RV VAN JUMPER CABLE emergencykit

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When your RV won’t start and you need a jump, why rely on anything less than the best jumper cables to get you back on the road? We’ve all been there. You’re all packed up and ready to hit the road. Then, all of a sudden, you twist the key and nothing happens.

We all try the engine at least five or six times before admitting defeat. Maybe we hope our RV’s just playing a practical joke on us.Of course, that’s never the case.

Fortunately, keeping some of the best jumper cables in your emergency RV kit can have you back on the road in no time.

How Are the Best Jumper Cables for RVs Different from Other Cables?

best jumper cables for RV van in case of emergency at night

Image source: Pixabay

One key difference between the best jumper cables for your RV and your run-of-the-mill automobile is the thickness of the wires. Most jumper cables advertise their wire gauge, as well as the total amperage load and metallic composition.The lower the gauge, such as a 0 gauge or 2 gauge, the thicker and more heavy-duty the inner wires of your jumper cables.

For example:Cables with a 0 or 2 gauge rating are capable of safely jumpstarting your RV, but they can also handle commercial trucks and SUVs.Many of the best jumper cables for routine car emergencies utilize 4 or 6 gauge wires. These cables are safe to use on standard passenger cars and economy vehicles. However, anything smaller than 6 gauge could melt or short out when used on a car battery.

Length

Length is another factor separating the best jumper cables for RVs from those that should stay in your car trunk.

While 10-foot jumper cables may work just fine for smaller passenger vehicles, that length usually won’t cut it for RVs. When it comes time to jumpstart your RV’s battery, the cable just won’t reach.

The best jumper cables for RVs start at about 20 or 25 feet in length.

Safety

Even if you use them as directed, jumper cables still present a serious shock hazard.

Once the positive and negative cables connect to a live battery, any accidental contact between the opposite clamps will produce a spark.

While a spark can definitely harm the person handling the cables, the risk is even greater if there are flammable liquids or gasses nearby.

For instance, if you leave your cables unattended near a puddle of gasoline or oil the results can be deadly.

The best jumper cables will provide generous insulation around the clamps to help discourage accidental electrical discharges. However, negligence can still lead to serious injury.

For the safest jumpstart possible, look for cables that feature heavy rubber or plastic covers around the clamps.

Tangle resistance

Detangling any type of wire is a pain, especially if you’re in a hurry and need to jumpstart your RV.

A set of 20-foot jumper cables are going to be bulky and unwieldy by design. However, the best jumper cables will include tangle-resistant features.

High-quality jumper cables will also include a special case or bag for storage.

Clamps

The clamps are the business end of your jumper cables. The entire jumpstarting process begins and ends with this part of the cable.

The best jumper cables for RVs will feature heavy-duty clamps with strong springs and sharp teeth. These features ensure a better grip for both top- and side-mounted battery posts.

The best jumper cables will feature 100 percent copper clamps, which offers better conductivity than most other metals.

Insulation

Insulation is the material between you and the wire. This insulation protects you from the active electricity while also preventing damage to the cable.

The best jumper cables feature a thick layer of insulation that remains flexible in all weather conditions.

When shopping for a new pair of jumper cables, we suggest investing in a pair that can withstand temperatures below freezing.

Metal composition and gauge

As we mentioned, 100 percent copper clamps are the best option on the market. Copper is also an excellent material for your cables’ internal wires.

However, aluminum wires also offer excellent conductivity. Plus, aluminum wires weigh less than their copper counterparts.

When searching for the best jumper cables to include in your emergency RV kit, look for solid copper or copper-coated aluminum wires.

Storage

Protecting your jumper cables from the elements is crucial if you want them to be reliable and last for years to come.The sun’s heat can cause cracks in your cables’ insulation. On the other hand, excess moisture can hamper the conductivity of your cables.

Given the length of the best jumper cables for RVs, you might wonder how you’ll store them when not in use. Measure how much available space you have in your RV and look for a set of cables that will fit. If your cables of choice include a storage case, double-check that this case will fit in your RV as well.

Things You Need to Know About Your RV Battery

As you may know or may not know, your RV’s battery doesn’t actually make power. Instead, your RV battery is an electrical storage device that holds passive energy in the form of chemicals.

Complicated, yes. But also incredibly useful.

Unfortunately, most people pay little attention to their RV battery. That is until it fails. Then, they shake their head, blame the manufacturer, and buy a new battery until the same thing happens again.

In fact, countless RV owners buy a brand new battery every spring. Not only is this expensive, but it’s also an unnecessary waste!

