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If you’re stuck with a dead battery, you need a jump starter that works. I tested the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 (1000 amps) and the Charge N Start 1120 (1200 amps) to see which one gets you back on the road faster. Both are 2-in-1 devices that also work as a 12V/1 AMP smart battery charger.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a reliable emergency tool for their car, truck, or SUV. The key trade-off is power versus price — the 1120 jumps bigger engines, but the 1100 might be all you need. I’ll break down exactly where each one shines so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
Handles bigger engines up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel with 1200 amps of peak power — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
Plenty of power for most cars at 1000 amps, and a great value for smaller vehicles — Check Price →
I put the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 and 1120 compare on paper, starting with the jump starting power that matters most in an emergency.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender Charge N S | Battery Tender Charge N S |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Voltage | ✅ 12 volts | 12 volts |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H | 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H |
| Vehicle Service Type | Motorcycle | Automotive |
| Charger Current | ✅ 1 AMP | 1 AMP |
| Jump Starter Current | 1000 AMP | ✅ 1200 AMP |
| Product Type | ✅ 2-in-1 Battery Maintainer | 2-in-1 Battery Maintainer |
The 1120’s extra 200 amps of peak current (1200A vs 1000A) is the only real difference that affects what vehicles you can jump, while everything else like size and weight stays identical.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both units for build quality, how easy they are to use in a pinch, and how they handle different engine sizes. Here’s what I found after putting the Charge N Start 1100 and 1120 through real-world emergency scenarios.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1000 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1000 AMP Jump Starter | 12V/1 AMP Charger | 6.0L Gas / 3.0L Diesel | 1.7 lbs
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
The Charge N Start 1100 is a solid performer that handles most passenger cars without breaking a sweat. I love that it weighs just 1.7 pounds, so it’s easy to stash in a glove box or under a seat. The Auto-Switch Technology is genius — it automatically keeps both your car battery and the jump starter itself topped off. For smaller engines like motorcycles and ATVs, this 1000-amp unit is more than enough, but you might hit the limit on a big V8 truck.
✅ Pros
- 1000 amps of peak power handles up to 6.0L gas engines easily
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology keeps both batteries maintained
- Spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection for safety
- Ultra-portable at only 1.7 pounds with a premium storage case
❌ Cons
- Only 3.0L diesel limit means larger trucks may need more power
- Customer rating of 4.4 stars is solid but lower than the 1120 model
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1200 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1200 AMP Jump Starter | 12V/1 AMP Charger | 6.5L Gas / 3.5L Diesel | 1.7 lbs
- 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...
The Charge N Start 1120 is the one I’d grab for any emergency — it packs 1200 amps of peak power into the exact same compact 1.7-pound body as the 1100. That extra 200 amps means it can jump up to 6.5L gas engines and 3.5L diesel engines, giving you room for bigger SUVs and work trucks. The Auto-Switch Technology works the same way here, and with a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 stars from early buyers, it’s clear this is the more confidence-inspiring choice. My only real hesitation is that most people driving sedans won’t need the extra power.
✅ Pros
- 1200 amps peak power handles up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines
- Outstanding 4.9 out of 5 stars customer rating from early reviews
- Same compact 1.7-pound design as the 1100 with no extra bulk
- Built-in spark-proof connections and temperature compensation for safety
❌ Cons
- Overkill for compact cars and motorcycles that the 1100 handles fine
- Fewer total customer reviews (10) compared to the 1100’s 31 reviews
Which One Should You Buy?
After spending time with both units, I can tell you there’s no universal winner — it all comes down to what you drive and how much reserve power you want. Here’s exactly who should pick which model.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 is right for you if…
- You drive a standard sedan, coupe, or compact SUV with a gas engine up to 6.0L — the 1000 amps will handle that without issue.
- You also own a motorcycle, ATV, or boat and want one device that can maintain all their 12V batteries with the 1 AMP smart charger feature.
