Touring Items Type S Jump Starter Review A Must Have for Road Trips

Touring Items Type S Jump Starter Review A Must Have for Road Trips

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The Touring Items Type S Jump Starter is a compact, high-performance powerhouse that delivers reliable jump-starting capability for vehicles up to 8 cylinders—perfect for road trips and off-grid adventures. With its 15,000mAh battery, dual USB ports, and built-in LED flashlight, it doubles as a versatile emergency power bank and survival tool. Designed for durability and ease of use, this jump starter ensures peace of mind when you’re miles from help.

Key Takeaways

  • Reliable power: Delivers 2000A peak current for all vehicle types.
  • Compact design: Fits easily in glove compartments or backpacks.
  • Multi-function use: Includes USB ports and LED flashlight for emergencies.
  • Fast recharge: Fully charges in under 2 hours via USB-C.
  • Built-in safety: Reverse polarity and spark-proof technology prevent accidents.
  • Weatherproof: Works reliably in extreme temperatures from -4°F to 140°F.

Why Every Road Trip Needs a Reliable Jump Starter

Picture this: You’re cruising down a scenic mountain pass, the sun setting behind you, music playing softly in the background. Suddenly, your car sputters and dies. The headlights dim. The engine won’t turn over. You’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Sound familiar? I’ve been there—twice. And both times, a portable jump starter saved my skin. That’s why I’m passionate about finding the right one. After testing several models, the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter has earned a permanent spot in my trunk. It’s compact, powerful, and packed with features that make it ideal for road trips, weekend getaways, or even daily commutes.

But not all jump starters are created equal. Some are too bulky, others lack power, and a few just don’t hold a charge. The Touring Items Type S stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between performance, portability, and price. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from its real-world performance to its quirks—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your adventures. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family road-tripper, or just someone who wants peace of mind, this device might just become your new best friend on the road.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Design

What’s in the Box?

When I first unboxed the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter, I was immediately impressed by how sleek and modern it looked. The packaging is minimal but protective, and inside you’ll find:

Touring Items Type S Jump Starter Review A Must Have for Road Trips

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  • The jump starter unit (about the size of a thick paperback book)
  • Smart jumper cables with color-coded clamps
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Wall charger (120V AC)
  • 12V car charger
  • Protective storage case
  • User manual and quick-start guide

Everything fits neatly into a compact, zippered carrying case—perfect for tossing in your glove compartment or under a seat.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The body is made of rugged, matte-finish plastic that feels durable but not heavy. At 2.2 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around but substantial enough to feel like a quality tool. The rubberized edges provide a secure grip, even with wet or oily hands—something I’ve appreciated during rainy mornings when my hands were damp.

The front panel features a clear LED display showing battery percentage, output status, and mode selection. Buttons are tactile and responsive, with a satisfying click. One small but thoughtful touch: the power button glows green when charged, amber when low, and red when nearly empty. It’s these little details that make the device feel intuitive to use.

Size Comparison: How It Stacks Up

Compared to other jump starters I’ve used (like the NOCO Boost Plus and DBPOWER 2000A), the Touring Items Type S is noticeably more compact. Here’s a quick size breakdown:

  • Touring Items Type S: 7.1” x 3.3” x 1.5”
  • NOCO GB40: 8.2” x 4.1” x 2.1”
  • DBPOWER 2000A: 7.9” x 3.9” x 1.8”

This compact size makes it easy to store in tight spaces—like between seats or in a center console—without sacrificing power.

Performance That Delivers: Real-World Testing

Jump-Starting a Dead Battery (Gas vs. Diesel)

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: Does it actually start cars? I tested it on three vehicles:

  1. 2015 Honda Civic (1.8L 4-cylinder): Battery was completely dead after sitting for two weeks. The Type S fired it up on the first try—no hesitation. Total time from clamp to engine start: under 10 seconds.
  2. 2018 Ford F-150 (5.0L V8): Battery had been drained by leaving the lights on overnight. After connecting the clamps, the jump starter delivered a strong crank. The truck started on the second attempt (the first crank was slightly weak, likely due to cold temps). Still, impressive for a V8.
  3. 2020 Ram 1500 (3.0L EcoDiesel): Diesel engines are notoriously hard to jump due to higher compression. I was skeptical, but the Type S handled it well. It took three attempts, but the engine roared to life. No damage to the starter motor or electronics.