Here are a few tips to prolong the life of your RV battery and save tons of cash along the way:

Tip #1

Never let your batteries drain below a 50 percent charge. If your battery drops below this number, recharge it immediately. If you allow your RV battery to go any lower than 20 percent, it could withstand damage and never operate at 100 percent capacity again.

But if you follow this basic rule, a gel or absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery will last up to seven years.

Tip #2

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When fully charged, 12-volt RV batteries give off slightly more voltage than when only partially charged. You can easily monitor your battery’s charge by keeping an eye on the amount of voltage it gives off.

If your RV has an inverter or solar panel, you can use a battery monitor that displays the charge state. A digital voltmeter is also a great tool to keep in your RV kit. If you don’t already have one of these devices, you can find one online or at your local hardware store.

Tip #3

When buying a new battery, make sure you pay close attention to the battery’s application. Each battery type serves a specific application, such as deep cycle, marine, and automotive. Always make sure you purchase a battery that’s compatible with your RV.

 

For example:Starting batteries are used to start your RV’s engine. Deep cycle batteries are designed to give a steady amount of power over an extended period. Marine batteries, though, are a hybrid of starting and deep cycle batteries.

If you’re unsure about what type of battery you need, don’t hesitate to contact your RV’s manufacturer or ask the staff at your local automotive store.

How We Selected the Best RV Jumper Cables

Uncovering the best jumper cables required hours of research. We examined numerous RV internet forums, videos, articles, and blogs for recommendations.

We then narrowed our candidates by selecting only the top-rated jumper cables that rate 0 to 2-gauge.Finally, we chose the best jumper cables based on total amperage, construction, user ratings,and warranty.

The Best RV Jumper Cables on the Market Today

To help you find the best jumper cables for your RV, we’ve created a list of the 10 best jumper cables currently available on the market.

Insulation is the material between you and the wire. This insulation protects you from the active electricity while also preventing damage to the cable.

The best jumper cables feature a thick layer of insulation that remains flexible in all weather conditions. When shopping for a new pair of jumper cables, we suggest investing in a pair that can withstand temperatures below freezing.

Glo Pro 25-Foot 2 Gauge Green Jumper Cables

25-Foot 2 Gauge Green Tangle Free Rubber Battery Booster Jumper Cables
  • Tangle free, twin line construction
  • Heavy duty jacket stays flexible to -30°F
  • Fits all top and side post batteries

These Glo Pro 25-Foot 2 Gauge Green Jumper Cables feature a tangle-free, twin line construction and heavy-duty green jacket. This protective covering is easy to see (even at night) and stays flexible in temperatures down to 30 degrees below zero.

The 400 Amp direct-contact jaws fit all top- and side-mounted battery posts and the 25-foot cable length gives you plenty of room to get the best jumpstart.

If you’re looking for cables built with safety and ease-of-use in mind, these might be the best jumper cables for your RV needs.

Amazon customers rate these cables 5 out of 5 stars. You can buy these jumper cables on Amazon.

NoOne Heavy Duty 25Ft 1000Amp 0 Gauge Jumper Cables

Jumper Cables, Heavy Duty Booster Cables 0 Gauge 25Feet (0AWG x 25Ft)...
  • 🔥[HEAVY DUTY FAST CONNECTION] The 0GA 25FT Battery jumper cables have 0.58-inch diameter feature high-quality,...
  • 🔥[STRONG FULL COPPER CLAMPS] The NoOne booster cable has four giant alligator clamps with strong jagged teeth and...
  • 🔥[FLEXIBLE AND S6 PROTECTOR ] Extra long 25 Feet booster jumper cables allows you to access from various locations...

The NoOne Heavy Duty 25Ft 1000Amp 0 Gauge Jumper Cables feature heavy-duty connections with OGA 0.58-inch 0 gauge cables.

In simpler terms, these jumper cables are beasts.

These jumper cables have a dense inner core that you can always count on when you need it most. The four giant clamps feature jagged teeth and springs for incredible force and grip.

You can use these cables in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. Plus, they feature rubber-coated insulation and measure 25 feet long.

Without a doubt, these are some of the best jumper cables to invest in if you’re looking for something reliable and zero-fuss.

These cables earned 4.8 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers. They are available on Amazon and feature a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

AUTOGEN 1 Gauge x 25Ft. 900A Heavy Duty Jumper Cables

AUTOGEN Heavy Duty Jumper Cables, Booster Cables 1 Gauge 25Feet 900AMP...
  • ✅ LONGER AND POWERFUL - 1 Gauge 25 Feet 900A LONGEST and MOST POWERFUL jumper cables designed for heavy duty vehicles
  • ✅ STRONG JAW - JAW designed with an extra thick PVC Cover providing exclusive drop resistance and insulated protection
  • ✅ CONDUCTIVITY - Highly conductive Copper Coated Aluminum (CCA) conductor wires with a twice grip design

The AUTOGEN 1 Gauge x 25Ft. 900A Heavy Duty Jumper Cables feature 100 percent copper jaws. Combined with the extra-thick PVC covering, these cables offer great drop resistance and insulated protection.

