A dead battery destroys plans. Whether stranded in a parking lot with a dead car battery or unable to start a motorcycle after storage, battery failure creates immediate emergencies. The Battery Tender® Charge N Start series solves both problems with a single device: automatic battery charging for maintenance and powerful jump starting for emergencies.
Since pioneering consumer smart chargers in 1989, Battery Tender has spent 60 years refining charging technology. The Charge N Start line represents our innovation in combining long-term battery maintenance with emergency jump starting capability—two essential functions in one reliable unit.
The 2-in-1 Concept
Why Combine Charging and Jump Starting?
Traditional battery maintenance requires separate devices:
- Battery charger for long-term storage maintenance
- Jump starter for emergency starting situations
The Charge N Start series eliminates this duplication by providing both functions in a single unit.
Dual Functionality Benefits:
- Reduces equipment needed
- Saves storage space
- Ensures emergency capability always available
- Maintains charged battery for maximum jump starting power
- Single investment covers two needs
Target Applications
Ideal For:
- Garage/workshop battery maintenance
- Seasonal vehicle storage (motorcycles, ATVs, boats)
- Emergency backup for daily drivers
- Professional mechanics and shops
- Fleet maintenance operations
- Remote locations without immediate help available
Charge N Start Model Lineup
Battery Tender offers three Charge N Start models, each sized for specific applications.
Model 1100 - Compact Power
Specifications:
- Jump Starting: 1100 peak amps
- Charging: 12V automatic smart charging
- Weight: Portable design
- Applications: Motorcycles, ATVs, small cars
Best For:
- Powersports enthusiasts
- Compact car owners
- Limited storage space situations
- Occasional jump starting needs
Charging Features:
- ISM (Infinite Sequential Monitoring) technology
- Automatic float mode
- Reverse polarity protection
- Spark-proof clamps
Jump Starting Capability:
- 4-cylinder engines: Excellent
- 6-cylinder engines: Good
- 8-cylinder engines: Marginal (warm weather only)
- Diesel engines: Not recommended
Model 1120 - Versatile Performance
Specifications:
- Jump Starting: 1200 peak amps
- Charging: 12V automatic smart charging with higher amperage
- Weight: Moderate portability
- Applications: All automotive, light trucks, marine
Best For:
- General automotive use
- Multi-vehicle households
- Marine applications (starting batteries)
- Professional detailers
Charging Features:
- ISM technology with faster charging rate
- AGM and flooded battery compatibility
- Temperature-compensated charging
- Built-in safety protections
Jump Starting Capability:
- 4-cylinder engines: Excellent
- 6-cylinder engines: Excellent
- 8-cylinder engines: Good
- Small diesel engines: Marginal
Model 4120 - Professional Grade
Specifications:
- Jump Starting: 4000+ peak amps
- Charging: 12V/24V automatic smart charging
- Weight: Wheeled cart design
- Applications: Large engines, diesel, commercial vehicles
Best For:
- Professional mechanics
- Diesel trucks and equipment
- Large marine engines
- Commercial fleet operations
- RV and motorhome applications
Charging Features:
- ISM technology professional grade
- 12V/24V voltage selection
- High-amperage charging capability
- Multiple chemistry compatibility
Jump Starting Capability:
- 4-cylinder engines: Excellent
- 6-cylinder engines: Excellent
- 8-cylinder engines: Excellent
- Diesel engines up to 7L: Excellent
- Heavy equipment: Good
Professional Features:
- Wheeled cart for mobility
- Heavy-duty cables and clamps
- Extended duty cycle
- Workshop-grade construction
Charging Function Details
ISM Smart Charging Technology
All Charge N Start models incorporate the Battery Tender proprietary ISM (Infinite Sequential Monitoring) technology:
4-Stage Charging Process:
- Initialization: Assess battery condition
- Bulk Charging: Rapid capacity restoration
- Absorption: Complete final charging
- Float Mode: Maintain perfect charge
Advantages Over Simple Chargers:
- Prevents overcharging automatically
- Adapts to battery condition
- Sulfation recovery capability
- Temperature compensation
- Safe for extended connection (periodic monitoring recommended)
Chemistry Compatibility
Supported Battery Types:
- Standard flooded lead-acid (wet batteries)
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
- Gel cell batteries
- Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
- Deep-cycle batteries
Charging Amperage
Model 1100/1120:
- Maintenance charging: 1.25-2A typical
- Sufficient for most automotive/powersports
- Overnight full charge for typical batteries
Model 4120:
- High-current charging: Up to 4A
- Rapid recovery for large batteries
- Professional shop applications
Jump Starting Function Details
Peak Amps vs Cranking Amps
Understanding jump starter ratings:
Peak Amps (Advertised Rating):
- Maximum instantaneous current (1-2 seconds)
