What Size NOCO Jump Starter Do I Need? A Complete Buyer’s Guide

The right NOCO jump starter size depends on your engine. For gas engines up to 4.0L, the GB20 (500A) works well. For most cars and light trucks up to 6.0L gas or 3.0L diesel, the GB40 (1000A) is the best choice. Larger trucks and diesel vehicles need the GB50 (1500A), GB70 (2000A), or GB150 (3000A). Match the amps to your engine size — bigger engines need more power.

You’ve stared at the NOCO lineup and felt completely lost. GB20, GB40, GB50, GB70 — how do you know which one is right for your car?

I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve helped dozens of drivers pick the right jump starter for their vehicles. The wrong choice wastes money. The right choice saves you from being stranded at 11 PM in a parking garage. Let me help you get this right the first time.

Why Engine Size Determines Everything

Here’s the short answer: bigger engines need more cranking power to start.

A small 1.5L commuter car has a lot less compression than a 6.2L V8 truck. More compression means more resistance. More resistance means your jump starter has to push harder.

This is measured in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). Your car battery has a CCA rating printed right on the label. That number tells you how much current is needed to start the engine in cold conditions. Your jump starter needs to match — or beat — that number.

NOCO rates its jump starters in peak amps. The GB40 delivers 1000 peak amps. The GB70 delivers 2000. Match those peak amps to your engine’s needs, and you’ll never have a problem.

The Full NOCO Jump Starter Size Chart

Here’s every current NOCO Boost model and what vehicle it’s designed for.

Model	Peak Amps	Max Gas Engine	Max Diesel Engine	Price (MSRP)
GB20	500A	Up to 4.0L	Not recommended	$79.95
GB40	1000A	Up to 6.0L	Up to 3.0L	$99.95
GB50	1500A	Up to 7.0L	Up to 4.5L	$149.95
GB70	2000A	Up to 8.0L	Up to 6.0L	$199.95
GB150	3000A	Up to 9.0L	Up to 7.0L	$299.95
GBX45	1250A	Up to 6.5L	Up to 4.0L	$124.95
GBX55	1750A	Up to 7.5L	Up to 5.0L	$174.95
GBX75	2500A	Up to 8.5L	Up to 6.5L	$249.95
GBX155	4250A	Up to 10.0L	Up to 8.0L	$369.95

Which NOCO Jump Starter Is Right for Your Vehicle?

Let’s break this down by vehicle type so you can find your answer fast.

Small Cars and Motorcycles — NOCO GB20 (500A)

The GB20 is NOCO’s smallest jump starter. It fits in a glove box. It weighs almost nothing.

It works well for compact cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and small boats. Think Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Yamaha R1, or anything with an engine under 4.0 liters.

NOCO doesn’t recommend the GB20 for diesel engines at all. If you have a diesel, skip straight to the GB40 or higher.

The GB20 delivers 500 peak amps and handles up to 20 jump starts on a single charge. For a small car owner who just wants peace of mind, it’s a smart, affordable pick at $79.95.

Most Cars, SUVs, and Light Trucks — NOCO GB40 (1000A)

The GB40 is the most popular NOCO jump starter — and for good reason. It covers the widest range of everyday vehicles.

Gas engines up to 6.0 liters. Diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. That covers sedans, crossovers, minivans, motorcycles, smaller pickup trucks, boats, and ATVs.

At 1000 peak amps, the GB40 handles family SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Explorer with ease. It also covers V6 engines in vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Pathfinder.

It weighs just over 2 pounds and fits in your glove compartment. It delivers up to 20 jump starts per charge. With a $99.95 price tag, it’s the best balance of power, portability, and price in the lineup.

Large Trucks and Mid-Size Diesel Vehicles — NOCO GB50 (1500A)

The GB50 steps things up with 1500 peak amps. It handles gas engines up to 7.0 liters and diesel engines up to 4.5 liters.

This is the right choice for full-size pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 with a 5.0L V8, Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L V8, or Ram 1500. It also covers diesel SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel and light-duty diesel trucks.

The GB50 manages up to 30 jump starts per charge — ten more than the GB40. Its built-in flashlight bumps up to 200 lumens, double that of the smaller models. It weighs about 3.1 pounds.

If you drive a large gas truck or a diesel SUV, the GB50 is your minimum. Don’t try to use a GB40 on a 6.2L V8 in January — it may not have enough muscle.

Heavy Trucks and Large Diesel Vehicles — NOCO GB70 (2000A)

The GB70 is a serious jump starter for serious vehicles. It delivers 2000 peak amps and handles gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters.

This covers Cummins-powered RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks, Ford F-250 Super Duty with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, Chevy Silverado HD, and large gas trucks with 7.4L or 8.1L engines.

The GB70 gives you up to 40 jump starts per charge. Its LED flashlight runs at 400 lumens. It weighs 5.0 pounds and includes a 12V fast-charge port so you can top it off in 2-3 hours instead of the longer standard charge time.

