Jump Start with Portable Generator

G

Go for Broke

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Joined
Feb 24, 2022
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20
Not charging, jump starting!

Well, since we have that out of the way. TC NEWBIE (note the capital letters) here.

Will one of these little Honda portable generators or Harbor Freight equivalent jump start a truck?

You know start the generator, attach cables to batteries and she fires right up.

I have a F-350 7.3 PSD with two batteries that lives in the high Rockies and can get very finicky.

Alternator - Yup!
Batteries - Yup!
Cold Wx - Yup!
Stuck in the Rockies - Priceless. At least that is what an off road wrecker will charge. Ask me how I know.

Your words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
 
A generator usually has 120V AC output. You definitely don't want to hook that directly up to the battery, which is 12V DC. Even if the generator also had a 12V DC output, it wouldn't likely provide enough current for a jump start. As nikonron suggested, you could use the generator to power a battery charger. However, it could take several hours to recharge the battery to the point where it could start the engine. So, why not just purchase a lithium jump starter designed for that purpose? Just make sure to get one with enough current capacity to jump start the large diesel engine.
 
Agree with Stan,


I have and Carry a NOCO GB 70 in our diesel truck. I have used it. I had to wait a few minutes after hooking it up before the starter would turn but it got the batteries up enough to crank and start the Cummins engine.

We also have a NOCO GB40 we carry in the Toyota Camry and it also works well.
 
Excellent STAN and CKENT.

Just ordered one.

Should be able to sleep sounding out in the mountains, unless some fool is running their generator. LOL.
 
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