What jump pack do folks recommend? I've had a NOCO Boost X in my shopping list on Amazon for a while, but haven't done any research. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Myron

 

I have the NOCO Genius 10 charger and the NOCO Boost X GBx55 1750A Jump Starter. Please with both.

 

Thanks. That Boost X is the exact one I've had my eye on.

 

This thread has definitely caused me to revisit my booster. I moved it from an old truck to the Defender and now realize that it is woefully under amped. I, too, will check out the NOCO.

For what it's worth, I don't have a lot of confidence on any booster or cables with the MHEV Defender that I have. I left the thing for too long (which was surprisingly not really that long) and it was COLD HARD BRICKED until the battery was completely changed. No amount of boosting would have done it. I put my battery tender on it for days and no go. I would advise a CTEK over any booster and put it in regular use. My 2 cents is that it will prevent the battery challenges more than needing the booster. Well, maybe this is just a way for me to rationalize my wimpy booster for "other people"....

 

Good to know, thanks @GrouseK9 . Funny, I see in your signature you used to have a 64 IIA 88. I have a 64 IIA 88 and use a CTEK for its life support over the long winters. Owned that car for 'purt near 30 years now....

 

Yeah, with great pride I could start my IIA with the engine crank when needed. I just reached behind the driver's door, grabbed the engine crank handle, went to the front of the beast, poked it in a hole in the bumper, and hand cranked it a few times to get the engine started. Like directly "jump starting" it. No stinking need for a booster! I remember the first time I started it this way. I was at a mall. Mall: you can tell this is an ancient story. Anyway, the thing was dead and I proudly grabbed the handle and went to the front end. To my great pleasure it started after about two turns. Then to my sudden surprised it took off. I forgot to take it out of gear!! I will always remember running across the mall parking lot, chasing my Land Rover while two older women just watched me go by.

 

Great story! Unfortunately I have never been able to use the hand crank starting functionality as mine is equipped with the Aeroparts capstan winch. So the hand crank tool is used to align the PTO shaft with the engine's crank pulley, and then a small lever engages the two.

 

Be very careful with the boost boxes - get a high quality unit, not some no-name off of amazon. Some of them supply too much voltage (18V or more) instead of improved amperage. I have the bloody knuckle scars from replacing burnt up glowplugs to prove it.

As for tool kit - If I'm not going offroad, I simply pack the AAA membership card and a Playboy in the glovebox (gotta stay entertained while waiting for the rollback) - but if I'm going off the pavement then:
Craftsman Versastack 200-piece toolkit secured to the cargo area floor
Extra 20T bottle jack
Jumper cables
impact wrench with the impact socket set
full set of spare CV half shafts
Recovery gear: 2 tow straps, tree strap, ****** block, hardshackles, softshackles, winch line extension, X cleat, gloves

 

Why the full set of spare CV half shafts?

 

Because on my offroad vehicle, the half shafts are the "fuse" of the drivetrain. They are designed to be the first thing to break before differentials, driveshafts or transfer cases explode. Replacing a CV half shaft on the trail is a better solution than sitting in the woods waiting on a tow-out. Note that if all of the halfshafts are the same length in the Defender, you only need one.