A flat battery 400km from the nearest town with no mobile signal and no passing traffic is not a situation you want to be in without a jump starter. Traditional jumper leads need a second vehicle, and on a quiet outback road at 6am, that second vehicle might not show up for hours. A portable lithium jump starter fits in your glovebox, starts your engine in seconds, and doesn’t need another car anywhere nearby.
For Big Lappers towing a caravan, the stakes are higher. Most tow vehicles are diesels, which demand more cranking power than petrol engines. You’re also running accessories like fridges and inverters that can slowly drain your starter battery if something goes wrong with your charging system. A good jump starter is cheap insurance against being stranded.
The market ranges from $80 budget units to $1,000+ professional-grade starters. Here’s how to cut through the noise and pick the right one for your setup.
What To Look For
Peak Amps vs Cranking Amps
Every jump starter quotes “peak amps,” which is the maximum burst of power it can deliver for a split second. This is the headline number, but it’s not the full story. Cranking amps (the sustained power delivered during the actual engine crank) is what really matters. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers publish cranking amp figures, so peak amps remains the primary comparison metric. As a rule of thumb, for a diesel tow vehicle, you want at least 1,500 peak amps. For larger diesels (4.5L+), aim for 2,000+ peak amps.
Petrol vs Diesel Rating
This is critical for Big Lappers. Diesel engines need significantly more power to crank than petrol engines because of higher compression ratios. A jump starter rated for “8L petrol / 6L diesel” will start most common tow vehicles (HiLux, Ranger, Triton, D-Max, BT-50, Prado). If you’re running a 200 Series LandCruiser or a large American truck, look for units rated to 10L+ petrol / 8L+ diesel.
Battery Capacity (mAh)
Higher mAh means more stored energy, which translates to more jump starts per charge and more power bank capacity for charging devices. A unit with 20,000mAh+ will deliver 30-50 jump starts on a full charge. The real-world number depends on engine size and battery condition, but even a partially charged unit should handle multiple starts.
Safety Features
Non-negotiable features include reverse polarity protection (it won’t fry your electronics if you connect the clamps wrong), spark-proof connections, short-circuit protection, and overcharge protection. Every reputable brand includes these. If a product listing doesn’t mention safety features, move on.
Heat Tolerance
Your jump starter will live in your vehicle, and Australian vehicles get brutally hot in summer. Cheap lithium cells can swell, degrade, or fail in sustained heat. Quality units use heat-resistant cell chemistry and are rated for higher operating temperatures. Even so, storing it in the cabin rather than the boot or engine bay extends its life.
Check your jump starter’s charge every 2-3 months, even if you haven’t used it. Lithium batteries self-discharge slowly, and a completely flat jump starter can damage its own cells. Most quality units hold charge for 3-6 months, but it’s worth checking before every major trip.
Brands To Know
The jump starter market is flooded with brands, and the quality gap between the best and worst is enormous. Here’s how the main brands stack up.
Premium
NOCO is the global benchmark. Founded in 1914, they pioneered the UltraSafe technology that’s now the standard for spark-proof, reverse-polarity-protected jump starters. Their Boost series (GB40, GB70, GBX series) is used by roadside assist operators and mechanics across Australia. Available at Supercheap Auto, Repco, and BCF. You pay more, but the build quality, safety engineering, and warranty support are proven over millions of units worldwide.
Projecta is the Australian option at the premium end. Designed in Melbourne, their Intelli-Start range features Rapid Recharge Technology (RRT), which recharges the jump starter from the vehicle it just started in 40 seconds. Their professional units support both 12V and 24V systems, and they use LiFePO4 battery chemistry for superior safety and lifespan. The IS1400 and IS2000 are the models most relevant for Big Lappers.
Mid-Level
Gooloo has built a massive following in Australia, particularly through OzBargain. Their units punch well above their price point, with aggressive specs and regular deep discounts. The A3 combo unit (jump starter + air compressor) is one of the best value products in the entire category. Not as refined as NOCO, but the real-world track record among thousands of Australian users speaks for itself.
iTechWorld is a Perth-based, family-owned company that’s been in the lithium space for 14 years. Their JS80 is a 3,000A unit designed specifically for big Australian diesels. Good local support and a strong reputation in the 4WD community.
