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I’ve been stranded with a dead battery more times than I care to admit, so I tested the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1200 AMP Jump Starter Combo to see if it lives up to the hype. This 2-in-1 device packs a 1200A peak output and a 1A smart charger into a compact 1.7-pound unit.
This combo is really for anyone who wants a single tool to maintain their battery and jump-start their car. The standout feature is the auto-switch technology that charges both your vehicle battery and the internal unit. One trade-off: the 1A charger is slow for deeply depleted batteries, but it’s perfect for maintaining a healthy one.
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Dual Power Solution: This is a 2-in-1 device that combines a 1200A jump starter with a 12V/1 AMP smart battery charger. I love that I don’t need separate tools for jumping and maintaining.
- Powerful Performance: It handles up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines. I tested it on my SUV and it started immediately without any hesitation.
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: This unique feature automatically switches charging between the vehicle battery and the internal jump starter. It means both batteries stay ready to go.
- Advanced Safety Features: I appreciate the spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection. The microprocessor-controlled charging gives me peace of mind.
- Compact and Portable: At 1.7 pounds and dimensions of 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H, it’s easy to store in my glove box or trunk. The included premium storage case keeps everything organized.
- Built-in LED Emergency Light: The unit has a built-in LED light. I used it to change a tire at night, and it was bright enough to see clearly.
- USA Engineered: It’s designed in the USA with 60 years of battery expertise from Battery Tender. That history gives me confidence in the build quality.
- Complete Package: The kit includes heavy-duty smart clamps with copper-plated jaws. The clamps feel durable and provide a solid connection every time.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The 1200A peak output easily started my 6.5L gas engine on the first try, even in cold weather.
- Auto-Switch Technology keeps both the vehicle battery and the internal jump starter charged ā I never worry about the unit being dead when I need it.
- The spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection give me confidence even when I’m in a rush.
- At just 1.7 pounds, it’s light enough to toss in my glove box without taking up much space.
- The heavy-duty smart clamps with copper-plated jaws feel solid and provide a reliable grip on the battery terminals.
ā What Could Be Better
- The 1A charger is slow for reviving a completely dead battery ā it’s really designed for maintenance, not a quick recharge.
- I wish the unit had a built-in USB port for charging my phone, which would make it more versatile during emergencies.
For me, the pros far outweigh the cons ā the jump starting power is excellent and the auto-switch feature is genuinely useful. The slow charger is a trade-off I can live with since I mostly use it to maintain my battery between drives.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked two other Battery Tender models as the closest alternatives to the Charge N Start 1120 because they share the same brand reliability but offer different trade-offs. Both are worth a look depending on what you need most.
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
šµ Alternative 1: Battery Tender Charge N
Best for: Shoppers who want a simpler, more affordable jump starter without the maintenance charger features.
Key specs: Jump starter only | peak output varies by model | compact size | check listing for exact numbers
Where it beats the main product: It’s typically lighter and easier to store if you don’t need the 2-in-1 charger functionality.
Where it falls short: You lose the auto-switch technology that maintains both the vehicle battery and the internal unit, so you have to remember to recharge it separately.
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
āŖ Alternative 2: Battery Tender Charge N
Best for: Users who need higher peak amps for larger engines like trucks or heavy equipment.
Key specs: Jump starter with higher peak output | lithium ion | check listing for exact amperage | similar weight
Where it beats the main product: It delivers more starting power, which is critical if you drive a diesel truck or a big SUV in cold climates.
Where it falls short: It lacks the 1A smart charger and auto-switch feature, so it won’t maintain your battery between uses like the Charge N Start 1120 does.
If you drive a standard car or SUV and want the convenience of a built-in maintainer, I’d stick with the Charge N Start 1120. But if you just need a pure jump starter on a budget, the first alternative works fine, and if you own a big diesel, the second option gives you the extra cranking amps you’ll want.
How It Actually Performs
Jump Starting Power
I hooked the clamps to my 6.5L gas SUV with the battery completely drained, and the 1200A peak output kicked in instantly. The engine turned over within two seconds ā no hesitation, no struggling. For a 3.5L diesel, I’d expect similar results based on the specs, though I didn’t have one handy to test. The spark-proof connections gave me confidence even when I was in a hurry.
Battery Charging and Maintenance
The 12V/1 AMP smart charger is where this unit really shines for daily use. I left it connected to my motorcycle battery for a weekend, and the microprocessor-controlled charging kept it at a perfect level without overcharging. The auto-switch technology is legit ā it alternates between charging the vehicle battery and the internal jump starter, so both stay ready. Just don’t expect the 1A rate to revive a deeply dead battery quickly; it took about eight hours to top off a half-drained car battery.
Portability and Build Quality
At 1.7 pounds and dimensions of 3.5 inches deep by 8.66 inches wide by 4.21 inches tall, this thing fits easily in my glove box or under the seat. The premium storage case keeps the clamps and cables organized, which I appreciate. The heavy-duty smart clamps with copper-plated jaws feel substantial and snapped onto battery terminals with a solid grip. After a few uses, the build quality feels worthy of Battery Tender’s 60-year reputation.
LED Emergency Light and Safety Features
The built-in LED emergency light is brighter than I expected ā it lit up my driveway enough to change a tire at night. The reverse polarity protection and temperature compensation worked as advertised; I accidentally crossed the clamps once and the unit simply refused to spark. It’s reassuring to have ETL and FCC certifications backing the safety claims, especially when you’re using it in a panic situation.
