Harbor Freight Viking Li-Ion Jump Starter Power Pack Review & Evaluation

[@Kevin_747]

I have this jump pack and I'm satisfied with its performance. I have used the 12v port to power trailer running lights on a night trip from St Louis to Louisville for 5 hours. Having it for multiple uses is nice. I don't leave home without it.

[@GrassyKnoll]

You really know your electricity! I didn't understand everything you said, but I'm confident that you know what you're talking about, and I learned a few things about electricity. I now feel comfortable that this jump starter is a quality product that will fulfill my requirements. Thanks for the comprehensive review!

[@gogo12able]

I bought this 2013 and carry it with me here on North West burbs Chicago so far I have jump started alots of dead batteries mostly small but also my jeep and my truck v8 it's pretty powerful and still working on 2019 not to mention all the times I've charged my smartphone great for the price but if you have a big truck get a nice bigger one harbor freight it's just awesome for us diy people thanks for review I will buy again if necessary for sure

[@ssnoc]

This thing is Excellent - I've used it for 2 years so far and it works great - Charges in 4 hours - In fact I used it to run my internet router and modem for 3 hrs in my house during this past storm when I lost power - I hooked up a small inverter to it to get out 110V. Perfect to give your kid just in case it fits in the glove box - Lithium is the way to go - The most important thing for me is fast recharge and this does that.

[@Krewtonn]

This jump pack has saved me more times than I would prefer to admit and was even able to jump my 2003 ford ranger at 25% more than once before i charged it....mine was a gift but id def pay the asking price for another after using it

[@ulrblitzer]

I've had mine sitting in my 4Runner for almost a year now thru MN winter and summer. Been used 2x over winter to jump cars. Holds a charge for quite a long time.

[@danc2014]

the screws clamp the shell together but those groves along the edge keep the box aligned and prevent it from separating. If the battery was not held down it could cause a problem there sb nothing pushing the shell apart. . The 12 V sends power out to activate the safety box to verify jumper cables are connected properly.

[@supremeautomotive6749]

Well I have used this same jump pack on my 7.3 diesel with 2 batterys and it works great.

[@VikingNorway-pb5tm829]

Nice :) its my name on it too ;)

[@Nate-wu8rr]

Watch out for the open box Clearance because you can usually get the whole set for the same price with a 20% coupon or the super coupon. Sometimes cheaper!

[@robertsafdie4521]

Congratulations, well thought out, comprehensive, organized, and clear.

[@homebuilthappiness2919]

I bypassed the switch mentioned at 15:10 with a splice connector on the negative side on mine. I bought it so that i could run a 120w inverter and the switch was sort of a deal breaker but the quality of the box was on point. Amazing video

[@esqueue]

Wow, I was planning on purchasing the harbor freight jump starter but decided to pass on it due to the false capacity rating. I decided to buy a cheap LiFePO4 version on Amazon called KeepPower. To my surprise, it is mostly identical to the version in this video. Only the lights and buttons on the top cover are in different locations. I only paid $40 for it. Of course they rated it at 12Ah which would only be that capacity at 3.2 volts. I guess honestly rating it 3Ah at 12.6 volts would hurt their sales due to ignorant folks. Due to the auto shutdown nature of the jumper and the 12 volt output port detecting voltage on my tester and shutting off, I had to connect directly to the battery to test the actual capacity. Surprisingly it came up to approximately 2,9XX of 3,000 mAh at 12 V. I was a bit impressed. I've taken pictures and will be leaving an amazon review soon.

[@nokieng6502]

Cannot find what you said u purchased on Amazon. Care to post a link?

[@nokieng6502]

Ahhh....KeenPower, NOT KeepPower. Have you used your keenpower unit to charge up iPhones or iPads? Or similar devices? I have and it seems to drain the KeenPower’s battery pack quite quickly when charging my iPad. From 100 to 25% on one charge. And it takes hours to complete.

[@BigDaddy-se7xh]

I've used this unit on several cars. Used on my 7.3 powerstroke and just got it going. I've noticed none are to be found in local retail stores anymore. The larger jump packs are available but no small brick types like these.

[@robertboock9697]

Can yo use this as a battery Tender ? I need to change my battery and do not want to loose any car settings. What are your thoughts.. PS Great video presentation, thank you

[@terminatortwo9310]

Good honest review! You definitely know what you’re talking about. 👍. A lead acid pack will start my diesel in warm weather. If you leave the unit on the battery for a while before cranking. Cold weather I need two units. One on each battery.

