Looking for a decent set of jump leads

WLM21

I want to but some jump leads but would like some recommendations please.

A few years ago I actually saw the downside of buying cheap .. the leads some chap was using was literally melting as he was trying to use them.

I also have a VW campervan, so would prefer a decent, strong enough set

thanks for any suggestions

AdrianC

Stupid question... Why do you need them?

You say you have a camper - is it occasional-use only? If so, it may make sense to either keep it on a smart charger or to disconnect the battery when not in use, so it doesn't get flattened.

Does the camper have a leisure battery and split-charge, or are you trying to run all your internal power from the starter battery? Do you have an onboard charger connected to hook-up?

Lead-acid batteries hate being discharged. It's the best way to kill them - so prevention is better than cure.

WLM21

AdrianC wrote: »

Why do you need them?

I always thought drivers were advised to keep a set of jump leads in their car, just in case ...

AdrianC wrote: »

Does the camper have a leisure battery and split-charge, or are you trying to run all your internal power from the starter battery? Do you have an onboard charger connected to hook-up?

Yes I have a leisure battery

Yes I have a charger (CTEK Multi XS 7000) although not connected at all time, but as and when required. Van doesn't stay in a garage, so not easy to leave in situ.

This winter ... well now really, will give battery a boost every couple of weeks or so and give the van a run out too, or at least just start it up

EdGasketTheSecond

Get the thickest gauge wires you can afford and make sure they have surge protection. Even then I would avoid jump starting if at all possible as with today's electronics it is too easy to damage something.

AdrianC

WLM21 wrote: »

I always thought drivers were advised to keep a set of jump leads in their car, just in case ...

You can if you want. But I'd prefer never to need them.

This winter ... well now really, will give battery a boost every couple of weeks or so and give the van a run out too, or at least just start it up

How old a VW camper are we talking about?
Yes, using it more regularly is the best bet, if you can't keep it on charge and you don't want to disconnect the battery.

WLM21

AdrianC wrote: »

How old a VW camper are we talking about?
Yes, using it more regularly is the best bet, if you can't keep it on charge and you don't want to disconnect the battery.

89 Turbo Diesel van

It actually won't start at the moment, first time ever in 6 years.

A friend who has a similar van will take a look at the weekend.

AdrianC

So a JX (or has it been 1.9d?) T3. Battery in the engine bay, not the wrong end like my WBX... Not a big lump to turn over, and no massively long cables for voltage drop.

You say it "won't start" - is it turning over OK, just not firing? If so, have you checked the glow plugs?

WLM21

AdrianC wrote: »

You say it "won't start" - is it turning over OK, just not firing? If so, have you checked the glow plugs?

yes, turning over but won't catch if that makes sense.

I'm not really technical, as far as cars go .. and VW vans too. a mate suggested I take off the air inlet from the air filter and use a hair dryer to warm the air inside it. He thought that might do the trick, but sadly not.

Regarding glow plugs .. I wouldn't know how to even find them, let alone test them. The yellow indicator on the dash lights up, but of course, that doesn't really prove they are working. It had an MOT a month ago and started fine then .. the last time I used it

When I do get it going, i think I'll start it every few days over the winter .. it's sitting in my drive, so that won't be too difficult.

AdrianC

Almost certain to be glowplugs, then, given the change in the weather.

I've not looked closely at a JX, but had a 1.7 non-turbo for a while. Two of the plugs were dead easy, two were impossible without taking the pump off, which was cambelt-driven. It'd start with those two, but was grumpy as anything.

Basics - Diesels fire off compression, not a spark. They need some warmth to do that, especially in cold weather. The glow plugs are just little electric heaters in each cylinder to give that initial warmth. A hairdryer or hot air gun up the inlet may work, but it's unlikely, especially given he's blowing it in before the turbo - there's a fair bit of pipework and thermal mass to get the warms past on the way to the cylinders.

EdGasketTheSecond

Anyway back to the original question; these look OK for the money:


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voilamart-2000AMP-Anti-Surge-Protected-Battery/dp/B07S491SW3/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=jump+leads+with+surge+protection&qid=1572465495&sr=8-2

mchale

Don't buy copper coated aluminium leads, pay the extra & get copper 1's, If done properly you wont do any harm to vehicle electronics it's a bit of a urban myth.