Clarke JS5IN1 5 in 1 Jump Start

Our Review: What did we Think?

I received the Clarke 5 in 1 Jump Start just before the first caravan outing of the season so it proved excellent timing to review this new, potentially very useful gadget.

As well as being a Jump Starter for diesel engines up to 2.5 litres and petrol engines up to 3 litres, the unit offers a wide range of power sources, these being 2 x 12V (cigarette lighter) sockets, 2 x 5V USB sockets, 300watt 230V AC socket, a tyre compressor, and a 7 LED light.

On unpacking, the unit looked very sturdy and well made with much of the casing being protected from knocks and bangs by a rubber covering. A quick check of the built-in volt meter showed just under 13V so the unit came pre-charged and after using the supplied mains charger for about 15 minutes, the green LED showed that it was fully charged and ready for use. A 12V lead is also supplied so the unit can be charged from the car whilst driving although there is a warning that the unit will not become fully charged, presumably for use as a jump starter.

With the car loaded up with the laptop, iPad, iPod, and TV, I arrived at the caravan storage site and the first job was to inflate the tyres of the caravan after 6 months of non-use. It was great to be able to use the compressor rather than a foot pump and the built-in gauge proved to be 100% accurate when checked against my digital gauge. The compressor would also be very useful for pumping up an airbed.

Once settled at the campsite I set up the TV (sad I know!) using the 240V outlet without any problems but one must bear in mind that it is not a pure sine wave inverter which is normally recommended for use with TVs and laptops, and similar sensitive equipment. I later used the inverter to re-charge my laptop but again one must be aware of the above warning.

The USB outlet was fine for charging my iPod but as the output is only 500mA it probably wouldn’t be powerful enough to charge my smart phone or iPad, which require 1A and 2A respectively, but the normal 12V outlet did the job without any problem. The output of the 12V socket is not stated, something that I must check with Clarkes.

As darkness came I tested the LED light which proved to be bright but should be considered to be a work light (as it is described) rather than as a source of general light. However, the unit will, of course, provide power for either mains or 12V lights.

Fortunately, I did not need to test the jump start facility but according to the specification it should start the majority of cars and camper vans.

On arriving back home I reflected on the use of the Clarke 5in1 Jump Start over the weekend and I am pleased to report that, overall, I was very impressed with the range of facilities that it offers, particularly if one has a lot of electronics that need a power supply when an electric hook-up is not available. One could, of course, use the car battery but then it could well be necessary to have a jump starter at the end of the weekend!