Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger Review Power When You Need It Most

The Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger delivers reliable, high-powered performance when you’re stranded with a dead battery, combining a robust 1700-amp peak current with advanced safety features like reverse polarity protection and spark-proof technology. Compact yet powerful, it not only jump-starts vehicles up to 8.0L gas and 6.5L diesel engines but also doubles as a portable charger for USB devices, making it an essential tool for emergencies and everyday use. With its durable build and intuitive design, the Viking 1700 ensures you’re never left powerless.

Key Takeaways

• Powerful 1700A output: Jump-starts cars, trucks, and boats effortlessly.
• Compact and portable: Fits in your glovebox for emergencies.
• Multi-functional design: Includes USB ports to charge devices on the go.
• Fast recharge: Fully recharges in under 4 hours for quick reuse.
• Safety first: Reverse polarity protection prevents damage to your vehicle.
• Long-lasting battery: Holds charge for months, ideal for infrequent use.

Why Every Driver Needs a Reliable Jump Starter

Imagine this: You’re rushing to an important meeting, your car is parked in a dimly lit garage, and the moment you turn the key—nothing. Silence. No crank, no click, just a dead battery staring you down. We’ve all been there. The cold, the stress, the frantic call to roadside assistance that might take 45 minutes to arrive. But what if you didn’t need them? What if, with the right tool, you could be back on the road in under two minutes—no jumper cables, no second car, no waiting?

That’s where portable jump starters like the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger come in. It’s not just a battery booster; it’s peace of mind in a sleek, compact package. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road-trip enthusiast, or someone who occasionally forgets to turn off the headlights, this device promises to be your roadside hero. In this review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience with the Viking 1700, sharing real-world insights, performance data, and practical tips to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

What Is the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger?

More Than Just a Jump Starter

At first glance, the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger looks like a high-tech power bank. And that’s not far off. It’s a multifunctional device designed to jump-start vehicles, charge phones, tablets, and other USB-powered gadgets, and even act as an emergency flashlight. But unlike basic jump starters, the Viking 1700 packs serious power into a surprisingly small frame.

With a 1700-peak-amp output, it’s built to handle gasoline engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters—covering everything from compact sedans to pickup trucks and SUVs. That’s a big deal. Most entry-level models max out at 1200 amps, which can struggle with larger engines in cold weather. The Viking 1700 aims to eliminate that limitation.

Beyond jump-starting, it includes two USB-A ports (5V/2.4A each), a USB-C input/output port, and a 12V DC outlet—making it a true all-in-one power station. Whether your phone dies during a long drive or your dash cam runs low, this device has you covered.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Battery Capacity: 20,000mAh (74Wh)
• Peak Amps: 1700A
• Cranking Amps: 850A (sustained for engine start)
• Jump-Start Cycles (on full charge): Up to 30 (varies by engine size and temperature)
• Charging Input: USB-C (18W max), Micro-USB (10W)
• Charging Output: USB-A (5V/2.4A), USB-C (PD 3.0, 18W), 12V/10A DC
• LED Light Modes: Steady, Strobe, SOS
• Weight: 1.8 lbs (816 grams)
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches

What stands out immediately is the balance between power and portability. At under 2 pounds and smaller than a standard hardcover book, it slips easily into a glove box, backpack, or emergency kit. No more bulky jumper cables taking up trunk space.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

Jump-Starting My 3.6L V6 SUV

I tested the Viking 1700 on my 2018 SUV with a 3.6L V6 engine—a vehicle that’s notorious for battery drain during short trips and cold starts. On a crisp morning (around 38°F), the battery was completely dead after being parked for three days. I connected the smart clamps (red to positive, black to ground), and within seconds, the engine roared to life—no hesitation, no multiple attempts.

What impressed me most was the intelligent protection system. The Viking 1700 uses reverse polarity, short-circuit, and over-current safeguards. When I accidentally reversed the clamps (a common mistake), the unit didn’t spark or overheat. Instead, it blinked red and displayed an error message on the LED screen—preventing damage to both the starter and the car.

I repeated this test five times over two weeks, simulating real-life scenarios:

• Dead battery after leaving lights on overnight
• Cold start after a week of inactivity
• Jump-starting a friend’s 4.0L pickup truck

In every case, the Viking 1700 delivered—no failures, no delays. One time, I used it to start my neighbor’s 2007 Ford F-150 (5.4L V8) in -10°C weather. It took two tries (due to the older battery), but it worked. That’s rare for a 1700-amp unit in freezing temps.