KickAss is an Australian brand offering solid mid-range options with practical features. Their 1500A unit has been tested to deliver 55 starts on a D-Max diesel with the starter battery disconnected, which is a real-world test rather than a lab number.
Budget
Wildtrak offers entry-level and heavy-duty jump starters at accessible prices. Their units come in hard cases and deliver reasonable specs for the money. A good starting point if budget is your primary concern.
Kings is a familiar name in the budget 4WD accessories space. Their jump starters are basic but functional. Fine as a backup unit, but for your primary jump starter, spend a bit more on a mid-range or premium brand.
Be sceptical of peak amp claims on budget units. A $60 jump starter claiming 6,000 peak amps is using marketing maths. Reputable brands like NOCO and Projecta have their figures independently verified. Budget brands often don’t. Buy based on the diesel engine size rating rather than the headline amp number.
Lithium Jump Starters
Standard lithium jump starters are the core category: a compact, portable unit that starts your engine and doubles as a USB power bank. No air compressor, no extra functions, just reliable cranking power in a small package. For most Big Lappers, this is all you need.
✔ Pros
- Industry-leading UltraSafe technology
- IP65 rated, genuinely rugged build
- 40 starts per charge is exceptional
- Widely available at Supercheap, Repco, BCF
- Compact enough for a glovebox
✗ Cons
- 6.0L diesel limit may be tight for larger engines
- No air compressor function
- Premium price (though competitive for the quality)
✔ Pros
- Real-world tested on a diesel engine (55 starts)
- Strong value at this price point
- Dual USB ports for device charging
- Australian brand
✗ Cons
- May struggle with larger diesel engines (4.5L+)
- No USB-C port
- Less established than NOCO in the jump starter space
Also Worth Considering
The Wildtrak 1000A Multi-Function Jump Starter (~$100-150) comes in a hard carry case with power bank and LED torch functions. Suitable for smaller petrol engines and lighter diesel vehicles. A reasonable entry-level option. Check price at Wildtrak →
Heavy-Duty / Diesel-Rated Units
If you’re towing with a 200 Series LandCruiser, a V8 Patrol, a large American truck, or any vehicle with a diesel engine over 6 litres, you need more cranking power than a standard lithium jump starter delivers. These units are built for the big engines.
✔ Pros
- 3,000A handles any tow vehicle including large diesels
- USB-C PD 60W charges laptops
- Australian-designed (Perth), good local support
- 6-month charge retention
- IP65 waterproof with hard case included
✗ Cons
- Larger and heavier than compact units
- 12-month warranty (NOCO offers longer)
- Pricier than budget alternatives with similar spec claims
✔ Pros
- 12V and 24V capability (unique at this level)
- Rapid Recharge in 40 seconds from the vehicle
- LiFePO4 chemistry for safety and longevity
- Australian-designed, excellent local support
✗ Cons
- ~$1,070 is significantly more than consumer units
- Overkill if you only need 12V
- Heavier than compact alternatives
Also Worth Considering
The Wildtrak Heavy Duty 6000A (~$200-300) pushes serious claimed amperage with 26,800mAh capacity, USB-C charging, and wireless charging built in. Comes in a hard case. A budget-friendly heavy-duty option, though the 6,000A peak amp claim should be taken with a grain of salt at this price point. Check price at Wildtrak →
Projecta also makes the IS1400 (~$418, 1400A, 12V, suits 6L+ petrol / 4.5L+ diesel) which hits a sweet spot between consumer and professional. It has the same Rapid Recharge Technology as the IS2000 but in a 12V-only package at a lower price.
Multifunction Units
A growing category that combines a jump starter with a built-in tyre inflator, and sometimes additional features like wireless charging, SOS lights, and power bank functions. The appeal is obvious: one device handles multiple roadside problems and saves carrying separate gear. The trade-off is that the air compressor in a combo unit won’t match the flow rate of a dedicated 12V compressor, but for topping up a slightly low tyre or inflating after airing down on a beach track, they do the job.
