Peak PKC0BK 450 Amp Jump Starter

• Exclusive Low Charge Alert (LCA) Alarm signals owner when jumper needs charging
• High impact resistant housing with rubberized sure-grip bottom and handle
• Two 12 volt DC power outlets and one AC power outlet and one USB outlet means portable power anywhere
• Polarity indicator for added safety protects the user from danger from connecting the jumper starter incorrectly to battery
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

I received the earlier version of this product (PKC0BL) about a year and a half ago for a gift. Just recently the air compressor stopped pumping air. It still ran, but would not inflate. I called 1-800-477-5847 to see what options I had since the 90 day warranty was over. Even though the warranty had long expired, they sent a new one to me at no cost. Now that is customer service I rarely see these days.

Buy Peak PKC0BK 450 Amp Jump Starter Now

The battery charged the first time. We used the DC outlets. When I tried to recharge the battery, it only partially charged and lost this charge overnight (without use). I've tried a couple of more times to charge it, but the charge does not hold.

I am very disappointed in this product. Since it cannot be returned to Amazon, I have to contact the manufacturer to file a claim. Prices of battery jumpstarters on Amazon are good, but since they can't be returned, you have to hope that you are one of the lucky ones that gets a battery that works.

UPDATE: The manufacturer's customer service was wonderful. They immediately offered a replacement battery at no shipping cost. The replacement battery has worked perfectly. I've used it several times, re-charged it and it has been great, lots of power. I am now happy with the product, wish the first one had worked.

Read Best Reviews of Peak PKC0BK 450 Amp Jump Starter Here

I researched this type of item for weeks hoping I would choose the right one; so far I feel like I made the right choice. It has performed perfectly since I got it. I have aired my yukon tire up (6-8 min.), I jumped my boat off for the first time this season, and I played the radio all day out on the lake, so I have to give it 5 stars. If you realize it has its limitations and dont try to exceed those limitations this will be one of the handiest items you ever purchase.

Want Peak PKC0BK 450 Amp Jump Starter Discount?

First, I too had a failure, and Customer Service was wonderful, and sent a free replacement in a few days. Normally, I would not give 5* when a product failed, but PEAK has earned it, and I am one of many who appreciates their good 'ol American Customer Service focus! (The replacement works great, BTW.)

Being an Electronics Tech, I just had to do a failure analysis on the original one. The Low Charge Alert (LCA), as noted in another review, is worthless. It does not turn on until the battery is already past salvation. DO NOT ACTIVATE THIS FEATURE BY PULLING OUT THE RED PLUG! It is a phantom load that will drain your battery, and you won't know about it until it is too late. (I told Customer Service about my findings, and requested that they review the design.) The second issue with the original unit was the inverter; it too had a phantom load, but much larger, and would drain the battery in just a few hours. I disabled the inverter power, charged the battery for 24 hours, and actually have a second working unit now! No inverter, but good for my 2nd vehicle.

To get the maximum out of your unit, you need to understand lead batteries. I hope these tips will help you:

1) Lead batteries must go through a Bulk charge for the first 80% of capacity, followed by an Absorption charge up to 98% capacity, and finally a Float charge for the 100% capacity. Failure to do such will shorten your batter life. Don't just charge until the gauge shows 100%; leave it on the charger for ~2 more hours.

2) Lead batteries have a self-discharge rate of ~10%/month. Have you ever let a vehicle sit for 6 months, and then not have it start? That is why. Likewise, you cannot leave this unit sit for extended periods, and then expect it to work. I charge mine once a month, and recommend you do the same. If you are going to leave it in your vehicle, I would recommend attaching the DC charger cord to a 12 volt accessory plug that POWERS DOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF. That way, your unit is always topped off and ready to go when you do need it. Doing this once or twice a month will keep your PEAK in peak condition.

3) Only 50% of the amp hours are available from a lead battery. Past that, and you take it below the critical 12.2 volt range, at which time irreversible damage occurs. The built-in voltmeters (very nice feature!) on my two units are within .1 volts accurate. (You should check yours before using it as a diagnostic tool.) When you get down to 12.2 volts, you should shut the unit off, and recharge it immediately...

4) Lead batteries must be recharged immediately after use, or they begin to buildup sulfates. This leads to early failure. Even if you only inflate one bicycle tire, charge it right away. Your unit will last much longer.

5) The built-in inverter should be thought off as an emergency phone charger only. 1/2 hour, even with a light load, will take a fully charged battery down to 12.2v. Also, one reviewer noted that the inverter wouldn't turn on with a 75% charge; that is a built-in protection feature to protect the battery (hats off to PEAK for that).

SUMMARY: Although not perfect, this is the best multitask unit in the