn off both cars before connecting them, so you do not accidentally send electricity through the other person’s body.
Can my truck jump starter work in my car?
It depends on the type of the jump starter. If your semi-truck 24-volt battery booster has a selector knob that can switch the voltage from 24V to 12V, then you can safely use it to start up your car. Otherwise, a 24-volt booster will fry your automobile’s electronics and wiring.
Are more cold-cranking amps better for my semi-trucks?
A jump starter with more cold-cranking amps is more effective for semi-trucks. A truck driver needs at least 300 cc’s of amperes to start off the engine completely in extreme conditions. However, higher CCA means a higher price. So, do not overdo it! Use a typical CCA rate as a starting point and increase it a bit.
How to jumpstart a semi-truck
To jumpstart your semi, take the following steps:
- First, find a set of jumper cables. There are two sets at the back end of your semi-truck, one for each battery bank. Ensure that they’re not covered with snow or mud and remove them from their storage area if necessary. The terminals should be clearly marked as “+” (positive) and “-” (negative).
- Take the cables, attach one to each of your two batteries. Ensure that you connect them in the proper order: red clip-on positive terminal for battery A and black clip-on negative terminal for battery B. This is typically indicated by color-coding or a “+” sign at one end of the cable.
- Once connected, start your truck and let it idle for up to 20 minutes to make sure the battery is fully charged.
Instructions may vary slightly depending on make/model, so do read your manual!