Help picking a jump starter

[mpxnpio]

First post here. I have a 2006 stock Explorer XLT, 4x4 V8, and I'm moving somewhere very cold. I've been advised to buy a jump starter in case my car won't start and I'm stuck somewhere, but there are a lot to choose from. What is the minimum output current you would recommend for one of these devices to get my Explorer rolling if the battery dies? Any recommended models? Thanks!

 

[Maniak]

Most of the ones I see are using a 17 or 18 amp hour battery and can do about 900 amp peak (400 amp start)..

I have one with that battery (with built in compressor) from HFT. It "works" is about all I can say about it.. Its nothing special. Its not a square so its somewhat hard to store...

I've used a good one that had a 25 Ah battery with an 700 amp start (well over 1000 amp peak).. That one really worked well but it was much more money..

The 400 amp start ones will help start our explorer (1st gen) if the battery is low BUT if I kill the battery by leaving the headlights on overnight its not enough to start it.

edit: forgot to say, the 400 amp ones are < $100 or so. the good ones that can do 700+ amp starts are $300+

~Mark

 

[dennism3]

Get a block heater if you don't have one, plug the vehicle in when cold and you don't need a jump start. If you maintain it you may need a jump start at 25 below once in your lifetime.