It’s the go-to choice for truck owners, RV drivers, and anyone who regularly needs to jump large or older engines.

Commercial Vehicles and Extreme Use — NOCO GB150 (3000A)

The GB150 is NOCO’s top Boost series model. It delivers 3000 peak amps. It handles gas engines up to 9.0 liters and diesel engines up to 7.0 liters.

This covers Class 6 and Class 7 commercial trucks, large RVs, and heavy agricultural equipment. It includes a built-in voltmeter, a 12V fast-charge port, and the longest cables in the Boost lineup.

At $299.95, the GB150 is an investment. Most personal vehicle owners won’t need it. But for fleet managers, commercial drivers, and serious overlanders running large diesel rigs, it’s the right tool.

NOCO Boost vs Boost X Series: What’s the Difference?

Here’s where it gets interesting. NOCO now offers two product families: the classic Boost series (GB20, GB40, GB50, GB70, GB150) and the newer Boost X series (GBX45, GBX55, GBX75, GBX155).

The power specs are similar between comparable models. But the Boost X uses NOCO’s newer PX Lithium Technology, which brings one game-changing feature: ultra-fast charging.

The GBX45, for example, charges from zero to jump-ready in just 5 minutes using its 60W USB-C Power Delivery input. Compare that to the GB40, which takes 3-6 hours depending on the charger.

Feature	Boost Series (Classic)	Boost X Series (New)
Charging Speed	3–14 hours (standard)	5 minutes to jump-ready (60W USB-C)
Technology	UltraSafe Lithium	PX Lithium (newer generation)
Price Premium	Lower	Higher (~$25 more per tier)
Best For	Budget-conscious buyers	Frequent travelers, always-ready need

If you forget to charge your jump starter for months — and let’s be honest, most people do — the Boost X is worth the premium. Five minutes connected to your phone charger and it’s ready to go.

Does Cold Weather Affect NOCO Jump Starter Performance?

Yes — and this is a factor most buyers ignore.

Lithium batteries lose output in cold temperatures. A GB40 in a warm garage performs very differently from a GB40 sitting in a Minnesota trunk at -10°F.

NOCO’s UltraSafe technology and high-discharge lithium cells are engineered for cold-weather use. But there’s a practical rule here: if you live in a cold climate, size up one level.

In cold weather, a dead battery is also more resistant to starting. You’re fighting cold lithium in the jump starter AND a cold, sulfated car battery. More headroom in your jump starter means more reliable starts when it matters most.

A driver in Florida can comfortably rely on a GB40 for a 5.0L gas engine. That same driver in Wisconsin in January might want the GB50 for the same vehicle.

How to Find Your Engine Size

Not sure what size engine you have? Here are three fast ways to check.

Can You Use a NOCO Jump Starter That’s Too Powerful?

Yes, absolutely. You can use a GB70 on a small Honda Civic without any risk.

More power never hurts. Jump starters only deliver what the vehicle draws — they don’t force excess current into the system. The safety risk runs in the other direction: using a jump starter that’s too small for your engine.

An underpowered jump starter may fail to start the vehicle, overheat during repeated attempts, or wear out faster. NOCO’s UltraSafe technology protects against reverse polarity and short circuits, but it can’t compensate for insufficient peak amperage.

So if you’re between two sizes, always choose the bigger one.

What About Motorcycles, Boats, and ATVs?

NOCO jump starters work well beyond cars and trucks. Here’s a quick guide for other vehicle types.

• Motorcycles: The GB20 (500A) handles most bikes, including V-twin engines up to 1200cc. Larger touring bikes with 1800cc+ engines can benefit from the GB40.
• ATVs and UTVs: Most ATVs are fine with the GB20 or GB40. Side-by-sides with larger engines (like the Can-Am Defender 1000) benefit from the GB40.
• Boats: Marine engines vary widely. A small outboard with a 4-cylinder may only need a GB40. A twin-engine inboard with 6.2L engines each needs the GB70 or GB150.
• Lawn tractors and equipment: Small garden tractors work with the GB20. Commercial zero-turn mowers with large diesel engines need at least the GB50.

NOCO UltraSafe Technology: Why It Matters

All NOCO jump starters include UltraSafe Technology. This is what makes them safe to use without worrying about sparks or damaging your vehicle’s electronics.

Here’s what UltraSafe protects against:

• Reverse polarity: If you connect the clamps backward, the unit won’t activate. No sparks, no damage.
• Short circuit protection: Prevents damage if the clamps touch each other.
• Over-voltage protection: Shields sensitive vehicle electronics from power spikes.
• Over-temperature protection: Monitors internal temperature and prevents unsafe operation.

Modern vehicles have sensitive electronics — onboard computers, infotainment systems, and multiple control modules. A single voltage spike can cause thousands in damage. NOCO’s safety features make it suitable for use on newer vehicles where a traditional booster cable mistake could be costly.

For more on vehicle electrical safety during jump starting, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides general vehicle safety guidance for drivers.

