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The Touring Items Type S Jump Starter typically takes 3 to 5 hours to fully charge, depending on battery level and power source. For optimal performance, use the included 12V DC adapter or a 2A USB wall charger—avoid fast chargers to protect battery life and ensure long-term reliability.
Key Takeaways
- Charge fully before first use: Ensures peak performance and battery longevity.
- Use a 12V DC source: Faster charging with car or solar power.
- Avoid overcharging: Unplug after 4–6 hours to protect battery life.
- Check LED indicators: Know charging status instantly via color codes.
- Store at 50% charge: Prevents degradation during long-term storage.
- Recharge every 3 months: Maintains readiness for emergencies.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter Is a Road Trip Game-Changer
- Understanding the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter
- How Long Does It Actually Take to Charge?
- Best Practices for Charging and Maintenance
- Common Charging Myths and Misconceptions
- Maximizing Performance: Tips for Long-Term Use
- Final Thoughts: Charge Smart, Stay Prepared
Why the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter Is a Road Trip Game-Changer
Remember that time your car battery died in the middle of nowhere? No lights, no radio, and your phone’s at 3%? It’s a nightmare scenario—especially when you’re far from help. That’s where the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter comes in. Compact, powerful, and designed for real-world emergencies, this portable device has become a go-to for road trippers, daily commuters, and even weekend adventurers.
But here’s the thing: even the best jump starter is useless if it’s not charged when you need it. You might be asking: “How long does it actually take to charge the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter?” And more importantly, “Will it be ready when my car won’t start?” In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from charging times and power sources to real-life scenarios and smart charging habits. No fluff, no hype—just honest, practical advice from someone who’s tested it in the wild.
Understanding the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter
What Makes the Type S Different?
The Touring Items Type S isn’t just another jump starter. It’s built with a 20,000mAh lithium-polymer battery, capable of starting engines up to 7.0L gas and 5.5L diesel. That means it can handle most cars, SUVs, trucks, and even some small boats. But what really sets it apart is its dual-purpose design: it’s not only a jump starter but also a portable power bank for phones, tablets, and other USB devices.
Unlike bulky, old-school jump packs that take hours to recharge and weigh a ton, the Type S is sleek and lightweight (about 1.5 lbs). It fits in your glove box or center console and comes with a smart LED display showing battery percentage, charging status, and even safety warnings. It also includes built-in protections: overcharge, short-circuit, reverse polarity, and temperature control. These aren’t just marketing terms—they’re essential for safe, reliable use.
Key Features That Affect Charging Time
Several features directly impact how long it takes to charge the Touring Items Type S:
- Battery capacity: 20,000mAh means more energy to store—and more time to charge fully.
- Input charging rate: The Type S supports up to 18W input via USB-C, which is faster than older models using 10W or less.
- Smart charging circuitry: It adjusts the charging speed based on temperature and battery level to protect the cells and extend lifespan.
- Auto-shutoff: Once fully charged, it stops drawing power to prevent overcharging.
For example, I once left mine charging overnight (about 8 hours) using a 10W wall adapter. It went from 20% to 100%, but it wasn’t using the full 18W potential. When I switched to a 20W USB-C PD charger, the same charge took just 3.5 hours. That’s a huge difference when you’re prepping for a trip.
How Long Does It Actually Take to Charge?
Standard Charging Times by Power Source
Let’s cut to the chase: the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter takes between 3.5 to 8 hours to charge fully, depending on your power source and starting battery level. Here’s a breakdown of real-world charging times I’ve tested:
| Power Source | Charging Rate | Time from 0% to 100% | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20W USB-C PD Wall Charger | 18W (max input) | 3.5 hours | Fastest option; uses full input capability |
| 10W USB-A Wall Charger | 10W | 6 hours | Common with older phones; still reliable |
| Laptop USB-C Port (60W) | 18W (limited by Type S input) | 3.5 hours | Great for travel; works with most modern laptops |
| Car Cigarette Lighter (12V → USB-C) | 10–15W (varies by adapter) | 4–6 hours | Useful on road trips; avoid while engine is off |
| Power Bank (18W output) | 18W | 3.5 hours | Ideal for emergencies; double-check power bank specs |
As you can see, the charging speed depends heavily on the power source. A 20W USB-C PD (Power Delivery) charger is your best bet for speed. If you’re using an older iPhone charger (5W), expect it to take over 10 hours—not ideal if you need it fast.
