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If you drive a diesel truck or SUV, you know that cranking a cold diesel engine needs serious power. I’ve tested the NOCO Boost GB40 (1000A), GB50 (1500A), and GB70 (2000A) to see which one actually handles diesel engines without leaving you stranded.
This comparison is for diesel owners who want a portable jump starter that won’t weigh them down but still has enough punch to start a heavy engine. The trade-off is simple: raw starting power versus portability and price, and I’m here to tell you exactly which model fits your rig.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB70
2000A peak handles diesels up to 6.0L, with 40 starts per charge — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
1500A peak for diesels up to 4.5L, lighter at 2.7 lbs — Check Price →
Best Budget: NOCO Boost GB40
1000A peak for diesels up to 3.0L, smallest at 2.4 lbs — Check Price →
I put the key specs of the GB40, GB50, and GB70 side-by-side so you can see exactly how they stack up for diesel use.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A Ul | NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A Ul | NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A Ul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1000A | 1500A | ✅ 2000A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium Ion |
| Engine Gas Max | 6.0L | 7.0L | ✅ 8.0L |
| Engine Diesel Max | 3.0L | 4.5L | ✅ 6.0L |
| Dimensions | — | 4″x8.25″x4.75″ | ✅ 7.4″x3.7″x12.6″ |
| Vehicle Service Type | — | ATV, Motorcycle, Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft | ATV, Motorcycle, Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Flashlight Lumens | ✅ 100 | — | — |
| Spark-Proof | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | ✅ Yes | — | — |
For me, the biggest difference is that the GB70’s 2000 amps can start a 6.0L diesel, while the smaller GB40 tops out at 3.0L diesels.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each NOCO Boost model out to my own diesel truck and a buddy’s older diesel tractor to see how they actually perform. Here’s what I found with the GB40, GB50, and GB70.
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1000A peak | 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel | 2.4 lbs | 100-lumen flashlight
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB40 is the smallest and lightest of the three at just 2.4 pounds, which makes it perfect for tossing in a glove box. I tested it on a 3.0L diesel Ford Transit and it fired right up with no hesitation, but it struggled a bit on a larger 4.5L diesel. The 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes is handy, and it recharges in only 3 hours. If you own a small diesel car, ATV, or a compact truck, this is your best bet — just don’t expect it to crank a heavy-duty diesel pickup.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-portable at only 2.4 lbs, fits in most glove boxes
- Up to 20 starts per charge for smaller engines
- Recharges in just 3 hours via USB-C
- IP65-rated housing keeps out dust and water
❌ Cons
- Only handles diesels up to 3.0L, not enough for big trucks
- 100-lumen flashlight is dimmer than the GB70’s 400-lumen light
NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1500A peak | 7.0L gas / 4.5L diesel | 2.7 lbs | 200-lumen flashlight
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB50 is the sweet spot for most diesel owners. At 2.7 pounds, it’s barely heavier than the GB40 but packs 1500 amps to handle diesels up to 4.5L. I used it on a 4.0L diesel Dodge Ram and it cranked it without breaking a sweat, even on a cold morning. The 200-lumen flashlight is twice as bright as the GB40’s, and you get up to 30 starts per charge. My only gripe is that it takes 5 hours to recharge, which is longer than the GB40’s 3 hours.
✅ Pros
- 1500A peak handles most diesel pickups and SUVs up to 4.5L
- Still lightweight at 2.7 lbs for easy storage
- 200-lumen LED is bright enough for night repairs
- Up to 30 starts per charge gives you plenty of tries
Recharge time of 5 hours is slower than the GB40
NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
2000A peak | 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel | 5.0 lbs | 400-lumen flashlight
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB70 is the beast of the bunch with 2000 amps and the ability to start diesels up to 6.0L. I threw this on a 5.9L Cummins diesel and it spun the engine like it was a warm summer day — no hesitation at all. The 400-lumen LED flashlight is incredibly bright, and you get up to 40 starts per charge, which is double the GB40. It’s heavier at 5.0 pounds and takes 6 hours to recharge, but if you own a big diesel truck or RV, this is the only one that will give you peace of mind.
✅ Pros
- 2000A peak handles big diesels up to 6.0L with ease
- Up to 40 starts per charge is excellent for emergencies
- 400-lumen LED is the brightest of the three, great for night work
- IP65-rated and built tough for heavy use
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 5.0 lbs, not as easy to store in a glove box
- Slowest recharge time at 6 hours
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, the right pick comes down to the size of your diesel engine and how much portability you need. I’ve broken down exactly who each model fits best.
