MTFCA Forum

Any recommendations for a 6v / 12v battery jump start box ? Something small that we can take on the road for emergencies . TIA

Hard to believe that with 170 views nobody can give a reply.

I don't think you will find an off-the-shelf 6V jump starter box.

A month ago, I picked up a free used Walmart Everstart Maxx 800 peak amp jump starter. It also has an air compressor, flashlight and USB ports. An jump starter is also available under both the Craftsman and Stanley brands and a similar one is sold by Harbor Freight.

I live in MInnesota and it's been nearly forty years since I've had to jump my modern car (which at that time was a 1973 Pontiac Lemans Sport Coupe). That was when I was young, it was the middle of winter and the battery was old and past its prime and should have been already replaced (which I did after that episode).

My Model T doesn't have a starter or generator. I have a sealed, 6V lead acid battery to buzz the coils when hand cranking and as a back-up if the magneto fails.

Do you want 6V for Model T jump starts? I have jumped my T's with 12V by just touching the jumper directly to the starter terminal, without pushing the starter button. This sends 12V to the starter only, leaving the ignition at 6V, (or something a bit less, due to a low battery). I am NOT a fan of 12V batteries in T's, but for a very rare jump start, it worked fine.

I googled 6 volt battery jump starter. There are several but you have to go to IMAGES to be able to SEE each one to verify if they are 6 volt or not. There is one that will do 6 volt to 24 volt batteries (you select the voltage). I did not check any of them YET.

Good Luck

https://whywelikethis.com/best-6-volt-j ... #gsc.tab=0

What a Gentlemans ! Thanks for helping .

mtntee20 wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 21, 2024 2:34 pm

I googled 6 volt battery jump starter. There are several but you have to go to IMAGES to be able to SEE each one to verify if they are 6 volt or not. There is one that will do 6 volt to 24 volt batteries (you select the voltage). I did not check any of them YET.

Good Luck

https://whywelikethis.com/best-6-volt-j ... #gsc.tab=0

Read the description of each one carefully.

The first 3 listing (as far as I have gotten) have no indication of 6 volt options or settings and the PDF directions on the 3rd specified 12v only.

Several stated 6.0L engines so I think the algorithm of the search is pushing some misinformation.

Rich,
I did not follow the links to the products. I read the write ups on each. Not sure why they would write up a 6 volt product and link to a 12 volt product.

The Schumacher DSR 118 states it's for 6 & 12 volt. IF it truly is, it would be a good one to have as it would do both your T and your support car/truck if needed.

Can coils run on 12V that were set up for 6V?

RecklessKelly wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 21, 2024 8:49 pm

Can coils run on 12V that were set up for 6V?

Absolutely.

Magnetos can put out over 30 volts and coils don't care if AC or DC but wouldn't go more then 12 volts using battery.

mtntee20 wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 21, 2024 8:30 pm

Rich,
I did not follow the links to the products. I read the write ups on each. Not sure why they would write up a 6 volt product and link to a 12 volt product.

The Schumacher DSR 118 states it's for 6 & 12 volt. IF it truly is, it would be a good one to have as it would do both your T and your support car/truck if needed.

Please understand not calling you out! When Slick Rick ( who real name on the mainland is Hu-screw-u) is desperate for a sale the algos kick in!
I too would think the Schumacher would be the best, I have a more modern charger that will lower to 6v when connected. It can't be that difficult for a jump box, and the Schumacher did seem to be the best of both worlds!

Rich, Thank you for letting me know about the problem. I did not know.

The Schumacher should be a good one as I am familiar with the brand. On a different subject, I have 6 & 12 volt chargers/maintainers. I have used them on both 6 and 12 volt batteries and am very happy. BUT, they are corded so a guy would have to be near a 120 volt outlet. I keep a set of long jumper cables in the tow vehicle. If the T battery is dead, I could jump it from the 12 volt battery for a short time. BUT, I do like the idea of having a jump box just in case we're out on the road without any assistance.

Good Luck,
Terry

Jerrys recommendation going to the starter is spot on! jumped a friends T with 12 vdc once & he got made at me! I jumped his battery, not
knowing he had turned on the headlights to see if the battery was dead & had his foot on the brake. Burned out every bulb in the car but low
beams which he had to replace anyway. Just to show no good dead goes unpunished. But I do wonder if there was enough voltage to run the
ignition why it didn't start with the hand crank??
Craig.

Buy another 6V battery and swap it out if needed.

What kind of emergencies are you thinking of?
If you can start the car by cranking it by hand & just need to power the coils and maybe headlights or tail lights then a "deep cycle" battery would be a good choice (like one used for a trolling motor, wench or electric brakes) with a good ampere hour rating. But if you need one to one to kick over a starter than a "starter" battery with at least 200CA cranking amps (DieHard Lawn & Garden Battery: U1 Group Size, 160 CCA, 200 CA, 41 Minute Reserve Capacity) 7"L x 7"H x 5"W

On the other hand: Some jump-starters include things like a tire inflator, USB port, work light, etc. still needs 200CA or more for the starter

Just an FYI:

This weekend, Harbor Freight has a 30% off coupon for all of their Viking jump starters and chargers:

https://go.harborfreight.com/email/2024 ... 66&mi_sc=t

Great info tx