Vector lithium-ion starter covers your road trip in many ways
Sometimes your car battery will let you know when it starts to die. Other times, it's unexpected. Either way, it's an inconvenience, but that doesn't mean your day has to come to a screeching halt when you get a new power supply. Vector sent us their 1200 amp Li-Ion starter so we can give you an idea of how to use it and what to expect.
Why choose Li-ion?
There are many portable emergency starters on the market, and you're probably already familiar with starters that use lead-acid batteries. They work well, but Lithium-ion models are smaller, lighter and take longer to charge.
Vector's power bank is only 7 x 3 inches and weighs 14 ounces. Of course, you have to account for your alligator clips and charging cables, but they take up far less room in your car. We recommend keeping everything in the device's box (when fully charged). At 10 3/4 x 6 x 2 1/2 inches, there is room under the seat in almost every vehicle for boxes, so you can have everything you need, when you need it.
jump start
If your vehicle has a 12V ignition system, even if you have a V8 engine, this emergency starter may help.
When you need to jump, it's easy to set up. Open the red cap marked "Engine Start", insert the clips (they only fit one way), connect the red to the battery positive and the black to the battery negative (or engine block), look for a green LED light to confirm Make a good connection, then start the engine. No need to wait minutes or involve a second car.
Note that a red light indicates that the clamp is not connected properly, the power bank needs to be charged, or the device needs to cool down.
WARNING: Do not attempt to jump start the vehicle with the power bank plugged in and charging.
When you're done, disconnect the negative first, then the positive. Be sure to charge your device when you arrive at your destination and every 3 to 6 months when not in use. While the unit can support up to 30 jump starts on a single charge, it's better to be safe than sorry.
bonus features
Vector adds some features to make it more than just a launcher. There's an LED light on one end, and a USB-A and a USB-C port on the other. Both USB ports are fast-charging 3.1-amp designs.
To use these features, you need to press the red power button on the top of the power bank. The first press activates the USB port. Press a second time to turn on the LED light (the USB port is still active). Press a third time to turn everything off again.
You also have a variety of charging options. You can use a USB-A to USB-A cable, connect it to a 120V AC adapter, or connect it to a 12V car adapter.
Vector Li-Ion Jump Starter Price
We found the Vector SS6LV at Home Depot online and in our local store. It costs $89.98, includes everything you need to charge and jumpstart, and comes with a 1-year warranty.
the bottom line
What we like best about the Vector lithium-ion emergency starter is that it's more compact than other portable options, and the lithium has a lower discharge rate. It's capable of starting engines up to a V8, charging devices and providing some lighting, making it a more versatile part of your vehicle kit. For less than $100, it's a handy addition to your next road trip.
Vector Lithium Ion Emergency Starter Specifications
- Model: Vector SS6LV
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Polymer
- Voltage: 11.1 Volts
- Capacity: 37.185Wh
- Boost current: 335A (1 sec), 250A (2 sec)
- Operating Range: –20° to 40° C (-4° to 104° F)