Jump Starter Help Please

There are a lot of models to choose from but you need one hefty enough to cope.

Check out Amazon and eBay or your local motor factor where you might find a knowledgeable and helpful assistant.

I can't offer any suggestion other than the fact if you get one of the original type large jump pack like these, they generally contain another lead acid battery which will die the death if left flat for prolonged periods and you'd be back to square one & need jumps leads & something to jump from.  

The newer power bank jump starters seem to get a good press & are small enough to be tucked away somewhere in the motorhome charging while you drive ... and can be used to charge phones etc like this

NB I just picked 2 chargers at random & not endorsing any one  

You would be better off fitting a solar panel it will be better for the battery. If your out and about and it goes flat you probably need a new battery.

peedee

I watched a video last year from a full time van dweller He had a small Rugged Geek RG1000 inteliboost jump starter and power supply device that he was using to power lighting and to charge phones etc. It was the size of the old video cassette. I was amazed that he was able to use it when 80% charged to cold start a 5.4 litre V8 Petrol engine van.

However maybe start here for ideas and then read some reviews https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/top-tens/top-10-jump-starters/

We have a SP, but it does nothing in winter when the van is parked in its usual shaded spot with little or no sunlight. SP is not always the answer.

Indeed. In the 15 years I have had the X-Trail the warning, 'you have left your headlights on' buzzer has failed to operate twice. You can test it as often as you like and it always works 

The first time we had met up with friends for a Sunday walk and lunch on a very cold winter's morning. Back to the car 3 hours later. The break down took almost an hour to arrive as a lot of calls. We were sat in the pub with a large cafetiere of free coffee. 

Second time meeting OH's sister and B in Law just before Christmas.. 4 hours over coffee and then lunch at a garden centre. An employee of the centre came out with his Renault Clio and jump leads. He had to run it for 20 mins to put enough into the X-Trail battery for me to start. No way would the car start off his little battery otherwise. Before we next go away I shall replace the battery. The little device that I mentioned previously was 90 dollars US. If I had one I would want something bigger so that I could power the motormover for 80 metre or more or more.

I don't have a problem and I am parked, cab facing south, under trees. In the winter there are no leaves. My panel is a 120 watt monocrystalline with an MPPT controller. Other types of panel and controllers will be less efficient. I haven't used EHU or charged any of my batteries while the motorhome has not been in use for the past four years.

peedee

Lucky for you, PD. My problem isn't trees but I suppose I could move house to change the surroundings....... There again, I could just plug into the mains and use the starter pack on the rare occasions I get it wrong.👍

Go for a jumpstart kit that’s designed for heavy duty diesel use, something like the Clarke 4000 from Machinemart. Many you’ll find in motor accessory shops are designed for up to 2 litre engines and that’s not enough. Also, as others suggest, fit a good quality solar panel, at least 150w on a variable split charge controller. It will considerably increase the life of your batteries  and ensure a startup after winter layup.