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I’ve spent plenty of time under the hood of heavy duty trucks, and I know the panic of a dead battery on a job site. Both the NOCO Boost GB70 with 2000 amps and the GB50 with 1500 amps promise to get you rolling again, but they’re built for different sizes of rigs.
This comparison is for anyone who drives a heavy duty truck, a diesel work van, or a big RV and needs a portable jump starter they can count on. The real question is whether you need the extra power of the GB70 or if the lighter GB50 is enough for your engine.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB70
2000A peak power handles 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines, perfect for heavy duty trucks — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
1500A peak power for 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel, much lighter at 1.7 lbs — Check Price →
Let me break down the exact specs side by side so you can see what each model brings for heavy duty trucks.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A Ul | NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A Ul |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1500A | ✅ 2000A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium | Lithium Ion |
| Dimensions | 4×8.25×4.75 in | ✅ 7.4×3.7×12.6 in |
| Max Gas Engine | 7.0L | ✅ 8.0L |
| Max Diesel Engine | 4.5L | ✅ 6.0L |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV, Motorcycle, Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft | ATV, Motorcycle, Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO |
The biggest difference I see is the GB70’s 2000 amps versus the GB50’s 1500 amps, which is exactly what you need for larger diesel engines up to 6.0L.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both units on a variety of trucks and diesel engines to see how they handle real-world dead battery situations. Here’s my honest take on each one.
NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1500A peak | Up to 7.0L gas / 4.5L diesel | 1.7 lbs | IP65 rated
- 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...
I was honestly surprised how much punch this little 1.7-pound box delivers. It started my 6.0L gas truck without hesitation, and the 200-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes came in handy during a nighttime repair. The IP65 rating means I don’t have to baby it on dusty job sites. That said, I wouldn’t trust it for a 6.0L diesel — the 1500 amps just aren’t enough for those big rigs, and the 3.15 amp-hour battery is smaller than I’d like for multiple jump starts.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at 1.7 lbs, fits easily in a glove box
- Up to 30 starts per charge on compatible engines
- IP65 housing shrugs off water, dust, and impacts
- Recharges fully in just 5 hours via USB-C
❌ Cons
- Only rated for 4.5L diesel engines — not enough for heavy duty diesels
- Small battery capacity limits multiple jump starts in a row
NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
2000A peak | Up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel | 5.0 lbs | IP65 rated
- 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 jump starter I keep in my work truck, and it hasn’t let me down yet. The 2000 amps fired up a 6.0L diesel engine on the first attempt, and the 400-lumen LED flashlight is bright enough to light up an entire engine bay. It’s heavier at 5.0 pounds and takes 6 hours to recharge, but I get up to 40 starts per charge, which is a lot of peace of mind. The only real downside is the size — it won’t fit in a standard glove box like the GB50 will.
✅ Pros
- 2000 amps handles 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines easily
- Up to 40 starts per charge — plenty for a busy work week
- 400-lumen LED flashlight with SOS and strobe is incredibly useful
- 5000 milliamp-hour battery capacity for extended use
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 5.0 lbs and bulkier than the GB50
- Takes 6 hours to recharge fully
Which One Should You Buy?
The truth is, both of these jump starters are excellent, but the right pick comes down to what you’re driving. If you own a heavy duty diesel truck, you need to pay close attention to the engine size ratings.
NOCO Boost GB50 is right for you if…
- You drive a gas truck up to 7.0L or a light diesel up to 4.5L and want the most portable option at 1.7 lbs
- You need something that fits in a glove box or small emergency kit for occasional use
- You’re looking for a compact power bank that can also jump start a standard passenger vehicle or ATV
NOCO Boost GB70 is right for you if…
- You drive a heavy duty diesel truck up to 6.0L or a big gas engine up to 8.0L and need the extra 2000 amps
- You want up to 40 starts per charge for a busy work week with multiple vehicles
- You need a brighter 400-lumen flashlight for roadside repairs at night
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re trying to start a commercial semi-truck with a 12.0L or larger diesel engine, these portable units won’t cut it. You need a much heavier-duty jump pack or a set of booster cables connected to another running truck.
For most heavy duty truck owners, my recommendation is the GB70. The 2000 amps and 6.0L diesel rating give you the headroom you need, and the 40 starts per charge means it’ll keep working all week long. The GB50 is a solid backup for lighter rigs, but the GB70 is the one I trust when the stakes are high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a heavy duty diesel truck, the GB50 or the GB70?
The GB70 is the clear winner for heavy duty diesel trucks. With 2000 amps of peak power, it’s rated for engines up to 6.0L diesel, while the GB50 tops out at 4.5L diesel. I wouldn’t risk the GB50 on a larger diesel — you’ll just end up disappointed when it can’t turn the engine over.
Is the GB70 worth the extra money over the GB50?
If you own a heavy duty truck, absolutely yes. You get 500 more peak amps, support for larger engines (8.0L gas vs 7.0L gas), and up to 40 starts per charge instead of 30. The GB70 also has a brighter 400-lumen flashlight compared to the GB50’s 200-lumen unit. For a work truck owner, those upgrades are worth every penny.
Will the GB50 start my 6.0L gas truck?
Yes, the GB50 is rated for 7.0L gas engines, so your 6.0L gas truck is well within its limits. I tested it on a 6.0L gas engine and it fired right up. Just keep in mind that the GB50 only has a 3.15 amp-hour battery, so you might not get as many jump starts in a row as you would with the GB70’s 5000 milliamp-hour battery.
Can I use the GB70 as a power bank for my phone?
Yes, both units work as power banks, but the GB70 has a larger 5000 milliamp-hour battery compared to the GB50’s 3.15 amp-hours. That means the GB70 can charge your phone more times before needing a recharge itself. Just remember that using the power bank feature drains the battery you need for jump starting.
How long does it take to recharge each jump starter?
The GB50 recharges in about 5 hours via USB-C, while the GB70 takes roughly 6 hours. That’s a small difference, but if you’re in a hurry between jobs, the GB50 gets back to full slightly faster. Both are reasonable for overnight charging.
Which one is more portable for storing in a truck cab?
The GB50 is much more portable at just 1.7 pounds and dimensions of 4 x 8.25 x 4.75 inches. It fits easily in a glove box or under a seat. The GB70 weighs 5.0 pounds and measures 7.4 x 3.7 x 12.6 inches, so it’s bulkier and better suited for a tool box or behind the seat storage.
My Final Verdict
The NOCO Boost GB70 is my clear winner for heavy duty trucks. With 2000 amps of peak power, it handles 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines, gives you up to 40 starts per charge, and packs a 400-lumen flashlight. The GB50 is a solid runner-up for lighter trucks or anyone who prioritizes portability at just 1.7 pounds, but it can’t match the GB70’s muscle for serious diesel work.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: what size engine will you need to jump? If it’s anything over 4.5L diesel or 7.0L gas, stop second-guessing and go with the GB70. The extra power is worth the size trade-off when you’re stranded with a dead battery on a big rig.
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 jump starter I trust for heavy duty diesel trucks up to 6.0L. The 2000 amps and 5000 milliamp-hour battery give you the power and endurance to handle a full work week.
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 gas trucks up to 7.0L or light diesel up to 4.5L, and it’s incredibly portable at 1.7 pounds. A great choice for smaller trucks or as a backup unit.
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