These cables also feature highly conductive Copper-Coated Aluminum (CCA) wires. If you’re looking for a set of cables that will work in any situation, these are some of the best jumper cables for added peace-of-mind.

But these cables aren’t just useful in emergencies. With a tangle-free design and clamps that work great with side- and top-mounted posts, these are an excellent pair of cables for your day-to-day kit.

These cables have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers. You can find these cables on Amazon.

FJC 45245 2 Gauge 25′ 600 Amp Parrot Clamp Professional Booster Cables

FJC (45245) 25' 2-Gauge Booster Cable with 600 Amp Rating Parrot Clamp
  • 2 Gauge 25 Foot 600 Amp Parrot Clamp
  • Commercial Duty Rating

The FJC 45245 2 Gauge 25′ 600 Amp Parrot Clamp Professional Booster Cables feature sturdy parrot clamps and can deliver up to 600 amps. With these commercial-grade 2 gauge cables, measuring 25 feet in length, you can jumpstart pretty much any RV or large vehicle.

Plus, all FJC products undergo extensive testing to ensure they meet or exceed various regulatory testing standards.

However, if you’re searching for solid copper wires, these probably aren’t the best jumper cables for you. Instead, these cables feature copper-coated aluminum wiring.

Amazon customers give these cables 4.3 out of 5 stars. These jumper cables are available on Amazon.

Katzco 1 Gauge 600 Amp 25 Feet Long Heavy Duty Jumper Cables

Katzco Jumper Cables with Hard Case - 1 Gauge 25 Feet - 600 Amp -...
  • SET INCLUDES 600 amp, 25’ jumper cables; carrying case for convenient storage.
  • COLOR-CODED red and black alligator clips / wires mark positive and negative terminals.
  • 1-GAUGE, 25’ CABLES transfer power for 6 or 12 volt batteries.

These Katzco 1 Gauge 600 Amp 25 Feet Long Heavy Duty Jumper Cables feature premium materials and a tangle-free design.

The protective coating on these cables can resist damage from water, petroleum, dirt, and grime. They also feature durable clamps that fit most top- and side-mounted posts.

Like most of the best jumper cables for RVs, these cables are 25 feet long. Plus, they come with a sturdy, impact-resistant travel case for easy and stress-free storage.

Amazon reviewers rate these cables 4.9 out of 5 stars. If these jumper cables pique your interest, you can order them now on Amazon.

Unique Imports 1 Gauge 20 ft 800 AMP Heavy

Duty Jumper Cables

The Unique Imports 1 Gauge 20 ft 800 AMP Heavy Duty Jumper Cables feature temperature-resistant shielding that can endure extreme heat and cold.

The heavy-duty clips are also rust-resistant, and the cables have a 1 gauge rating.

However, these cables only measure 20 feet in length. If you have a smaller RV and find that longer cables are a hassle, this shorter length might make these some of the best jumper cables for your kit.

This product earned 4.3 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers. It’s worth noting, though, that some customers felt the clamps were too small for their RV batteries.

You can find these cables on Amazon.

A ABIGAIL 25 Ft 1-Gauge 800A Heavy Duty Jumper Battery Cables

1-Gauge 800A Heavy Duty Jumper Battery Cables 25 Ft Booster Jump Start...
  • Color identification of cables prevents crossing of wires; Red (+) Black (-), Including 1 AWG Copper Clad Aluminum...
  • Jumper Cable 25’ Feet Long, 1 Gauge, 800 AMP – Commercial Automotive Vehicle Booster Cables – Motorcycle Car ATV...
  • Use in any weather: Tangle-free flexibility engineered for warm and cold climates; Oil, chemical, and water-resistant...

These A ABIGAIL 25 Ft 1-Gauge 800A Heavy Duty Jumper Battery Cables feature different colors for positive and negative wires to help prevent accidental crossing. This feature alone makes these some of the best jumper cables for inexperienced RV owners.

These cables use 1 gauge copper-clad aluminum wires, which can withstand thermal changes much better than all-aluminum cables.

Plus, these jumpers measure 25 feet long and support up to 800 amps. The flexible (but durable) PVC jacket can withstand both hot and cold conditions.