[@FoUr2wEnTy420]

I have this unit and it came with just a car charger and my car charger doesn't work so I saw it had a 12 volt in so I plug it in and it just flashes the 25 percent light and doesn't charge. Should I just go to harbor freight and exchange for a new one? The product is great it's very convenient and compact.

[@larryehrlich8702]

To see an in depth review comparing 8 different power packs...including this one, go to the "Project Farm" page on KZbin. He does -30° wintertime comparisons as well. I learned a lot watching it...especially the cold weather starts.

[@quentinquogamoddy1999]

Really wanted you to start a car that had a dead battery. Several reviews of this thing (on Amazon and other sites) said it didn't work, or worked for 3 or 4 times and never again, even though it had been plugged in and charging for 2 days. 70% 5 star reviews, but 20% 1 star reviews.

[@kielia727]

So you can not charge this pack back up via solar panels ? My phones plug into the wall with pronged plugs. Can you plug them in to this ?

[@dm.2023]

Did it start the car?

[@jameshall4385]

It look like a good product with some good features on it. I would like to see it in action, jump starting a dead battery

[@CatusMaximus]

I was going to do that but I thought it was kind of pointless. I needed an artificial load to actually test its peak and continuous power outputs which is something I don't have.

[@christianolivera3286]

I’m a mechanic and use this to jump start dead cars outside to drive them in for diag work. It works amazing. Very rugged and works well in all temperatures. Holds a charge great and well worth the money

[@slightlylessshittygaming2521]

I will also back it up. I used mine today to jumpstart a 240sx that hasn't been run since 2016 and the battery was from 08.

[@daviddowns7552]

Never knew about open box shelf but I'll check it out.👍

[@patbullock166]

A large diesel engine say for a 18 wheeler will use 1000 amps at 12 volts will probably ring in around 12000 watts and 20 hp at initial turnover Good review and description just figured Id through some numbers out for very big diesels

[@marknevells7821]

Just started my v8 Chevrolet just needs a really good connection had to mess with it but that was my fault im.happy with mine

[@ToGuyFor]

Purchased two of these, after having Centech and Everstart jumpers fail. Fingers crossed, I like how it's compact.

[@williamkoenig195]

will the 12 volt port auto shut off if i am using it for memory saving while changing my car battery?

[@fineoutrick9789]

Nice review! Using it as a power bank for a small radio transceiver would be annoying if it continually needs to be turned back on (if I'm seeing this right). Good job on this!

[@anglerandy5736]

I got the viking 2/8/15 amp smart charger. Can this charge car batteries too? I might return and get this I it is the same functions plus a battery

[@monchisdavalos2032]

How is it doing now ? Still working good?

[@CatusMaximus]

I hated it and sold it a long time ago for like 20 bucks

[@maxpainmedia]

@@CatusMaximuswhy

[@61Benster]

Project Farm tested several jump starter power packs and the Harbor Freight failed.

[@hugh007]

Project Farm just repeated the test and Viking failed again. It's the pits. I returned mine on the day I bought it because the plastic box on the red positive wire sparked and smoked. This in a lawn Tractor!

[@troykunz8275]

I have this unit. Bought in 2018 has worked flawless jumping dozens of vehicle's. Still working at 100 % capacity 9/5/22

[@gplayer01]

Excellent Review!! Thank you.

[@Farkles1]

Can this jumpstart my Kenworth log loader?

[@quentinquogamoddy1999]

Probably not. Your log loader is probably 24 volt system. You probably have 2 12 volt batteries wired in series. This is designed for only 1 12 volt battery by itself.

[@quentinquogamoddy1999]

Come to think of it, it might work if you get two of them. Connect the black lead of one to the red lead of the other. Then hook the red lead of this thing to your red or positive + post and the black lead of the other one to your black or negative post. That makes it in series. Oh wait. Then you'll have 24 volts coursing through these, which will probably blow the micro-processors and ruin these.

[@quentinquogamoddy1999]

Actually I came across a Clore Jump 'N Carry, JNC 660, yesterday. This supposedly is what tow trucks carry with them to jump start cars and pick-ups. One person commented that it even started his dump truck that has two batteries. So, if it starts a dump truck diesel engine, I think it should start your Kenworth log loader. (I used to work in paper /pulp mills so I do know what you are talking about.) The JNC 660 has a blue case (to help you identify it). They run about $130, although some fly-by-nighters offer them at $62 and $39, which are probably scams.

