Since this was for my flex fuel Chevy Avalanche gas truck, I went with the DBPower 10000mAh jump starter as it was a bit less expensive. I have posted a short video of it connected and starting the truck. It had no trouble getting going. Since they are so compact and easy to transport, I take one on our boat when on the water. We had to jump start another boat that had a dead battery.
I’ve also posted pics of both units. As you can see, the 10000mAh is just a bit smaller, making it easier to store in smaller trucks and cars. The other thing I like about this unit is its USB charging. I installed a 12v power port in the back of the Avalanche that is connected to key power. So I can leave the jump starter plugged in all the time, it charges and tops off when I’m driving, but doesn’t run down the truck battery when turned off. The larger unit comes with a 110v wall charger. I haven’t noticed any significant drop in stored power when they are not plugged in, so leaving them charging isn’t really necessary. The one not plugged in still has a full charge.
Both units come with their own storage case, so despite Amazon’s “Frequently bought together” suggestion of a case, you don’t need to purchase one. As shown in the pics, the case is great quality with a large zipper and padded storage for the jump starter; there is also extra storage for the jumper cable adaptor and other accessories you can get.
They both offer USB ports that can charge electronic devices. We also use them to run small USB lights and fans when dry camping. They both lasted all weekend. Just for fun I used the 18000mAh jump starter USB port to recharge the 10000mAh jump starter. It was able to almost fully recharge it.
Both are very sturdy and heavy built. Not cheap plastic. The ports are all tight and work well holding anything plugged in. They also have power indicators showing charge. The smaller unit has LED lights, the larger one has an LCD display. I wish the jumper cable port on the 10000mAh unit was as easy to open as the 18000mAh. It is a little tighter. I don’t have long fingernails, so I used the tip of a key. It might get easier as it is used more.
I highly recommend the 12v power port accessory, (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019IFHLAE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). This plugs directly into the jumper cable port on the jump starter boxes and makes this very handy for camping and boating. We have used it to run air pumps to inflate floats and camping air mattresses.
I think the only issue I have, and this appears indicative of other brands and units as well, is the short cables on the jumper cable adaptors. They are just barely long enough to get to both battery posts, and if the battery is a tight fit, it can be a bit frustrating. I generally follow the procedure of connected the positive to the battery and the negative to a ground point like a body or engine bolt, but sometimes those aren’t close either. Again, it appears that other brands are similar in design.
Overall I am extremely satisfied with how both of these have worked and what I’ve been able to use them for. I see a few more being purchased for my other cars, the boat and as gifts for the kids. I’d prefer they have this option over asking a stranger or having to wait for AAA to arrive.
Full disclosure; I was reimbursed a percentage of the cost for the 10000mAh unit in exchange for testing and posting my comments. But I had already purchased the 18000mAh unit on my own, which is how I ended up on their product test list. Take that as you will.
When I have other opportunities to jump start, and/or find other handy uses for them, I will try to remember to update.
Thanks for reading!