Yes, a NOCO jump starter can power a winch in an emergency—but only under specific conditions and for a limited time.
It’s not what these devices are primarily designed for, but in dire situations where you don’t have access to your vehicle’s main battery or an external power source, a high-capacity NOCO jump starter may provide just enough juice to operate a small to medium winch for a brief recovery effort.
Imagine you’re deep in the backcountry, stuck in the mud, and your vehicle’s battery dies. If you’ve got a NOCO jump starter in your recovery kit, you might be wondering if it can double as a backup power source for your winch. That’s a legitimate and potentially life-saving question.
Best NOCO Jump Starter for Powering a Winch in an Emergency
If you’re considering using a NOCO jump starter to power a winch in an emergency, not just any model will do. You’ll need a unit with serious output capacity. Here are three of the best NOCO models to consider for the job:
NOCO Boost X GBX155 (4250A 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter)
This model offers massive 4250-amp peak current and can briefly handle heavy-duty winch demands. It’s ideal for trucks, SUVs, and off-roaders.
NOCO Boost Pro GB150 (3000A 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter)
A popular option among off-road enthusiasts, the GB150 packs enough power to turn over diesel engines and can momentarily support mid-sized winch use.
NOCO Boost Max GB500+ (6250A 12V/24V UltraSafe Jump Starter)
This commercial-grade beast can start class 8 semi-trucks and heavy equipment. It’s overkill for most but unmatched if your winch requires a high surge load.
Can a Jump Starter Like NOCO Realistically Power a Winch?
In theory, yes—but in practice, it depends on the amperage demands of your winch and the capacity of your NOCO jump starter.
Winches—especially electric recovery winches—draw a lot of current. A mid-size 9,000 lb. winch, for example, may pull 300–500 amps under load, with peak surges exceeding that. In contrast, even the most powerful NOCO jump starters are designed to deliver high cold cranking amps (CCA) in short bursts—not to provide continuous draw like a deep-cycle battery or alternator.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- A NOCO jump starter might power a winch for a few seconds at a time during light-load use (e.g., on level ground).
- It will likely overheat, shut down, or trip its internal protection circuit during prolonged or high-load pulls.
Still, in a true emergency—like freeing yourself from a snowdrift or nudging a vehicle up a small incline—a high-output NOCO like the GBX155 or GB500+ might give you just enough juice.
Key considerations include:
- Battery state of charge (your NOCO must be fully charged).
- Winch size and load.
- Use of heavy-duty cables to reduce voltage drop.
- The need for short, intermittent pulls (not sustained winching).
What Are the Risks of Powering a Winch with a NOCO Jump Starter?
Using a jump starter for winch operations isn’t what the device is built for—and forcing it into that role comes with several risks. While it may work in emergencies, you need to be aware of what’s at stake.
Here are the key risks to consider:
Overheating & Shutdown
Jump starters like NOCO’s GB series are designed for short, powerful bursts—not continuous load. If you run a winch for too long, the jump starter may overheat and trigger its thermal protection circuit, shutting down automatically.
Permanent Damage to the Jump Starter
Prolonged or repeated high-amp draw can degrade lithium-ion cells or even cause them to swell. This reduces battery life or, worse, renders your jump starter unusable when you need it most.
Electrical Hazards
Winches typically demand a stable, high-current power source. If your NOCO can’t keep up, voltage may sag, leading to erratic winch performance, electrical arcing, or damaged cables.
Warranty Voids and Liability
Using NOCO devices outside their intended use (like winching) may void the manufacturer’s warranty. In a worst-case scenario, if damage occurs to your winch or vehicle, you’re on your own for the cost.
How to minimize these risks:
- Use only for very short, low-load pulls.
- Never use it as a routine power source for winching.
- Let the unit cool between bursts.
- Monitor for signs of strain—heat, slow response, power cuts.
Ultimately, it’s a “last resort” option. Proceed with caution and respect the limits of your gear.
How to Safely Use a NOCO Jump Starter to Power a Winch in an Emergency
If you find yourself in a pinch and decide to use a NOCO jump starter to power your winch, safety and proper technique are essential to avoid damage or injury. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it correctly:
Fully Charge Your NOCO Jump Starter First
Make sure your NOCO unit is at 100% charge. A partially charged battery won’t supply enough power and could strain the device.
Use Heavy-Duty, Properly Rated Cables
Use thick gauge cables rated for high current to connect the jump starter to your winch terminals. This minimizes voltage drop and heat buildup.
Connect Polarity Correctly
Always connect the positive (+) terminal of the jump starter to the positive winch terminal, and the negative (–) terminal to a solid vehicle ground point. Reversing polarity can cause damage.