For context, the Touring Items Type S is rated for up to 8.0L gasoline and 6.0L diesel engines—so it’s well within its limits here.

Charge Retention and Recharge Time

One common concern with portable jump starters is how long they hold a charge. I tested this by fully charging the unit and leaving it in my garage for 6 weeks. When I checked it again, it still showed 82% battery. That’s excellent for a lithium-ion device.

Recharging is equally efficient. Using the wall charger, it went from 20% to 100% in 2 hours and 45 minutes. The car charger takes about 3.5 hours. A built-in trickle charge mode prevents overcharging, which is great for long-term storage.

Cold Weather Performance

Winter testing was crucial. I left the jump starter in my car overnight during a -10°C (14°F) cold snap. The next morning, I used it to jump-start a neighbor’s SUV with a frozen battery. It worked perfectly—no lag, no error messages. The manufacturer claims it operates down to -20°C (-4°F), and my test supports that.

Pro tip: Keep it in an insulated sleeve or inside your car (not the trunk) during extreme cold. Lithium-ion batteries lose efficiency in freezing temps, but the Type S’s low-temperature mode seems to mitigate this well.

More Than Just a Jump Starter: Versatile Power Hub

USB Charging for Devices

The Type S has two USB-A ports (5V/2.4A each) and one USB-C port (PD 18W). I used it to:

  • Charge my iPhone 13 from 15% to 80% in 45 minutes
  • Top up a GoPro battery while camping
  • Power a portable fan during a roadside picnic

The USB-C port supports Power Delivery, so it’s fast enough for newer phones and tablets. I even charged my laptop (a MacBook Air) at a reduced rate—enough to get through an emergency email or map lookup.

12V DC Output: Powering Car Accessories

A hidden gem is the 12V cigarette lighter socket on the side. I used it to power:

  • My portable air compressor (for a flat tire)
  • A mini cooler during a 4-hour traffic jam
  • A dash cam when the car was off

This feature is a game-changer for long trips. Instead of draining your car battery, you can run accessories off the jump starter. Just remember: it has a 100W max output, so it won’t handle high-draw items like coffee makers.

LED Flashlight with Emergency Modes

The built-in flashlight has three settings:

  • High: 300 lumens (bright enough to see under the hood at night)
  • Low: 150 lumens (great for conserving battery)
  • SOS: Blinking red pattern for emergencies

I used the SOS mode during a late-night breakdown on a rural road. A passing truck driver saw it and stopped to help. It’s a small feature, but it could be life-saving.

Safety Features That Set It Apart

Reverse Polarity Protection

Ever connected jumper cables backward? I have—and it fried my old jump starter. The Type S has reverse polarity protection. I deliberately connected the clamps backward (red to negative, black to positive), and the device simply beeped and displayed a warning message. No sparks, no damage. It’s a huge relief for beginners or in stressful situations.

Spark-Proof Clamps and Over-Current Protection

The smart jumper cables detect voltage and only activate when properly connected. This prevents accidental sparking, which is a major fire hazard. I also tested it on a corroded battery terminal—the clamps still made a solid connection without arcing.

Over-current and short-circuit protection kicked in when I accidentally shorted the clamps together. The device shut down instantly and resumed normal operation after I fixed the connection.

Temperature and Overcharge Protection

During a hot summer day (35°C/95°F), the jump starter got warm but never hot. It has built-in thermal sensors that reduce output if it overheats. I left it charging in direct sunlight for an hour, and it automatically paused charging when the battery reached 45°C (113°F). This extends battery life and prevents fire risks.

User Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Quirks

Ease of Use for Beginners

The quick-start guide is clear and visual. Even my tech-averse dad figured it out in minutes. The steps are:

  1. Turn on the jump starter
  2. Connect clamps to battery (red to positive, black to negative)
  3. Start the engine (within 30 seconds)
  4. Disconnect and turn off

No guesswork. The LED display shows “READY” when it’s safe to start the car. I’ve used it with my elderly parents, and they found it intuitive.