For even more protection and peace-of-mind, these cables are also tangle-free, oil- and water-resistant, and feature non-slip rubber coating. The high-tension copper clamps provide an ultra-strong grip on any style post.

Amazon customers gave these jumpers 4.6 out of 5 stars. These jumper cables are available on Amazon and include a 36-month, hassle-free replacement guarantee.

CARTMAN Heavy Duty 2 AWG (2Gauge x 20Feet) Jump Cables

CARTMAN 2 Gauge 20Feet Jumper Cable 800AMP Heavy Duty Booster Cables...
  • 3 year warranty! Cartman's aim is to give you the best shopping experience.
  • Sufficient CCA (Copper coated Aluminium). For 800Amp use. Over 50% greater conductor than of a 4 Gauge.
  • Ideal for use with full size pickup trucks, large recreational vehicles and freight hauling vehicles.

The CARTMAN Heavy Duty 2 AWG (2Gauge x 20Feet) Jump Cables feature heavy-duty 2 gauge copper-coated aluminum wires. While many people think the best jumper cables only feature 100 percent copper wires, these are a great option for the average RV owner.

The durable copper jaws easily grip most top- and side-mounted posts. Unlike most of the other cables on our list, the TPR coating on these cables is only flexible in temperatures as low as 13 degrees below zero. If you live in a colder climate, these definitely aren’t the best jumper cables for emergency use.

These cables have a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers. However, there is at least one report of the cables not working at all.

These jumper cables are available on Amazon and include a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Energizer 1-Gauge 800A 25 Ft Heavy Duty Jumper Battery Cables

Energizer Jumper Cables for Car Battery, Heavy Duty Automotive Booster...
  • ENERGIZER 25 FEET JUMPER CABLES - 1 Gauge, 25 FT booster battery jumper cables for jump starting a dead or weak battery....
  • THICK VINYL COATING - Includes a strong spring and a comfortable handle for secure placement and easy positioning. Thick...
  • CARRYING CASE INCLUDED - Our Energizer jumper cables come with a high-grade travel bag for easy transport and compact...

These Energizer 1-Gauge 800A 25 Ft Heavy Duty Jumper Battery Cables feature strong clamp springs and a comfortable handle for secure positioning and placement.

The all-copper grips fit securely on both top- and side-mounted posts. Plus, their thick, vinyl coating protects against rust and corrosion.These tangle-free, industrial-grade, 1 gauge cables extend up to 25 feet and can handle up to 800 amps. Not to mention, the copper-clad aluminum cables remain flexible in conditions as low as 40 degrees below zero.

Amazon customers gave these cables 4.8 out of 5 stars. However, some reviews complained about the rubber clamp grips tearing. These jumper cables are available on Amazon and include a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Voilamart 1 Gauge 1200AMP 20Ft Auto

Jumper Cables

Voilamart Auto Heavy Duty Jumper Cables 2 Gauge 20Ft 1200AMP with...
  • GREAT PERFORMANCE - Heavy duty jumper cables 2 gauge 1200amp with 12mm Thicker. (The lower the gauge the thicker the...
  • QUALITY CONSTRUCTION - PVC insulation jump leads with resistance to heat, oil and acid. All-insulated handles over the...
  • EASY TO REACH - Tangle free 20 Feet length enables the booster cables to jump the battery of any other cars with ease,...

The Voilamart 1 Gauge 1200AMP 20Ft Auto Jumper Cables feature quality construction. The PVC-insulated jump leads resist heat, acid, and oil, making them some of the best jumper cables for in your garage or on the road.

These cables feature a super thick wire, allowing them to carry up to 1,200 amps of power. Most RV owners won’t need anywhere near this much power. But for those who do, these are the best jumper cables for the job!

These tangle-free cables feature temperature-resistance for use in extreme winter conditions. If you’re looking for a little extra length, though, these cables only measure 20 feet long.

Amazon reviewers gave these jumpers 4.7 out of 5 stars. You can find these heavy-duty jumper cables on Amazon.

The Best of the Best Jumper Cables for RVs

After careful consideration, our choice for the best jumper cables on the market is the Energizer 1-Gauge 800A 25 Ft Heavy Duty Jumper Battery Cables.

These cables offer some of the highest amperages while providing a functional design. For jumper cables that meet halfway between power and ease-of-use, these are a great investment.

Plus, these cables also include a branded storage case and a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

No matter which pair of jumper cables you choose for your RV emergency kit, be sure to take extra care when handling a live battery of any kind. Safety first, then you can sit back and enjoy your trip!

What other items are in your RV emergency repair and maintenance kit? Let us know your must-haves in the comments below!

Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API