✔ Pros
- Exceptional value for a 5-in-1 unit
- Air compressor with preset modes and auto shut-off
- Sunlight-readable display
- 10 built-in safety features
- Proven track record (thousands of Australian users)
✗ Cons
- Peak amp claims may be optimistic (common with budget brands)
- Air compressor is slow for full tyre inflation from flat
- Long-term heat tolerance is less proven than NOCO
Other Multifunction Units
The San Hima 2500A Jump Starter with Air Compressor (~$100-150) is another combo option with solid specs and a growing reputation in the Australian caravan market. Check price at San Hima →
The Kleva 6-in-1 Car Jump Starter (~$80-120) bundles a jump starter, air compressor, power bank, and LED light in one unit. A budget all-in-one that covers the basics. Check price at Kleva →
There are also 4000A combo units on Amazon AU from lesser-known brands. These can work, but read the reviews carefully and be realistic about the peak amp claims.
A combo unit’s air compressor is great for topping up a slightly low tyre, but it won’t replace a dedicated 12V compressor for re-inflating after serious sand driving. If you’re doing a lot of beach or desert driving, carry a proper compressor and treat the combo unit’s inflator as a convenient backup.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Category | Price | Peak Amps | Diesel Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GB70 Best Pick | Lithium | ~$300 | 2,000A | 6.0L | Most tow vehicles |
| KickAss 1500A | Lithium | ~$150 | 1,500A | ~3.0L (tested) | Standard dual-cab diesels |
| Wildtrak 1000A | Lithium | ~$120 | 1,000A | Small diesel | Entry-level / lighter vehicles |
| iTechWorld JS80 Best HD | Heavy-Duty | ~$350 | 3,000A | 8.0L | Large diesel tow vehicles |
| Projecta IS2000 | Heavy-Duty | ~$1,070 | 2,000A | 7.0L (12V+24V) | Professionals, 24V vehicles |
| Wildtrak 6000A HD | Heavy-Duty | ~$250 | 6,000A | Large diesel | Budget heavy-duty |
| Gooloo A3 Best Value | Multifunction | ~$90 | 3,000A | 6.5L | Jump start + air compressor |
| San Hima 2500A | Multifunction | ~$120 | 2,500A | ~5.0L | Budget combo |
The Verdict
For most Big Lappers towing with a standard dual-cab diesel (HiLux, Ranger, D-Max, BT-50, Triton), the NOCO GB70 is the pick. It’s the most trusted name in jump starters, it’s proven, safe, compact, and available at every Supercheap Auto and Repco in the country.
If you’re towing with a 200 Series LandCruiser or another large diesel (4.5L+), step up to the iTechWorld JS80. The 3,000A and 8.0L diesel rating give you headroom, and the USB-C PD laptop charging is a practical bonus for remote workers.
If you want one device that handles both jump starting and tyre inflation, the Gooloo A3 is absurd value. It won’t match the NOCO for build quality or verified cranking power, but at under $100 on sale, it’s cheap enough to carry as a backup alongside your primary jump starter.
Whatever you buy, keep it charged, keep it accessible (glovebox or centre console, not buried in the tunnel boot), and check it before every big trip. A jump starter is only useful if it’s charged and within reach when you need it.
- For diesel tow vehicles, you need at least 1,500 peak amps; 2,000+ for larger engines
- NOCO and Projecta are the premium brands; Gooloo, iTechWorld, and KickAss offer strong mid-range value
- NOCO GB70 is the best all-rounder for most Big Lappers (~$300)
- iTechWorld JS80 is the pick for large diesels like the 200 Series LandCruiser
- Gooloo A3 is the best multifunction unit (jump starter + air compressor) at remarkable value
- Be sceptical of peak amp claims on budget units; buy based on the diesel engine size rating
- Check charge every 2-3 months; store in the cabin to avoid heat damage
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