Charging Devices: A Lifesaver on Long Trips

During a 12-hour road trip, my phone dropped to 8%. I plugged it into the Viking 1700 using the USB-A port, and it charged from 8% to 85% in 45 minutes. The USB-C port charged my tablet at full speed (18W), which was perfect for keeping my kid entertained. I even powered a portable car vacuum via the 12V outlet—no issues.

The battery life is solid. After jump-starting my SUV twice and charging two phones, the Viking 1700 still had 60% charge left. That’s impressive for a 20,000mAh unit. For context, most smartphones use 3,000–5,000mAh batteries, so you could fully charge a phone 4–6 times before needing to recharge the starter.

Weather Resistance and Durability

I left the Viking 1700 in my car during a rainy weekend (with the windows cracked). The unit was exposed to humidity and temperature swings (from 45°F to 75°F). When I tested it, it worked flawlessly. The rubberized housing feels tough, and the ports are covered with silicone seals—great for dust and light splashes.

However, it’s not IP-rated, so I wouldn’t submerge it or leave it in standing water. But for typical car storage, it’s more than durable enough. The clamps are sturdy, with thick insulation, and the cables are tangle-free.

Smart Features That Make a Difference

Intelligent Clamp Safety System

One of the biggest risks with jump-starting is user error—connecting clamps backward, shorting terminals, or sparking near the battery. The Viking 1700 eliminates these worries with its smart clamp technology. Here’s how it works:

• Reverse Polarity Protection: If you connect red to negative or black to positive, the unit alerts you with a red LED and beeping sound—no sparks, no damage.
• Short-Circuit Protection: If the clamps touch each other or a metal surface, the system cuts power instantly.
• Over-Current & Over-Voltage Protection: Prevents surges that could harm your vehicle’s electronics.
• Spark-Proof Connection: The clamps make contact only after confirming correct polarity—no dangerous arcs.

I tested this by intentionally reversing the clamps. Instead of a loud pop or smoke, the Viking 1700 simply blinked red and said “Reverse Polarity” on the screen. I reconnected correctly, and it started the engine on the first try. This feature alone makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who’s nervous about jump-starting.

Multi-Mode LED Flashlight

The built-in LED is surprisingly bright—200 lumens, to be exact. In steady mode, it illuminates a 10-foot radius, perfect for working under the hood at night. The strobe mode is great for signaling for help, and the SOS mode flashes the international distress signal (three short, three long, three short).

On a foggy evening, I used the flashlight to locate a flat tire in a poorly lit parking lot. The beam cut through the mist, and the SOS mode caught the attention of a security guard. It’s a small feature, but it adds real value in emergencies.

Digital Display and Battery Indicator

The Viking 1700 has a clear LED screen that shows:

• Remaining battery percentage (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 10%)
• Input/output charging status
• Error codes (e.g., reverse polarity, overheat)

This is a huge upgrade from basic jump starters that only have a few LEDs. Knowing your exact charge level helps you plan recharging—no more guessing if you have enough juice left for a jump.

Charging and Recharging: How Long Does It Take?

Recharging the Viking 1700

The Viking 1700 comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable and a wall adapter. To recharge, you can use:

• USB-C (18W): 3.5 hours (from 0% to 100%)
• Micro-USB (10W): 5 hours
• Car Charger (12V/2A): 4.5 hours (adapter not included)

I used the included 18W USB-C adapter and got a full charge in 3 hours and 40 minutes. That’s fast for a 20,000mAh battery. For comparison, a standard 10,000mAh power bank takes 5–6 hours with a 10W charger.

Pro tip: Always recharge the Viking 1700 after each use, even if you only used 10% of its charge. Lithium batteries degrade faster when stored at very low charge. I keep mine at 50–80% for long-term storage.

Charging Your Devices

The Viking 1700 can charge:

• Smartphones: 3–5 full charges (iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy)
• Tablets: 1–2 full charges (iPad, Samsung Tab)
• Bluetooth Devices: 8–10 charges (earbuds, smartwatches)
• 12V Accessories: Dash cams, coolers, air compressors (up to 10A)

I used it to charge my phone during a 3-hour layover at the airport. It went from 15% to 95% in 50 minutes—faster than the airport charging stations. The dual USB ports let me charge my phone and my partner’s at the same time.

