Need a tool recommendation - Battery "Jump box"

Not for me, but my sister has to have a handicap accessible van for my niece and nephew. Currently, their chair lift is causing battery drain/hard start issues. While the dealership and lift company fight about who's fault it is, they need a "jump box" to start the van on occasion. I've owned a few in the past, but found they were unreliable, lacked sufficient power and/or never seemed to last, so I've got nothing. Any recommendations from "the hive"?

This is what I have

http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-portable-power-1150/p-02871688000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Got it a couple years ago on Black Friday and so far it has been up to the challenge. No complaints, though I suppose it's a bit on the large side if you have to use it constantly, and it may be overkill if you're just looking for something to start a kaput car.

I have a red one I bought at harbor frieght and it's been good to me! Light as well.

I have an Optima battery and a set of jumper cables in a tool bag. Bombproof. Not super light but it has capacity for days. I use it to run my Quickjack amongst other things.

For lightweight, the Antigravity lithium packs work. They could keep it in the glovebox.

Personally, I'd be tempted to set this car up like a camper - a "house" battery for the lift and a separate starter battery. Use a solenoid to gang them together when the engine is running to charge the lift battery.

What Keith said^.

In addition you can take a look at some trailer/camper wiring setups where they split the load for things but kept the recharge ganged.

I have Northern Tools jump box and it works very well. It has the added benefit of a 400 watt inverter and USB ports on it for charging. That has come in handy for camping.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-1000-Amp-Peak-Jump-Starter-with-Compressor/13035281

I got this based simply on the price of the gift card Walmart gave me. I've used it three times in the last month. Seems strong. You do have to buy an extension cord separately to recharge which I haven't had to do yet. So I'm happy for what's worth.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-1000-Amp-Peak-Jump-Starter-with-Compressor/13035281

CYNTUR I've had great success with these:

When I was a Fleet Manager last year, I bought one for myself and for each of my Team Members. For about a month, I bought one every week I went to get stuff at Super Target. I recall jumping 20 cars in 1 day that came from the auction. I now have one in my Wife's car and carry mine when I fly. It charges my devices. Hold charge for up to a year. I believe it.

Good luck!

In reply to nutherjrfan:

I have the same one. After a year it started getting weak, so I bought a Jump-n-Carry 660. It was recommended to me by a buddy who has used his for several years without issue. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_3?k=jnc660&sprefix=jnc

In reply to Cotton:

Thanks for posting. I wanted to comment about mine but I did not want to go out in the cold and look at it in my trunk.
Your posting told me what brand I have.

I too have a Jump N Carry but mine is model 4000.

I received it as a gift from a former customer in '00 (yeah 16 yrs ago!) This is real commercial equipment, not just small residential stuff.
I have owned the same Miata for over 20 years. Every winter I put it away and every spring, I jump the battery with this jumper pack.

This is an honest jump starter. Other than a cig lighter port, it will not fill the air in your tires or spray wash your car or any other gimmicks. 18 pounds of heft!

Thanks all! I'll pass the info along.

This thread has also caused me to learn that I can replace the battery in my super old unit for under $40

Cotton wrote: In reply to nutherjrfan: I have the same one. After a year it started getting weak, so I bought a Jump-n-Carry 660. It was recommended to me by a buddy who has used his for several years without issue. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_3?k=jnc660&sprefix=jnc

This!! It's what I have and all the car auctions use it

Keith Tanner wrote: I have an Optima battery and a set of jumper cables in a tool bag. Bombproof. Not super light but it has capacity for days. I use it to run my Quickjack amongst other things. For lightweight, the Antigravity lithium packs work. They could keep it in the glovebox. Personally, I'd be tempted to set this car up like a camper - a "house" battery for the lift and a separate starter battery. Use a solenoid to gang them together when the engine is running to charge the lift battery.

i had a caravan with a wheelchair lift that was set up exactly like this.

FWIW, I have an Anker lithium-ion jump battery. Used it a couple weeks ago to jump-start our Odyssey, when the battery was so dead it didn't even turn on the dashboard lights. Given the size I'm very pleased with the performance.

https://www.amazon.com/B00T2GT9L4"