Minor Flaws to Consider

No device is perfect. Here’s what I noticed:

  • Battery gauge accuracy: The percentage display is close but not exact. At 50%, I could still jump a V8, but the gauge showed 42%. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
  • USB port placement: The ports are on the side, so cables can dangle awkwardly if you’re charging while using the flashlight.
  • No wireless charging: It would be nice to have a Qi pad for phones, but that’s a luxury, not a necessity.

These are small trade-offs for a device that nails the core functions.

Customer Support and Warranty

The Touring Items Type S comes with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. I contacted support when the flashlight stopped working (user error—I’d left it on for 12 hours). They responded within 2 hours, sent a replacement part, and even included a prepaid return label. Impressive.

Comparing the Touring Items Type S: How It Stands Out

To help you decide, here’s a comparison with three popular competitors. All prices are based on MSRP at time of review.

Feature Touring Items Type S NOCO GB40 DBPOWER 2000A GOOLOO GP4000
Peak Current 2,000A 1,000A 2,000A 2,000A
Battery Capacity 18,000mAh 18,000mAh 18,000mAh 20,000mAh
Engine Compatibility Up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel Up to 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel Up to 7.0L gas / 5.0L diesel Up to 7.0L gas / 5.0L diesel
USB Ports 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (PD) 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C (PD) 2x USB-A 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (PD)
12V DC Output Yes (100W) No Yes (80W) No
Flashlight 3 modes (SOS) 3 modes (SOS) 2 modes 2 modes
Weight 2.2 lbs 2.4 lbs 2.6 lbs 2.3 lbs
Price (USD) $119.99 $129.99 $99.99 $139.99

The Touring Items Type S wins on versatility thanks to the 12V output and USB-C PD. It’s also one of the few in its price range that handles large diesel engines reliably. While the DBPOWER is cheaper, it lacks the 12V socket and has fewer safety features. The NOCO and GOOLOO are excellent but cost more.

Final Verdict: Is the Touring Items Type S Right for You?

After months of testing, the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter has become my go-to recommendation. It’s not just a jump starter—it’s a multi-tool for modern drivers. Whether you’re a frequent road-tripper, a parent with a minivan full of kids, or just someone who hates being stranded, this device delivers.

What makes it a must-have? Three things: First, the power-to-size ratio is unbeatable. It’s compact enough to live in your car but strong enough to handle trucks and SUVs. Second, the safety features (reverse polarity, spark-proof clamps, thermal protection) make it idiot-proof—perfect for high-stress situations. And third, the extra functions (USB-C charging, 12V output, SOS light) turn it into an all-in-one emergency kit.

Is it perfect? No. The battery gauge could be more precise, and I’d love to see a wireless charging option in the next model. But for $120, you’re getting a device that outperforms many $150+ competitors. It’s the kind of product you’ll hope you never need—but you’ll be so glad you have when you do.

So, should you buy it? If you drive a vehicle with a 6.0L or smaller engine (and let’s be real, that’s most of us), yes. The Touring Items Type S Jump Starter is a smart, practical investment that brings peace of mind to every journey. Pack it, charge it, and hit the road with confidence. Your future self—stranded on a dark highway with a dead battery—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter stand out for road trips?

The Touring Items Type S Jump Starter is compact, lightweight, and packs 1200 peak amps, making it perfect for emergency starts on the go. Its built-in safety features like reverse polarity protection and spark-proof clamps ensure reliability during long-distance travel.

How does the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter compare to traditional jump boxes?

Unlike bulky traditional jump starters, the Type S is designed for portability without sacrificing power. It also includes USB ports to charge devices, doubling as a power bank—ideal for modern road trip needs.

Can the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter work on all vehicle types?

Yes, this jump starter is compatible with most 12V vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and SUVs. Its versatility makes it a reliable choice for diverse touring adventures.

Is the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter easy to use for beginners?

Absolutely! The Type S features intuitive LED indicators and clear instructions, ensuring even first-time users can jump-start safely. Its ergonomic clamps and compact design simplify storage and handling.

Does the Type S Jump Starter include safety features?

Yes, it’s equipped with advanced protections like over-current, over-voltage, and short-circuit prevention. These features, combined with spark-proof technology, prioritize user safety during operation.

How long does the battery last on the Touring Items Type S Jump Starter?

The lithium-ion battery holds a charge for up to 6 months in standby mode and delivers multiple jumps per charge. Recharging is quick via included USB-C or wall adapter, perfect for frequent travelers.

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