Thunder Jump Starter: Product test

THE Thunder Multi-Function Jump Starter kit provides plenty of punch to crank over a fourby.

It also incorporates 240- and 12-volt chargers, intelligent jumper cables, a gaggle of laptop and mobile phone connectors, a 10-amp ciggie power outlet to run lights or any other 12-volt appliance, and two USB outlets (1 amp and 2 amp). There’s also a handy LED light that can be set to constant on, slow flashing and SOS flashes.

The kit is all packed into a classy carry case. The heart of the kit is a compact, high-performance Lithium battery, which only weighs 615g and boasts 18,000mAh and 600CCA – that’s similar cold-cranking-amp starting ability to some car-starting batteries.

The intelligent jumper cables have eight gauge wires and feature an audible LED light alert for reverse polarity clamping, to protect both the battery and the vehicle. When clamped correctly, a green light confirms all is okay.

If your starter battery is dead flat, the intelligent jump-cable controller features a boost button to ensure the full amount of juice flows during attempted starting. As a test, the Thunder unit managed to jump-start my 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel Troopy with its starter battery disconnected (as my battery wasn’t flat), then went on to jump my old ride-on lawnmower.

With the ability to power or recharge a laptop, tablet or smartphone, the Thunder Multi-Function Jump Starter could get you out of a pickle while out camping should your smaller battery-powered devices pack it in.

Regardless if you’re going bush, beach or picking the kids up from school, given its compact size and light weight, the Thunder can stay packed away for any occasion.

Available from: www.thunderauto.com.au
RRP: $360
We say: Every 4x4 should have one!