Heavy Duty Jumper cables

[Gifford]

JC-Whitney sells some heavy guage 2/0 jumper cables. They're pretty expensive as jumper cables go so I thought I'd ask if anyone has ever had any luck jumping a diesel with cables. (I know the cheapo wal-mart ones dont work, they just get warm) I want them mostly for starting tractors and what not, but also should the need arise it would be nice if I could get a jump from another car if I needed it.

 

[Rick Comenzo]

H D Jumper Cables

I made my heavy duty jumper cables from surplus welding cable, 2/0 gauge. I jump start hd diesels often at work, the 15 foot length the cables were cut to come in handy with some odd situations. you will have less voltage drop with hd cables. I have been able to jump start 4 battery cranky Mack diesels with my setup. the higher price is worth it if my opinion helps, Happy Holidays, Rick.

 

[illflem]

I also use arc welding cables. Better than any jumpers you can buy premade plus they remain flexible even when very cold.

 

[Oliver88]

I use a set from Snap-on they are heavy duty also. Lots of people around here use welding cables. That's the way I'll go if these Snap-on cables die. But they work well for me.

Greg

 

[bmoeller]

I use 2/0-20' jumper cables. Came as 2 indiviual cables in the box and just used electrical tape in several places to keep them together. Use them to start tractors, semi trucks and lots of other machines. Small gauge cables get hot starting the same machines and these don't hardly get warm on the clamps.

 

[Tim1]

jumper cables

Hey Gifford, if you want to make your own cables with welding cable, you can buy the really heavy duty clamps at Napa. A little spendy, but you make jumper cables to last a lifetime, Correct me if I'm wrong, fellas! Tim

 

[tgbol]

I use the quick disconnect set from Napa. The same as a tow truck uses. The connector is in the bumper hole. I have them on my Jeeps too. Don't have to open the hood on the truck and they don't get lost because they don't work unless the truck is there. Also can plug the winch into the connectoe when needed.

 

[rbattelle]

I'm in the process of making my own set of jumper cables. I'm thinking of using 4/0 welding cable. Am I correct that 4/0 is higher capacity than 3/0 or 2/0? This seems to be the case based on the places I've sourced it and their current recommendations...

 

[jkern]

Make sure you guys get fine braded copper, stays flexiable and doesn't break as easy when stored. stay away from aluminum as it does not have as good of electrical charistics for the given guage of wire. i use 20' of 2 guage welding cable, and they will start big tractors and diesel trucks in the winter with no problem, and not quite as bulky to carry. most of the clamps that you buy today only have the wire attach to one jaw... i have taken some heavy copper braid and tucked it up real nice in the contor of the handle and then soldered it to the back of the other side of the jaw so you have twice the surface area for a good connection.

 

[djbobo]

Many jumper cables (or really 'booster' cables) in department stores are only 10 awg. (american wire gage) also known as #10. The heavier duty ones are the #8 or #6 - That's about it for booster cables. Jumper cables begin at #4 , The next size up would be #2. Then comes 1/0 then 2/0 then 3/0 then 4/0. I personally have made my set out of massive 250 MCM (one size bigger than 4/0) out of fine stranded (welding type) copper cable.

My opinion is 3/0 will work for jumping equiptment for any amount of amps up to 20' without melting the insulation.

 

[rbattelle]

I think I'm going to go with 4/0 cable from www.weldingsupply.com (they have it for $1. 94/ft... cheapest I've seen).

 

[BGiles]

I have been looking at the Jumper Cable Set that has the connector mounted near the front bumper at http://www.awdirect.com



Here is their Extreme Heavy Duty Jumper Cable Set. Kindy Spendy.



The have different sizes, depending on what your needs are.



Brian