If your diesel truck’s battery has gone flat, you may be left wondering, “ which battery to use when jumping a diesel truck?” In fact, this is one of the common questions diesel truck owners seek answers to. The simple answer is that doesn’t matter which battery you use to jump-start your vehicle. It is best practice to use the battery connected directly to the alternator. This is generally, the closest one to the engine.
Diesel engines generally require more powerful jump starters than gasoline engines because they have higher compression ratios, higher torque demands, and a larger displacement. For these reasons, it is essential to use a jump starter that matches the specific requirements of a diesel truck. Check out our Top-rated Jump Starters for Diesel Engines.
A reliable jump starter for diesel engines should have sufficient power capacity to deliver a strong surge of electrical energy to your diesel truck’s dead or weak battery. This ensures that it can effectively crank the engine and start the vehicle.
Tips For Selecting The Right Jump Starter For Jumping A Diesel Truck
Choosing the right battery for jumping a diesel truck can mean the difference between getting back on the road within a few minutes and getting stranded out there with a flat car battery. Below are some of the important tips to consider when shopping for a battery for jumping a diesel truck.
– High Peak Current Rating
Look for a jump starter with a high peak current rating, often measured in amps or cold cranking amps. A higher peak current rating indicates the jump starter can deliver a strong surge of electrical energy needed to crank the diesel engine.
– Ample Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity, measured in minutes, represents how long a jump starter can provide a continuous supply of power without losing voltage. A portable jump starter with ample reserve capacity ensures sustained energy supply during the extended cranking time required for diesel engines.
– Heavy-Duty Design
Choose a jump starter specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, such as trucks or commercial vehicles. These jump starters are built to handle the higher torque demands and compression ratios of diesel engines.
– Safety Features
Ensure the jump starter for diesel trucks has safety features like reverse polarity protection and overload protection to prevent electrical accidents and damage to the jump starter and the vehicle’s electrical systems.
– Portable and Convenient
Portability is a crucial factor for jump starters for diesel trucks. It’s advisable to choose a jump starter that is portable and easy to use. Look for one with clear instructions and a user-friendly design.
– Warranty
This is one of the key considerations you cannot afford to overlook. Ensure the jump starter comes with a reliable warranty. A warranty not only provides peace of mind but also demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality and durability. Look for a jump starter for diesel trucks with extended warranty periods, as it can offer added protection against any potential defects or malfunctions.
If you’re in the market for a jump starter for diesel trucks and you’ve been asking yourself, “which battery to use when jumping a diesel truck,” we recommend you choose the NOCO Boost Max GB500+.
What Makes The NOCO Boost Max GB500+ Ideal For Jumping Diesel Trucks

1. Ample Power Capacity
A good jump starter for diesel trucks should have sufficient power capacity to deliver a strong surge of electrical energy to the vehicle’s dead battery. This ensures that it can effectively crank the engine and start the vehicle, even in challenging situations. The NOCO Boost Max GB500+ packs over 6250-amps of starting power, which is sufficient to jump start gasoline and diesel engines up to 45-liters. You can use the jump starter to jump start semi-trucks (up to class 8), buses, coaches, motorhomes, and different types of gas-powered and diesel-powered equipment.
2. Durability and Longevity
A reliable jump starter for diesel engines should be built to last, with sturdy construction and high-quality materials that withstand rough handling and continuous use. The NOCO Boost Max GB500+ is built with durability in mind. The device comes with a protective interface cover and heavy-duty zippers, all of which enhance its durability.
3. Portability and Compact Design
No one wants to carry around a bulky jump starter with lots of parts and cables. The NOCO Boost Max GB500+ weighs a mere 24 pounds, making it a portable and lightweight unit. The compact and lightweight design allows for easy storage in the vehicle and effortless transportation when needed.
4. Ease of Use
One of the things that previous buyers have liked about the NOCO Boost Max GB500+ is its ease of use. This device is user-friendly, with clear instructions and an intuitive design. This allows even those without technical expertise to operate it confidently in emergency situations.
5. Integrated Digital Battery Voltmeter
NOCO Boost Max GB500+ comes with an integrated digital battery voltmeter that displays the battery’s current voltage level on a digital screen, providing you with precise and up-to-date information. The voltmeter provides you with real-time information about the voltage level of your vehicle’s battery, helping you assess its condition accurately.
6. 2,200-Lumen LED Flashlight
NOCO Boost Max GB500+ is more than just a jump starter for diesel trucks. It also doubles up as a high-intensity flashlight with various brightness modes, SOS, and emergency strobe. This feature offers the convenience of having a high-intensity flashlight and a jump starter in a single device, making it a versatile and handy tool for various situations, especially during roadside emergencies. In case of vehicle breakdowns or power outages, the high lumen flashlight serves as a reliable emergency light source, assisting with repairs or navigation.
7. 2.1A USB Ports
NOCO Boost Max GB500+ includes 2.1A USB ports that provide a convenient way to charge and power various electronic devices using USB cables. These USB ports allow you to connect your smartphones, tablets, cameras, GPS devices, or other USB-powered gadgets directly to the jump starter for charging or power supply. The ports make the NOCO Boost Max GB500+ a versatile tool for jump-starting vehicles and powering your mobile devices.
Conclusion
Not all portable jump starters are created equal. Some jump starters have a lower peak current rating, hence, they may not have the capacity to crank a diesel engine. It’s important to consider a jump starter’s peak current rating and reserve capacity. You don’t want to spend your hard earned money on a jump starter that won’t crank your diesel truck. Before purchasing a jump starter for a diesel engine, it is advisable to check the product specifications and ensure it is designed to handle the higher demands of diesel engines effectively. We believe this guide on “which battery to use when jumping a diesel truck” will help you choose the right portable jump starter for your needs.