[@Steel_Valley_Vintage_Cycle]

Could you tap into the large conductors coming from the battery and use this instead of a battery for a motorcycle?

[@CatusMaximus]

No, the motorcycle charging systems for lead-acid. It is known as a constant voltage charge system which would cause a lithium ion battery to eventually catch fire from overcharging lithium ions need special intelligent Chargers that can detect when the battery is full and then turn themselves off

[@tomrepurpose2770]

No, because it shuts off in 30sec

[@nogginbonker76]

If I didn't just witness it, I wouldn't have believed it. This thing jump started a dead as balls Rodeo that had a 24 MO battery that was installed 4 years ago. This thing isn't screwing around.

[@SonofGodly]

the case ,,,it is what it is china cheap = price cheap,, maybe do a vid on what is the best one ,,,thanks good video

[@m.feaver960]

So your saying about strong enough for a motorcycle up to a Honda Civic/ VW Beetle/ and KIA'S? Would this startma fully dead batt? No?

[@steveheavener4932]

Have you tested others or is there one you recommend?

[@brendaleetv]

I want this power pack to carry on my day pack to charge my cell phone.

[@SavedKingBlast]

Good video

[@evanmalone2806]

Is it possible to run a small power inverter off the 12v 6 amp output? I tried an 80w continuous/200w peak w/ no load on it & it triggered the overload protection on the Viking (shutoff & beeping).

[@CatusMaximus]

Power inverters have big capacitors which probably what's triggering the overload. Try plugging the power converter into an actual car and then quickly plugging into the power pack it'll probably work in that situation. A power inverter is a computer switching power supply that's just operating in Reverse to give you AC

[@jimdecaro4220]

@@CatusMaximus Hi Catus, thank you for doing this review as I've had some questions about this Viking Power pack. In particular: with all of the power outages we've had recently I was hoping I could use this to run my wood-stove fan (34 to 74watts/120v) through a (Harbor Freight) Cen-tech (750w continuous / 1500 watt peak) Inverter. I ran into the same problem that Evan ran into (using the 12v DC output). In your response you mentioned that he should "Try plugging the power converter into an actual car and then quickly plugging into the power pack". I don't have a "car" nearby, so I was wondering: Option 1. Would "jumpstart" mode be enough to overcome the initial capacitor demand in the Inverter and then run my fan? Option 2: I have a small 8AH Lead acid battery that I am using to run a router- could I use that in place of the "car" to overcome the initial Capacitor demand? Thank you for your help!

[@lrwollny]

This is guy is gonna return the item back after this youtube video... how lame. Faker

[@chriskush4k161]

How to recharge it mine is dead

[@labrownboy13]

My don't charge? I don't know why

[@VikingNorway-pb5tm829]

Oh no.. my silverado toycar needs two? Does it work? ;) hehe..

[@robgoose8126]

Mine is dead six months later, was charging and threw a series of beeps... Wont turn on now. Hunk of trash jumped my lawnmower a few times.

[@Pro1er]

Is that a lithium-ion or a lithium-iron unit? HF used to advertise it as lithium-iron which is a better unit.

[@CatusMaximus]

It is a lifepo4 lithium ferrite phosphate. Lithium ion batteries are confusing because lithium Cobalt, lithium ferrite phosphate, Lithium Polymer they're all lithium-ion type batteries. But with different chemistry's but still behave relatively similar to each other as far as charging. Some are less prone to fire someone can take many more charge cycles some can deliver very high amounts of power some are extremely lightweight for their given capacity and each battery type makes a sacrifice to achieve a particular goal such as weight or charge cycles or charging safety

[@Pro1er]

@@CatusMaximus You got the good one. Lithium-iron has advantages when used as a car jumper. I looked on HF's website and they now list it as a lithium-ion battery pack whereas before they listed it as a lithium-iron unit. I don't know if they changed the batteries or just the description. As a side note, if your battery is completely dead and the jump pack won't start the car, you can disconnect the negative battery terminal and start the car directly from the jump pack. Once the car is running you can then reconnect the battery terminal and then remove the jump pack. It's best to do that procedure as quickly as possible because it's not good for the jump pack to be left on the battery after the car is running.

[@williammiller7791]

@@Pro1er it is like you didn't read what he replied with

[@Pro1er]

@@williammiller7791 Please explain.