- You want the proven reliability of the 1100 with 31 customer reviews backing it up, and you don’t need the extra headroom for a diesel truck.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 is right for you if…
- You drive a full-size truck, large SUV, or van with a gas engine up to 6.5L and want the extra 200 amps for confident starts in cold weather.
- You own a diesel vehicle up to 3.5L — the 1120 is the only one of these two that can handle that, thanks to its 1200-amp peak output.
- You want the absolute highest-rated option with a 4.9 out of 5 star score and don’t mind spending a little more for peace of mind on the road.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need a simple battery maintainer for a garage queen or seasonal vehicle and never plan to jump-start anything, a basic plug-in trickle charger will do the job for less. These Charge N Start units are built for people who want the jump-starting capability as a safety net.
For the vast majority of drivers, I’d recommend the Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 — the extra 200 amps of peak power costs a little more but ensures you’re never left stranded, even if you upgrade to a bigger vehicle down the road. It’s the smarter long-term bet for emergency use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a diesel truck: the Charge N Start 1100 or 1120?
The Charge N Start 1120 is the clear winner here. The 1100 only handles up to 3.0L diesel engines, while the 1120 jumps up to 3.5L diesels with its extra 200 amps of peak power. If you drive any diesel pickup, even a smaller one, I’d go with the 1120 without hesitation.
Is the Charge N Start 1120 worth the extra money over the 1100?
That depends entirely on what you drive. If you have a standard gas sedan or crossover up to 6.0L, the 1100’s 1000 amps will get the job done and you won’t notice the difference. But if you own a full-size SUV, a truck, or any diesel, the 1120’s 1200-amp capability and 4.9-star rating make it worth the upgrade for the peace of mind alone.
Can either unit maintain my battery while the car is parked?
Yes, both models are 2-in-1 devices that include a 12V/1 AMP smart battery charger, so they can maintain your car, motorcycle, or ATV battery when it’s not in use. The Auto-Switch Technology is the key feature here — it automatically switches between charging your vehicle battery and keeping the jump starter’s internal battery topped off, so both are ready when you need them.
Which one is lighter and more portable for emergency storage?
This is where the decision gets easy — both the Charge N Start 1100 and 1120 weigh exactly 1.7 pounds and have the same dimensions of 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H. There’s no trade-off in portability between the two. They both come with a premium storage case, so you can toss either one in your trunk and forget about it until you need it.
Can the Charge N Start 1100 jump start a V8 engine?
It depends on the size. The 1100 is rated for gas engines up to 6.0L, so it can handle many standard V8s found in trucks and SUVs. However, if you have a larger displacement V8 over 6.0L or a diesel V8, you’ll want the 1120 which goes up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel. I’d check your engine size before buying.
Are the safety features the same on both models?
Yes, both the 1100 and 1120 include the same advanced safety package: spark-proof connections, reverse polarity protection, temperature compensation, and microprocessor-controlled charging. Battery Tender didn’t cut corners on the cheaper model, so you get the same worry-free operation whether you pick the 1100 or the 1120.
My Final Verdict
The Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 is my clear overall winner for emergency use. Its 1200-amp peak power handles bigger gas engines up to 6.5L and diesel engines up to 3.5L, all in the same compact 1.7-pound body as the 1100. The 1100 is still an excellent runner-up for anyone driving a standard sedan or compact SUV who doesn’t need the extra headroom.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you ever see yourself owning a larger truck, SUV, or diesel vehicle in the next few years? If the answer is yes, skip the 1100 and grab the 1120 now — you’ll never regret having 200 extra amps when you’re stuck in a parking lot with a dead battery.
Winner: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
- 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...
This is for anyone who wants max power in an emergency — 1200 amps, a 4.9-star rating, and the ability to jump larger trucks and diesels. It’s the one I keep in my own trunk.
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
Perfect for compact cars, sedans, motorcycles, and ATVs where 1000 amps is plenty. It does everything the 1120 does, just with less peak power for bigger engines.
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