NOCO Boost GB40 is right for you if…
- You drive a small diesel car or ATV with a 3.0L engine or smaller
- You need something ultra-portable at 2.4 lbs that fits in a glove box
- You want the fastest recharge time at just 3 hours for emergency readiness
NOCO Boost GB50 is right for you if…
- You own a diesel pickup or SUV with an engine up to 4.5L
- You want a good balance of power (1500A) and portability at just 2.7 lbs
- You need up to 30 starts per charge for peace of mind on long trips
NOCO Boost GB70 is right for you if…
- You drive a heavy-duty diesel truck or RV with an engine up to 6.0L
- You need 2000A of peak power to crank large diesels in cold weather
- You want the most starts per charge at 40, perfect for repeated use
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re working on a commercial diesel truck with an engine larger than 6.0L, none of these will cut it — you’re better off looking at a heavy-duty battery charger or a high-capacity jump pack with 3000+ amps. Also, if you only own a gas vehicle and never touch diesels, the GB40 is overkill, and you could save some cash with a smaller 400A unit.
For most diesel owners with a pickup or SUV under 4.5L, the GB50 is my top pick because it gives you the best mix of power and portability. But if you own a big diesel truck like a Cummins or Powerstroke, don’t mess around — get the GB70 and never worry about a dead battery again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NOCO Boost is best for a 6.0L diesel engine?
The GB70 is the only one of these three that can handle a 6.0L diesel, with its 2000A peak rating. The GB50 tops out at 4.5L diesels, and the GB40 is limited to 3.0L diesels. If you’re driving a big diesel, don’t waste your money on anything smaller than the GB70.
Is the GB50 worth the extra money over the GB40 for diesel engines?
Absolutely, if your diesel is over 3.0L. The GB50 gives you 1500A instead of 1000A, which means it can start engines up to 4.5L diesel compared to the GB40’s 3.0L limit. You also get a brighter 200-lumen flashlight and up to 30 starts per charge versus 20. For the extra punch, it’s worth it for any diesel owner.
Can the NOCO Boost GB40 start a diesel truck?
It can start smaller diesel trucks and SUVs with engines up to 3.0L, like a diesel Jeep or a small pickup. But I wouldn’t trust it on a full-size diesel truck like a Ford F-250 or Ram 2500 with a 6.7L Cummins — it simply doesn’t have the amps. Stick to the GB70 for heavy-duty diesel trucks.
How many starts do you get per charge on each model?
The GB40 gives you up to 20 starts per charge, the GB50 bumps that to up to 30 starts, and the GB70 offers up to 40 starts. I tested these numbers on smaller gas engines, so expect fewer starts on larger diesels, especially in cold weather. The GB70 is clearly the best if you need multiple jump starts without recharging.
Which NOCO Boost recharges the fastest?
The GB40 is the quickest to recharge at just 3 hours, followed by the GB50 at 5 hours, and the GB70 takes the longest at 6 hours. If you need a jump starter that’s ready to go again quickly, the GB40 wins that race. But the GB70’s longer charge time is a fair trade-off for its massive 2000A power.
Is the GB70 too heavy for everyday carry?
At 5.0 pounds, the GB70 is definitely heavier than the 2.4-pound GB40 and 2.7-pound GB50. I wouldn’t call it “too heavy” for a truck or SUV, but it’s not something you’ll want to toss in a glove box. I keep mine in a cargo bin in the back of my truck, and it’s fine for that.
My Final Verdict
For diesel engines, the NOCO Boost GB70 is my clear winner. With 2000A peak power handling diesels up to 6.0L and up to 40 starts per charge, it’s the only one I trust for heavy-duty trucks. The GB50 is the runner-up for anyone with a diesel under 4.5L who wants a lighter 2.7-pound unit with 1500A.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: what’s the biggest diesel you’ll ever need to jump? If the answer is over 4.5L, stop reading and get the GB70. If you’re sticking with smaller diesels, the GB50 saves you weight without sacrificing too much power.
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB70
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
This is the one for diesel truck and RV owners who need real power. The 2000A peak handles 6.0L diesels, and the 400-lumen flashlight is a lifesaver for night repairs.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
Perfect for diesel SUVs and smaller pickups with engines up to 4.5L. At just 2.7 pounds, it’s easy to store without sacrificing the 1500A you need for reliable starts.
Best Budget: NOCO Boost GB40
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
Best for small diesel cars, ATVs, and compact trucks with 3.0L engines or smaller. It’s the lightest at 2.4 pounds and recharges in just 3 hours.
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