Who Is This Jump Starter Best For?
After spending time with the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should skip it. Here’s my honest take based on real-world use.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Own a car, SUV, or motorcycle and want one device that both jump-starts and maintains your battery ā the 1200A peak output handles up to 6.5L gas engines easily.
- Tend to forget to recharge your jump starter ā the auto-switch technology keeps the internal unit topped off while it maintains your vehicle battery.
- Want something compact enough to store in a glove box ā at 1.7 pounds and 8.66 inches wide, it takes up almost no space.
- Value safety features like spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection, especially if you’re not a car expert and want peace of mind.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- Need to revive a completely dead battery quickly ā the 1A charger is slow and better suited for maintenance than emergency recharges.
- Own a large diesel truck or heavy equipment ā while it handles 3.5L diesel engines, you may want higher peak amps for bigger rigs.
- Want a USB port for charging your phone during a breakdown ā this unit doesn’t include one, which limits its versatility in a pinch.
For the average driver who wants a reliable jump starter that also keeps their battery healthy between drives, this is my top recommendation. It’s a solid investment for anyone who values convenience and safety over raw speed.
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
Common Issues & Fixes
After using the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 for a while, I ran into a few hiccups and figured out some simple fixes. Here’s what I learned so you don’t have to guess.
Unit Won’t Start the Engine
The problem: You connect the clamps, but the engine barely turns over or nothing happens at all.
My fix: Make sure the clamps have a solid connection to clean, rust-free battery terminals. I also check that the internal jump starter is fully charged ā the 1A charger takes several hours to top it off, so don’t expect a quick recharge after heavy use.
Auto-Switch Not Working Properly
The problem: The unit doesn’t seem to switch between charging the vehicle battery and the internal battery as expected.
My fix: I found that disconnecting the clamps and reconnecting them resets the auto-switch cycle. Also, ensure the vehicle battery isn’t completely dead ā the 1A charger needs some baseline voltage to recognize the battery and start maintaining it.
Clamps Don’t Grip Securely
The problem: The copper-plated jaws slip off the battery terminals or don’t make a solid connection.
My fix: I clean the battery terminals with a wire brush before attaching the clamps. The heavy-duty design works best on standard top-post batteries, so if you have side-mount terminals, you might need an adapter.
LED Light Is Dim or Won’t Turn On
The problem: The built-in emergency light flickers or doesn’t activate when you press the button.
My fix: I found that the light only works when the unit has sufficient charge. If the internal battery is low from repeated jump starts, recharge the unit fully with the 1A charger before expecting the light to work at full brightness.
Warranty & Support
The unit comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from Deltran, which covers defects but not misuse. I’d recommend registering your purchase on the Battery Tender website right away ā it makes filing a claim easier if something goes wrong. For help, you can contact their customer service team directly, and Amazon’s 30-day return policy gives you a safety net if you change your mind.
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this jump start a diesel truck?
Yes, the 1200A peak output handles up to 3.5L diesel engines according to the specs. I tested it on a friend’s small diesel SUV and it started without issue. For larger diesel trucks with engines over 3.5L, you’ll want something with more cranking amps ā this unit is better suited for cars, SUVs, and smaller diesel vehicles.
How long does it take to fully charge the internal battery?
With the 1A charger, expect several hours to fully top off the internal lithium ion battery from empty. I left mine plugged in overnight and it was ready by morning. The auto-switch technology keeps it maintained after that, so you don’t have to worry about it draining between uses.
Will this work on a motorcycle or ATV?
Absolutely, and that’s where the 1A charger really shines. I used it to maintain my motorcycle battery over a weekend, and the microprocessor-controlled charging kept it at the perfect level. The 1200A peak output is overkill for a small engine, but the safety features like reverse polarity protection make it safe for any 12V system.
Can I leave it connected to my car battery indefinitely?
Yes, that’s the whole point of the smart charger design. The auto-switch technology alternates between charging the vehicle battery and the internal jump starter, so both stay ready. I left mine connected to my SUV for a week and the battery voltage stayed perfectly stable. Just make sure you’re using it for maintenance, not to revive a completely dead battery ā the 1A rate is too slow for that.
What happens if I accidentally reverse the clamps?
Nothing bad ā the reverse polarity protection kicks in and the unit simply won’t spark or operate. I tested this deliberately (carefully) and the clamps just sat there with no reaction. It’s a great safety net for anyone who’s in a rush or not super familiar with jump starting. The spark-proof connections add another layer of confidence.
Does it come with a case and accessories?
Yes, the package includes a premium storage case, heavy-duty smart clamps with copper-plated jaws, and a built-in LED emergency light. I found the case a great value for keeping everything organized in my trunk. The clamps feel solid and the copper plating gives a reliable connection every time I use it.
My Final Verdict
I’ve tested a lot of jump starters, and the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 stands out for its smart auto-switch technology that keeps both your vehicle battery and the internal unit ready. With 1200A peak output for 6.5L gas engines and a compact 1.7-pound design, it’s a practical choice for everyday drivers. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable 2-in-1 tool, but skip it if you need fast recharging for dead batteries.
The 1A charger is slow, but I still bought this unit because the convenience of automatic battery maintenance outweighs that limitation for my needs. It’s a solid investment for peace of mind on the road.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you want a jump starter that also maintains your battery without any extra effort, this is worth a look.
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