- Marketing specification
- Not sustained cranking power
- Model 1100: 1100 peak amps
- Model 1120: 1200 peak amps
- Model 4120: 1200 peak amps
Cranking Amps (Actual Sustained Power):
- Sustained current during engine cranking
- True performance indicator
- Typically 30-50% of peak rating
- What actually starts the engine
Temperature Effects:
- Ratings at 32°F (0°C) or warmer
- Cold weather reduces capacity significantly
- -10°F: 50% capacity reduction typical
- Warm units indoors before cold-weather use
Engine Starting Capability
4-Cylinder Engines (Typical 400-500 CCA battery):
- Model 1100: Excellent in all conditions
- Model 1120: Excellent in all conditions
- Model 4120: Overkill but excellent
6-Cylinder Engines (Typical 600-700 CCA battery):
- Model 1100: Good in warm weather, marginal in cold
- Model 1120: Excellent year-round
- Model 4120: Excellent year-round
8-Cylinder Engines (Typical 700-850 CCA battery):
- Model 1100: Marginal, warm weather only
- Model 1120: Good in most conditions
- Model 4120: Excellent year-round
Diesel Engines:
- High compression requires more cranking power
- Glow plug warm-up reduces battery drain
- Model 1100/1120: Small diesels only (marginal)
- Model 4120: Up to 7L displacement excellent
Safety Features
All Models Include:
- Reverse polarity protection (prevents damage)
- Spark-proof clamps (reduces accident risk)
- Overload protection (prevents unit damage)
- Low-voltage protection (preserves internal battery)
- Thermal protection (prevents overheating)
Proper Use Protocol:
- Connect positive to dead battery positive
- Connect negative to engine block or frame (not battery)
- Attempt start
- If unsuccessful, wait 30 seconds between attempts
- Disconnect immediately after successful start
Internal Battery Technology
Lithium-Ion Power Pack Design
Charge N Start units use internal lithium-ion battery packs for maximum power density:
Advantages:
- Extremely high power-to-weight ratio
- Excellent instantaneous current capability (1000-1200A)
- Long cycle life (1000+ charge cycles)
- Minimal self-discharge (holds charge for months)
- Fast recharge capability
- Consistent voltage throughout discharge
- No memory effect
- Operates in wide temperature range
Capacity:
- Lightweight compact design
- Sufficient capacity for multiple jump starts per charge
- Integrated Battery Management System (BMS)
- Overcharge and over-discharge protection
Maintenance Requirements:
- Recharge after each jump start
- Check charge status quarterly (minimal self-discharge)
- Maintain 40-60% charge during long-term storage
- No sulfation concerns
- Typical lifespan: 5-10 years with proper care
Internal Battery Capacity
Jump Starts Per Charge:
- Model 1100: Multiple starts on single charge
- Model 1120: Multiple starts on single charge
- Model 4120: Extensive jump starting capability for professional use
- Performance maintained even in cold temperatures (unlike lead-acid)
- Lightweight lithium pack vs. heavy traditional jump starters
Practical Applications
Seasonal Vehicle Storage
Motorcycle Winter Storage:
- Connect Charge N Start to battery
- Plug into standard outlet
- ISM maintains charge through winter
- Unit ready for spring emergency starts
- No need for separate charger/jump starter
Benefits:
- Battery maintained perfectly
- Emergency capability if needed
- Single-device solution
- Cost effective
Professional Shop Use
Model 4120 Workshop Integration:
- Charge batteries overnight
- Jump start customer vehicles
- Handle diesel trucks
- Service equipment batteries
- Mobile within shop (wheeled design)
Efficiency Gains:
- Single device multiple functions
- Reduces equipment investment
- Saves shop floor space
- Reliable professional-grade performance
Emergency Roadside Situations
Model 1120 Vehicle Emergency Kit:
- Keep in vehicle trunk
- Plug in at home for maintenance charging
- Available for roadside emergency
- Help others (good samaritan capability)
Limitations:
- Heavy for long-distance carrying
- Requires periodic charge checks
- Not replacement for portable jump starter
- Better suited to garage use with occasional emergency use
Marine Applications
Boat Battery Maintenance:
- Charge starting battery during storage
- Jump starting capability at marina
- Handles typical marine starting batteries
- Model 1120 sufficient for personal watercraft
- Model 4120 for larger marine engines
Considerations:
- Keep unit dry (not waterproof)
- Corrosion prevention on connections
- Regular charge maintenance
- Cold-weather capacity reduction
Charge N Start vs Alternatives
Vs. Portable Lithium Jump Starters
Portable Lithium Advantages:
- Much lighter (1-2 lbs vs 15-40 lbs)
- More portable for vehicle carry
- USB charging convenience
- Longer shelf life between charges
Charge N Start Advantages:
- Automatic battery charging/maintenance (dual function)
- Higher peak power capability (1000-1200A vs 600-800A typical portable)
- Charges vehicle batteries with ISM technology