Engage the Winch in Short Bursts
Avoid continuous operation. Pull the winch for 5-10 seconds, then pause to allow the jump starter to cool and recharge internally.
Monitor the Jump Starter Temperature
If the jump starter feels hot or shuts down, let it cool down completely before continuing.
Avoid Overloading
Try to reduce winch load as much as possible before use. For example, use recovery straps or rock your vehicle slightly to lessen the strain.
What Type of Winch Is Best Suited for Use with a NOCO Jump Starter?
Not all winches are created equal when it comes to compatibility with jump starters like NOCO’s. Understanding which types of winches are more likely to work with a NOCO jump starter can help you plan better for emergencies.
Smaller, Low-Amp Winches
Winches rated between 2,000 and 5,000 lbs. generally require less power and can sometimes be powered by high-output jump starters. These lighter-duty winches put less continuous strain on the power source, making them the best candidates.
Electric Winches with Lower Amp Draw
Some winches are designed for lighter tasks like pulling trailers or light-duty vehicle recovery. Their current draw is lower, which aligns better with the limited surge and sustained amps NOCO jump starters can provide.
Winches with Duty Cycles Favorable to Intermittent Power
If your winch’s duty cycle is built for intermittent use (short pulls with rests in between), you can better manage the limitations of a jump starter by spacing out winching efforts to avoid overheating.
Winches that are less suitable include:
- Large heavy-duty winches over 9,000 lbs.
- Winches with continuous heavy-load demands.
- Hydraulic winches (which require a separate power source entirely).
Alternative Power Sources for Winching Emergencies When NOCO Jump Starters Aren’t Enough
While NOCO jump starters can offer temporary help, they’re not always the perfect solution. Knowing your alternatives ensures you’re prepared for any recovery situation.
Auxiliary Deep-Cycle Batteries
These are designed to provide sustained power over longer periods. A deep-cycle battery connected to your winch setup will handle heavy loads and extended pulls without overheating.
Vehicle’s Main Battery and Alternator
Whenever possible, use your vehicle’s primary 12V battery coupled with the alternator running. This setup is ideal because the alternator replenishes the battery while winching.
Portable Power Packs with Higher Capacity
There are jump starters and battery packs specifically designed for high-amp continuous draw. These can supply more power to winches than typical jump starters like NOCO’s GB series.
Generator-Powered Battery Chargers
In extended off-road expeditions, a generator can recharge auxiliary batteries, ensuring you have reliable power for multiple winching operations.
Conclusion
In emergency situations, a NOCO jump starter can power a winch for short, light-duty pulls but isn’t designed for continuous or heavy winching. Its impressive peak amps can provide crucial bursts of power to help you get unstuck, especially when no other power sources are available. However, using a NOCO jump starter beyond its intended purpose carries risks, including overheating and possible damage to the device.
If you plan to rely on a NOCO jump starter for winching emergencies, pick a high-output model like the GBX155 or GB500+, and always follow safety guidelines to protect your equipment. For frequent or heavy winching needs, investing in a deep-cycle battery or other specialized power sources is a smarter, safer approach.
Remember, your safety and gear longevity come first — treat your jump starter as an emergency lifeline, not a winching workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a NOCO Jump Starter to Power a Winch
Can any NOCO jump starter power all types of winches?
No. Not all NOCO jump starters can handle the high current draw of every winch. Smaller, lighter-duty winches (around 2,000 to 5,000 lbs. rating) have lower amperage requirements and are more likely to work. Heavy-duty winches drawing 300+ amps continuously are usually too demanding for a NOCO jump starter.
How long can a NOCO jump starter power a winch?
Typically, only for short bursts of 5 to 10 seconds before the jump starter’s thermal protection kicks in to prevent overheating. Prolonged use risks damaging the jump starter and reduces its lifespan.
Will using a NOCO jump starter void the warranty on my winch or jump starter?
Using a jump starter to power a winch is outside the intended use and may void the warranty of both the jump starter and sometimes the winch. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure.
Can I use a NOCO jump starter to recharge my vehicle’s battery after winching?
Yes, NOCO jump starters can recharge or jump-start your vehicle’s battery, but they’re not designed to continuously power heavy loads like winches. Use them to get your vehicle started, then let the alternator recharge the battery.
What are the best NOCO jump starter models for winch emergencies?
The NOCO GBX155 (1550A) and GB500+ (1000A) models are the top picks for emergency winch power due to their high peak amps and robust build. Still, remember these are temporary solutions.
Are there safer alternatives to using a NOCO jump starter for winching?
Absolutely. Deep-cycle batteries, vehicle main batteries with alternators, and portable power packs designed for sustained heavy loads offer safer, more reliable power for winching.