[@williammiller7791]

@@Pro1er it is a lithium ferrite phosphate (lithium iron phosphate) they may have changed the nomenclature but the battery is Li-Fe-PO4

[@jacobmarvel3474]

Fun fact I have started a v8 mustang with the battery completely disconnected with this

[@fxdl-kojak1157]

I just got mine for $57 off the open box table same as you

[@GoatZilla]

OMG this guy really, really likes the sound of his own voice.

[@Mantooth2851]

Anyone have any input as to why this thing shuts off after a couple minutes while using a 12v power connection?

[@hctold2454]

if i remember correctly, one reviewer complained that he had to turn the flashlight on to keep the power connector from shutting down. Good luck

[@richardb8317]

NO...You didnt test the jump voltage ???

[@teewilliams7900]

My power flashlight will bit turn off

[@bostonmikemastertattoo3214]

Is actually an RC car battery

[@rich00273119]

Thanks!!

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you

[@glenchisman6650]

1 good 2 bad. Some don't charge or won't even hold a charge.

[@jaguarpaw46]

The alligator clips are plastic and break

[@ogm19881]

I've been able to start a car without a battery using that jump back

[@Powerpickle68]

Ec5 connector

[@johnmitchell8925]

I've done a few hours of reviews on all these battery boosters it's mind blowing all the good and negative reviews on all of them.i guess it's who gets payed to do the review .I bought a tacklife but who knows how long it will last.i guess just pick the one that has the longest warranty and best consumer service good luck.

[@h8GW]

I bought one of these during a HF parking lot sale for $50 ~7 years ago and it has been almost universally disappointing, with Project Farm *confirming* my *bias.* All it's been able to do for me was pop open the trunk of my dad's W222 Mercedes while the main battery was disconnected and charging, after it sat in the pantry for a couple of years. It's been one my worst HF purchases, and I'm not even a HF or lithium battery hater. But maybe it's just user error.🤔

[@manny7684]

thats not a fuse....

[@nickbrege6695]

Hardly a thorough review as you didnt even bother to actually jumpstart a car with it. Other reviews that actually tested it say it is junk...

[@DMain-tb8ye]

Agree very angry and annoyed st the shutoff. I am trying to run a telesco poll e which is l8w o8af, so the f-'xing power keros shutting off. Ready to throw it away more than 9nve. MY RECOMMDSTION IS FO NOT BUY.

[@Holiday48000]

Unfortunately this Harbor Freight 450 amp Jump Starter is extreamly weak compared to others and it may not turn over your engine in the time of need. Your better off investing a few dollars more in at least a 800 amp or higher Jump Starter if you have a V-6 or V-8 to insure that you can start your car if needed.

[@davidchumley8340]

Viking no good!!!!!!

[@mikeapmechanic4423]

Semi's use 24 volt batteries, that is why it will not start a semi, I am a retired trucker. Mobile home RV's use 12 volt batteries wired in parallel, I used to own one. Get your facts straight.

[@atruepackerfan8225]

You should review the video because at no time did the reviewer mention that a diesel engine from a semi was the former use of the returned device.

[@Norm475]

You can buy a much better battery than HF junk. Project Farm did a review of many of these types of batteries. I bought a Top Vision from Amazon for $80.00 and killed the battery on a Toyota Highlander so the battery only showed 5.5 Volts and the Top Vision started it right up. Don't buy this piece of junk.

[@the1spyderryder]

Too long explanation of starter motors, just say they may draw a couple hundred amps while turning the engine over. 144 watts is 12 Amos at 12 volts while 144 watts is 11 amps at 13 volts. I used this pack to turn over my 1987 351 ford Bronco. What I want is 3 smaller ones to carry in my motorcycles for emergency jumps. Too much rambling, I was boared to death after the first 3½ minutes.

[@dki8]

This guy talks alot

[@pamelapittman2052]

I appreciate his time and thorough presentation.

[@MrCapecodder]

used once now doesnt work

[@sharifalhabarneh5339]

Is 28 minutes needed to review ? Awful review

[@paulhamilton6889]

Harbor Freight Viking pure junk do some research !

[@94SexyStang]

WRONG

[@stonedraider708]

Nope your wrong a Norco GB 70 will do what you say that one can't. Nevermind the GB 150 just face it that thing is weak compared to the Norco. Which will start a full size car with no battery in it multiple times even if it's real cold

[@supremeautomotive6749]

Well I have this one and I have jumped my 7.3 diesel truck with 2 batterys and lots of cars that have no batterys at all.