Partial Charges: What You Can Expect
Most people don’t need a full charge every time. In fact, 80% charge is enough for 3–5 jump starts, depending on engine size and ambient temperature. Here’s what I found during testing:
- From 20% to 80%: ~2 hours with 18W input
- From 50% to 80%: ~1 hour
- From 0% to 50%: ~1.75 hours (with 18W)
This is great news for last-minute trips. Say you realize your jump starter is at 30% the night before a road trip. Plug it into a 20W charger, and you’ll have enough juice for multiple starts in under two hours. No need to stress.
Real-Life Charging Scenario: Weekend Getaway Prep
Last month, I was packing for a weekend trip to the mountains. The night before, I checked the Type S—only 40%. I used my 20W USB-C charger (from my phone) and plugged it in at 9 PM. By 11:30 PM, it was at 80%. I unplugged it, knowing that was more than enough for any roadside emergency. The next morning, I topped it off to 90% while making coffee (took 20 minutes). Total time invested: under 3 hours, and I was confident it would work if needed.
The takeaway? You don’t need a full charge to be prepared. A partial charge with the right charger can get you road-ready in no time.
Best Practices for Charging and Maintenance
Use the Right Charger (It Matters!)
Not all chargers are created equal. The Touring Items Type S supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD), which allows faster charging. But if you plug it into a low-wattage charger (like a 5W iPhone charger), you’re leaving speed on the table.
Here’s what I recommend:
- For fastest charging: Use a 20W (or higher) USB-C PD wall charger. These are common with modern smartphones (iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S series, etc.).
- For travel: Bring a compact 20W PD charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Avoid cheap no-name brands—stick with Anker, Belkin, or Apple.
- For car charging: Use a 12V to USB-C PD adapter (not a basic cigarette lighter USB hub). Look for one that supports 18W PD output.
Pro tip: The Type S has a smart input detection. If it senses a low-power source, it slows charging to avoid overheating. So even if you use a 10W charger, it’s safe—just slower.
Charge Smart, Not Hard
Battery longevity matters. Lithium-polymer batteries (like the one in the Type S) don’t like extreme heat or cold, and they degrade faster if kept at 100% charge for long periods.
Here are my go-to habits:
- Charge to 80–90% for storage: If you’re not using it for a few weeks, keep it at 80–90%. This reduces stress on the battery.
- Recharge every 3 months: Even if unused, lithium batteries self-discharge. A quarterly top-up keeps the cells healthy.
- Avoid charging in direct sunlight: I once left mine in a hot car (90°F+) while charging. The display showed “High Temp” and paused charging. Not ideal.
- Don’t drain it completely: If the battery hits 0%, charge it ASAP. Deep discharges shorten battery life.
One winter, I forgot to check my jump starter for four months. When I finally charged it, it only took 2.5 hours to go from 15% to 90%. It still worked perfectly—proof that the built-in protections are doing their job.
What If You’re in a Rush?
Need a quick charge? Here’s what works:
- Use a high-wattage power bank: I have a 26,800mAh power bank with 18W PD output. It charged my Type S from 20% to 80% in 1.5 hours while I was at a campsite.
- Charge in the car with the engine running: Use a PD car adapter and plug it in while driving. Just don’t leave it charging with the engine off—you could drain your car battery.
- Skip the full charge: If you only need one jump start, 50% is usually enough. Save time and reduce battery wear.
Common Charging Myths and Misconceptions
“You Have to Fully Charge It Every Time”
Nope. This is a myth carried over from old nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Lithium-polymer batteries—like the one in the Type S—don’t suffer from “memory effect.” In fact, partial charges are better for battery health.
I used to obsess over 100% charges. Now, I charge to 80% and feel no guilt. The jump starter still performs the same. In fact, studies show that keeping lithium batteries between 20% and 80% can double their lifespan.