How to Use a NOCO Jump Starter Correctly

Even the right-sized jump starter won’t help if you use it wrong. Here’s the correct process.

How Long Does a NOCO Jump Starter Hold Its Charge?

NOCO recommends recharging your jump starter every 3 months during storage. In practice, many drivers forget — and that’s a problem.

Lithium batteries lose charge slowly over time even when not in use. A GB40 fully charged in January could be at 50% or less by June without any use.

The best habit is to charge it on a schedule. Set a phone reminder every 90 days. Or keep the Boost X series charged — since it charges in minutes, you can top it up in your car using the USB-C port before you need it.

Store your jump starter indoors if possible. Extreme heat (like a car parked in summer sun) and extreme cold both degrade lithium battery cells over time. NOCO’s IP65 rating protects against water and dust, but temperature is harder to fight.

For detailed battery maintenance guidance, the U.S. Department of Energy offers research on lithium battery care and longevity that applies to portable power devices as well.

Is the NOCO GB40 the Best Jump Starter for Most People?

For the vast majority of drivers, yes. The GB40 is the single most popular NOCO jump starter, and it earns that position.

It covers gas engines up to 6.0 liters — that’s nearly every passenger car, crossover, and light-duty pickup truck on the road. It handles diesels up to 3.0 liters. It weighs just over 2 pounds and costs $99.95.

The GB40 has been used by millions of drivers across every climate and vehicle type. With over 125,000 reviews on Amazon, its reliability track record speaks for itself.

Now let’s answer a few specific questions drivers commonly ask.

What NOCO Size Do I Need for a Diesel Truck?

Diesel engines need significantly more cranking power than gas engines. This is because diesel ignition works by compression, not a spark plug — it takes much more force to compress diesel air-fuel mixture to ignition point.

Here’s a quick diesel guide:

• Small diesel SUVs and cars (up to 3.0L): GB40 (1000A) minimum
• Mid-size diesel pickups (3.0L–4.5L): GB50 (1500A) recommended
• Heavy-duty diesel trucks (4.5L–6.0L): GB70 (2000A) required
• Large commercial diesel (6.0L–7.0L): GB150 (3000A) or GBX155 (4250A)

The GB20 is explicitly not recommended for any diesel engine. Don’t risk it.

Should You Buy NOCO Boost or Boost X?

The honest answer depends on one thing: how often you’ll forget to charge it.

The classic Boost series (GB20 through GB150) uses proven UltraSafe lithium technology. These units work reliably and are more affordable. If you’re diligent about charging every 90 days, the classic Boost is a smart buy.

The Boost X series (GBX45 through GBX155) uses newer PX Lithium technology. The key upgrade is 60W USB-C fast charging. The GBX45 can go from zero to jump-ready in 5 minutes. This is revolutionary for people who only think about their jump starter when their car is dead.

Pay about $25 more per tier for Boost X if fast charging matters to you. Stick with classic Boost if you’re budget-conscious and willing to charge regularly.

Choosing the right NOCO jump starter size isn’t complicated once you know your engine size. Start there, factor in your climate, and pick one model size up if you’re ever unsure. You’ll be ready for anything.

My recommendation for most readers is the NOCO GB40 — it hits the sweet spot of power, price, and portability. If you drive a large truck or a diesel, step up to the GB70. And if fast charging matters, the GBX45 is the smart upgrade worth the premium.

Thanks for reading — I’m Alex Rahman, and I hope this guide saved you from buying the wrong size. Stay prepared out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size NOCO jump starter do I need for a V8 engine?

Most V8 gas engines fall between 5.0L and 6.2L, so the NOCO GB50 (1500A) or GB70 (2000A) is the right choice. The GB40 covers gas engines up to 6.0L, so it can handle smaller V8s, but the GB50 gives you a safer margin for larger V8 trucks in cold weather.

Can the NOCO GB40 jump start a diesel engine?

Yes, but only diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. That covers smaller diesel SUVs and cars like the Volkswagen Jetta TDI or Jeep Cherokee diesel. For heavy-duty diesel pickup trucks like the Ram 2500 or Ford F-250, you need the GB70 (2000A) minimum.

How do I know if my NOCO jump starter is charged enough to work?

Press the power button on the unit — the LED indicator shows the charge level. Three green lights means fully charged. One red light means the battery is critically low and needs recharging before use. Always check the charge level before you actually need it.

Does NOCO make a jump starter for 24-volt trucks?

NOCO’s standard Boost and Boost X series are all 12-volt jump starters. For 24-volt commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, you’d need to use two 12V jump starters in series or a commercial-grade 24V unit. Most consumer NOCO models are not designed for 24V systems.

How long does the NOCO GB40 last before it needs replacing?

With proper care and regular charging every 90 days, a NOCO GB40 typically lasts 3 to 5 years or more. Lithium battery degradation happens faster when stored fully discharged or in extreme temperatures. Keeping it at 50-100% charge in a moderate-temperature environment maximizes its lifespan.