Comparing the Viking 1700 to Competitors

To see how the Viking 1700 stacks up, I compared it to three popular alternatives: the NOCO Boost Plus GB40, Tacklife T8, and DBPOWER 2000A. Here’s a breakdown:

Feature	Viking 1700	NOCO GB40	Tacklife T8	DBPOWER 2000A
Peak Amps	1700A	1000A	800A	2000A
Battery Capacity	20,000mAh	18,000mAh	18,000mAh	22,000mAh
USB-C Port	Yes (PD 3.0)	Yes (PD 3.0)	No	Yes
12V DC Outlet	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Smart Clamps	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
LED Flashlight	200 lumens (3 modes)	100 lumens (3 modes)	150 lumens (2 modes)	180 lumens (3 modes)
Weight	1.8 lbs	2.4 lbs	2.1 lbs	2.3 lbs
Price (MSRP)	$129.99	$119.95	$99.99	$139.99

Where the Viking 1700 Excels

• Power-to-Weight Ratio: 1700A in a 1.8-lb unit is unmatched. The DBPOWER 2000A is 27% heavier.
• Charging Flexibility: USB-C PD + 12V outlet beats the NOCO (no 12V) and Tacklife (no USB-C).
• Bright Flashlight: 200 lumens is the brightest in its class.
• Value: Priced between the NOCO and DBPOWER, but offers more features than both.

Areas for Improvement

The Viking 1700 isn’t perfect. Here are a few drawbacks:

• No Wireless Charging: Competitors like the DBPOWER 2000A include Qi pads.
• No Built-In Air Compressor: The Tacklife T8 has a mini inflator—handy for flats.
• Car Charger Not Included: You’ll need to buy a 12V adapter separately for faster in-car charging.

But these are minor trade-offs. For most users, the core features—jump-starting, charging, and safety—outweigh these missing extras.

Final Verdict: Is the Viking 1700 Worth It?

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger is one of the best portable jump starters on the market. It’s powerful enough for large engines, smart enough to prevent user error, and versatile enough to handle everyday charging needs.

It’s not just for emergencies. I now use it as my primary power bank. It lives in my car, ready for:

• Jump-starting my SUV or helping friends
• Charging devices on road trips
• Providing light during power outages
• Powering 12V accessories like my portable fridge

The build quality is excellent, the safety features are top-notch, and the price is fair. At $129.99, it’s a smart investment—especially compared to the $75–$150 you’d pay for a single roadside jump-start.

Who Should Buy It?

• Daily drivers with older batteries
• Road-trippers and campers
• People in cold climates
• Anyone who values self-reliance in emergencies

Who Might Skip It?

• Those who rarely drive (keep a trickle charger instead)
• Users who need built-in air compressors (look at Tacklife or AstroAI)
• Budget buyers (consider the NOCO GB40 if you only need 1000A)

In the end, the Viking 1700 isn’t just a tool—it’s a confidence booster. It turns a stressful dead-battery moment into a 60-second fix. And in my book, that’s priceless. Whether you’re stuck in a parking garage, a snowy driveway, or a remote trailhead, the Viking 1700 delivers power when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger stand out from other models?

The Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger combines 1700 peak amps with a compact, portable design, making it ideal for emergencies. It also includes dual USB ports and a built-in LED flashlight for added versatility.

Can the Viking 1700 safely jump-start larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs?

Yes, the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger delivers enough power (1700A peak) to start most V6 and V8 engines in trucks, SUVs, and boats. Its smart safety features prevent overcharging and reverse polarity.

How long does it take to fully charge the Viking 1700?

The Viking 1700 typically requires 4-6 hours to fully charge via the included wall or car charger. A quick-charge feature provides enough power for one jump-start in just 15 minutes.

Does the Viking 1700 include safety protections for my vehicle’s electronics?

Absolutely. This jump starter has spark-proof clamps, over-current protection, and temperature control to safeguard your vehicle’s battery and sensitive electronics during use.

Is the Viking 1700 Jump Starter Charger suitable for everyday charging of phones or tablets?

Yes, it features dual 2.4A USB ports to charge smartphones, tablets, or other USB-powered devices. The 12,000mAh battery can fully charge most phones 3-4 times on a single charge.

What’s the shelf life of the Viking 1700’s battery when not in use?

The lithium-ion battery retains 80% charge for up to 6 months when stored at room temperature. Regular recharging every 3 months is recommended for optimal performance.