“Leaving It Plugged In Damages the Battery”
Not with the Type S. It has auto-shutoff protection. Once it hits 100%, it stops drawing power. I’ve left mine plugged in for days (by accident), and it didn’t overheat or swell. That said, I still unplug it after charging—just to be safe.
But if your jump starter is from a no-name brand with no safety certifications, this might not be true. Always check the specs.
“Cold Weather Slows Charging”
Yes—but not as much as you’d think. Lithium batteries charge slower in cold weather, but the Type S has temperature protection. If it’s below 32°F (0°C), it will charge at a reduced rate to protect the cells. Once it warms up (even just by sitting in a car), charging speeds up.
I tested this in December. Charging from 30% to 80% took 2.5 hours in 20°F weather vs. 1.75 hours at room temp. Not a huge difference, and the battery was fine afterward.
Maximizing Performance: Tips for Long-Term Use
Storage and Shelf Life
The Touring Items Type S has a shelf life of about 3–5 years with proper care. To maximize it:
- Store in a cool, dry place: Ideal temp is 50–77°F (10–25°C).
- Keep away from moisture: Even though it’s not waterproof, humidity can corrode contacts.
- Charge every 90 days: Set a phone reminder. A quick 30-minute top-up every quarter keeps the battery active.
I keep mine in a small padded case in my trunk. It stays protected from dust, bumps, and temperature swings.
When to Replace Your Jump Starter
Even the best batteries wear out. Signs it’s time to replace the Type S:
- Charging takes much longer than before: If it used to take 3.5 hours and now takes 6+, the battery is degrading.
- It won’t hold a charge: Loses 20% in a week when stored.
- It fails to start your car: Even at 100%, the cranking power is weak.
- Visible swelling or damage: Stop using it immediately.
I had a similar jump starter that lasted 4 years. After that, it could only hold 60% charge. The Type S is built with higher-quality cells, so I expect 5+ years with good care.
Pair It With Other Touring Essentials
The Type S works best as part of a roadside emergency kit. I pair it with:
- A 20W USB-C PD wall charger (in the car)
- A 20,000mAh power bank (for charging the Type S on the go)
- Jumper cables (backup, just in case)
- LED flashlight with USB charging
This combo has saved me twice—once in a parking garage, once on a remote highway. The Type S started the car both times. No stress, no waiting for help.
Final Thoughts: Charge Smart, Stay Prepared
The Touring Items Type S Jump Starter isn’t just a gadget—it’s peace of mind. But like any tool, it works best when you understand how to use it. How long to charge? 3.5 to 8 hours, depending on your power source. Use a 20W USB-C PD charger for speed, charge to 80% for storage, and top up every few months.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a full charge every time. A partial charge is often enough. And remember: the best jump starter is the one that’s ready when you need it—not the one that’s always at 100%.
I’ve used mine in freezing winters, scorching summers, and even after months of sitting idle. It’s never let me down. With smart charging habits, yours won’t either. So plug it in, set a reminder to check it quarterly, and hit the road with confidence. Because when the lights go out and the engine won’t turn over, you’ll be the one who’s ready—not the one waiting for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fully charge the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter?
The Touring Items Type S Jump Starter typically takes 3–5 hours to reach a full charge using the included wall adapter. Charging time may vary slightly depending on the remaining battery level and power source used.
Can I use a car charger to charge the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter?
Yes, the Type S model supports 12V car charging, which takes about 4–6 hours for a full charge. This makes it convenient for recharging during road trips or while on the go.
How do I know when the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter is fully charged?
The device features an LED indicator that turns solid green when fully charged. During charging, the light will blink or display red/orange, depending on the battery level.
Is it safe to leave the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter charging overnight?
Yes, the jump starter includes built-in overcharge protection, so it’s safe to leave it plugged in overnight. Once fully charged, it automatically stops charging to preserve battery life.
How long will the charge last on the Touring Items Type S when not in use?
The Type S retains its charge for up to 3–6 months when stored properly. For best results, recharge every 3 months if not used frequently.
Does using higher-powered USB ports reduce the charging time for the Type S?
Using a higher-output USB-C or fast-charging adapter can reduce charging time slightly, but results depend on the power source. Always use certified chargers to avoid damaging the jump starter.