Best Jump Starter for Trucks (Gas and Diesel)
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In this guide (6 sections)
Top picks at a glance
Best overallNOCO Boost Pro GB150View on Amazon
Best compactNOCO Boost X GBX75View on Amazon
Best valueGOOLOO GT4000View on Amazon
Heavy-duty pickNOCO Boost Max GB251+View on Amazon
Big V8s and diesels need far more starting power than a compact car, especially on a cold morning. A jump starter that works fine on a sedan can click helplessly on a 6.7L diesel. This guide focuses on units that are truly sized for trucks.
Quick answer: our top pick is the NOCO Boost Pro GB150, because it is sized for big gas V8s and diesels, not just sedans.
Quick picks
| Jump starter | Battery type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost Pro GB150 | Lithium | Best overall for gas and most diesels | Check price |
| NOCO Boost X GBX75 | Lithium | Compact, modern, strong output | Check price |
| GOOLOO GT4000 | Lithium | Value pick with big peak rating | Check price |
| NOCO Boost Max GB251+ | Lithium | Heavy-duty and fleet diesels | Check price |
The best jump starters for trucks
NOCO Boost Pro GB150
Best for: Owners of full-size gas trucks and many light-duty diesels.
- Battery Cell Composition
- Lithium
- Voltage
- 12 volts
- Product Dimensions
- 8.19"D x 4.88"W x 13.7"H
- Battery Capacity
- 3000
- Amperage
- 3000 A
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
The GB150 is a 3,000A lithium jump starter rated for gas engines up to 9.0L and diesels up to 7.0L, with up to 80 starts per charge. NOCO's spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection makes hookups safe, and it doubles as a power bank with a 500-lumen flashlight.
Pros
- Rated for 9.0L gas and 7.0L diesel, enough for most pickups
- Up to 80 jump starts per charge
- Spark-proof clamps with reverse-polarity protection
- Power bank and 500-lumen, 7-mode LED light
Cons
- 7.5 lb, heavier than compact boosters
- Takes about 7 hours to recharge
NOCO Boost X GBX75
Best for: Owners who want a smaller unit that still handles large gas engines.
- Battery Cell Composition
- Lithium
- Voltage
- 12 volts
- Product Dimensions
- 7.28"D x 4.84"W x 9.8"H
- Battery Capacity
- 2500 Ah
- Amperage
- 2500 A
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
The GBX75 packs 2,500A into a 5-lb unit rated for gas engines up to 8.5L and diesels up to 6.5L. It recharges in about 1.8 hours over 60W USB-C, and NOCO says 5 minutes of charging gives enough power for one jump even from empty.
Pros
- Rated for 8.5L gas and 6.5L diesel in a compact body
- Fast 1.8-hour recharge over 60W USB-C
- UltraSafe 2.0 spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection
- 5-minute emergency charge for a single start
Cons
- About 12 starts per charge, far fewer than the GB150
- Big diesels over 6.5L need the GB150 or GB251+
GOOLOO GT4000
Best for: Budget buyers who want a high peak rating.
- Battery Cell Composition
- Lithium Polymer
- Voltage
- 12 volts
- Product Dimensions
- 8.98"D x 3.92"W x 1.49"H
- Battery Capacity
- 24000 mAh
- Amperage
- 4000 A
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
The GT4000 Arctic is a 4,000A lithium-polymer jump starter rated for engines up to 12L gas and 10L diesel. Its battery preheat feature is built for starts down to -40°F, and GOOLOO says it holds a charge on standby for up to 24 months.
Pros
- Highest engine rating here for the price: 12L gas / 10L diesel
- Battery preheat for very cold mornings
- Up to 24 months of standby between charges
- 10 built-in protections, including spark-proof clamps
Cons
- Peak-amp ratings are not standardized, so compare engine ratings rather than amps
- Less proven over the long term than NOCO
NOCO Boost Max GB251+
Best for: Large diesels, commercial trucks and fleets.
- Battery Cell Composition
- Lithium
- Voltage
- 24 volts
- Product Dimensions
- 19.49"D x 14.17"W x 10.51"H
- Vehicle Service Type
- Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, Van, Watercraft
- Battery Capacity
- 6.2
- Amperage
- 3000 A
The GB251+ is a 3,000A, 24V lithium booster for gas and diesel engines up to 32L: Class 8 trucks, buses, motorhomes and farm or construction equipment. It recharges in 3 hours with the included 56W adapter and works as a power bank.
Pros
- 24V output for commercial trucks and heavy equipment
- Rated for engines up to 32L
- Spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected
- 3-hour recharge with the included adapter
Cons
- 24V, so it is not for a normal 12V pickup
- Large, heavy and expensive for personal use
How to read jump starter specs
Peak amps are marketing; engine ratings are useful
Peak amps are a split-second number and are not standardized between brands. Instead, look for the maker's rating for engine size (for example, "up to X.0L gas / X.0L diesel") and match it to your truck with some margin.
Diesel needs more than gas
Diesel engines use high compression and glow plugs, so they need much more current. If you drive a diesel, choose a unit rated specifically for your diesel engine size.
Cold weather cuts output
Lithium jump starters lose power in deep cold. Store the unit inside when possible, or choose lead-acid if you regularly start trucks below freezing.
If a battery is cracked, leaking or frozen, do not jump it. Replace it. Always connect positive first, then negative to a clean ground point away from the battery, and follow the jump starter's manual.
Truck jump starter FAQ
How many amps do I need to jump-start a truck?
Ignore peak amps and look at the maker's engine rating, such as 'gas up to 8.0L, diesel up to 6.0L'. Diesels and cold weather need far more power than a gas engine on a warm day.
Can a jump starter damage my truck's electronics?
Modern units have reverse-polarity and spark protection, which makes them safer than jumper cables. Follow the instructions and connect the clamps before switching on.
How long does a lithium jump starter hold its charge?
Most hold a charge for months, but they lose some over time and in the cold. Recharge every few months and store it inside the cab, not in a freezing truck bed box.
Bottom line
For most truck owners, the NOCO Boost Pro GB150 is the jump starter to buy. Cold-climate users should consider the GOOLOO GT4000 with its battery preheat, and big diesels deserve the NOCO GB251+.
Sources
Official sources for the standards, safety rules and products in this guide. Specifications change between model years, so confirm current specs and fitment on the manufacturer's site before you buy.
- Battery Council International — BCI
- NOCO — official site — current product specifications