- Can charge multiple battery chemistries (standard, AGM, GEL, lithium)
- Auto-switches between vehicle battery and internal jump starter maintenance
Best Choice:
- Vehicle emergency kit: Portable lithium
- Garage/workshop: Charge N Start
- Seasonal storage: Charge N Start
- Professional use: Charge N Start Model 4120
Vs. Separate Charger + Jump Starter
Separate Devices Advantages:
- Optimize each function independently
- Lighter portable jump starter possible
- Better long-term float charging
- More flexibility in device selection
Charge N Start Advantages:
- Single purchase cost
- Single storage location
- No device switching needed
- Integrated design
- Adequate for most users
Best Choice:
- Serious enthusiasts: Separate devices optimized
- General users: Charge N Start convenience
- Shop professionals: Depends on workflow
Maintenance and Longevity
Keeping Your Charge N Start Ready
Monthly Maintenance:
- Check indicator lights/display
- Recharge if below 50% (varies by model)
- Test output voltage
- Inspect cables and clamps
After Each Use:
- Recharge immediately
- Full charge before storage
- Inspect for damage
- Clean clamps if corroded
Long-Term Storage:
- Fully charge unit
- Store in temperature-controlled location (40-80°F)
- Recharge every 3 months
- Avoid complete discharge
Expected Lifespan
With Proper Maintenance:
- Internal battery: 3-5 years typical
- External components: 5-10 years
- Charging circuitry: 10+ years
Replacement Considerations:
- Internal battery capacity degrades
- Jump starting power decreases over time
- Charging function remains reliable longer
- Professional rebuild sometimes available (Model 4120)
Common Issues and Solutions
Unit Won't Hold Charge
- Likely internal lithium battery degradation from age or excessive cycles
- Try recovery charge (leave charging 24+ hours)
- If unsuccessful, internal battery replacement may be needed
- Typical lifespan: 5-10 years or 1000+ cycles
Insufficient Jump Starting Power
- Verify full charge before use
- Check for cable damage
- Confirm connections clean and tight
- May indicate aging internal battery
Charging Function Not Working
- Verify outlet power
- Check for tripped breaker in unit
- Inspect charging cable
- May require professional service
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Model 1100 Investment
- Cost: ~$140
- Replaces:
- Battery Tender Plus: $45-75
- Basic jump starter: $75-100
- Total Replaced: $120-175
- Break-Even: Immediate for new purchasers
- Value: Convenience + emergency capability
Model 1120 Investment
- Cost: ~$150
- Replaces:
- Power Tender® 5A: $100-125
- Mid-grade jump starter: $100-150
- Total Replaced: $200-275
- Break-Even: Immediate for new purchasers
- Value: Versatility across applications
Model 4120 Investment
- Cost: ~$180
- Replaces:
- Professional charger: $250-400
- Heavy-duty jump starter: $300-500
- Total Replaced: $550-900
- Break-Even: Immediate for professional use
- Value: Shop efficiency + reliability
FAQ
Q: Can I leave Charge N Start connected to my battery all winter?
A: Yes, Charge N Start includes Charge N Store™ technology which monitors and maintains optimal float voltage during long-term storage.
Q: How often should I recharge the Charge N Start internal battery?
A: Check monthly. Recharge when below 50% capacity. Always recharge after jump starting use. Full charge before storage.
Q: Can Charge N Start work with lithium batteries?
A: Yes! Charge N Start units can charge and maintain all types of 12V batteries, including standard (flooded lead-acid), AGM, GEL, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. The smart charging technology automatically adjusts for different battery chemistries.
Q: Will Model 1120 start my diesel truck?
A: Marginal for small diesels (4-cylinder), insufficient for larger diesels. Model 4120 required for reliable diesel starting.
Q: How many times can I jump start before recharging?
A: Depends on difficulty. Model 1120: 10-20 typical starts. Recharge after use regardless for readiness.
Q: Can I use Charge N Start while it's charging?
A: Limited. Some charge current available but not full jump starting power until charge complete. Best practice: keep fully charged for emergencies.
Conclusion
The Battery Tender Charge N Start series delivers dual functionality—automatic battery charging for maintenance and powerful jump starting for emergencies—in integrated units spanning compact powersports to professional-grade applications.
For garage workshop use, seasonal vehicle storage, or professional shop operations, Charge N Start eliminates the need for separate chargers and jump starters. The convenience of having both functions available, combined with 60 years of charging expertise from Battery Tender, and our 1989 smart charger innovation, makes Charge N Start an intelligent investment for battery care.
Select the model matching your application: Model 1100 for powersports, Model 1120 for general automotive, or Model 4120 for professional/diesel use.
