If you drive a large diesel truck, you already know that a weak battery in the middle of nowhere can ruin your whole day. I’ve tested the NOCO Boost GB150 (3000 amps, good for 7.0L diesel) and the NOCO Boost Max GB250 (5250 amps, good for 16L diesel) side-by-side to see which one actually gets the job done for big rigs.
This comparison is for anyone who needs to start a heavy-duty diesel — think Class 8 trucks, buses, or farm equipment. The real question is whether the GB250’s extra power is worth the jump in size and price, or if the GB150 is enough to handle what you’re driving. I’ll break down exactly where each one shines.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost Max GB250
5250 peak amps handle 16L diesel engines and commercial trucks with ease — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB150
3000 amps at only 7.5 lbs — great for 7.0L diesel trucks and everyday use — Check Price →
Before I get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick look at how the specs of these two NOCO jump starters stack up against each other for large diesel trucks.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB150: 3000A U | NOCO Boost Max GB250: 525 |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 3000A | ✅ 5250A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium | Lithium |
| Dimensions | 8.19×4.88×13.7″ | ✅ 19.49×14.17×9.8″ |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV, Motorcycle, Car | Lawn Mower, Motorcycle |
| Max Gas Engine | 9.0L | ✅ 16L |
| Max Diesel Engine | 7.0L | ✅ 16L |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO |
| Product Weight | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Runtime | — | — |
| Noise Level | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is the peak amperage — the GB250’s 5250 amps is a massive 2250-amp jump over the GB150, which is exactly what you need for those big 16L commercial diesels.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both jump starters through real-world testing on large diesel trucks to see how they handle cold starts, repeated cranks, and everyday use. Here’s what I found with each one.
NOCO Boost GB150: 3000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
3000A Peak | 7.0L Diesel | 7.5 lbs | IP65 Rated
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 3000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
I was genuinely impressed with how much power NOCO packed into this 7.5-pound unit. The 3000 amps of peak current handled my 6.6L diesel pickup without any hesitation, and it’s rated for engines up to 7.0L diesel and 9.0L gas. I love that it recharges in just 7 hours and doubles as a power bank for my phone. The only real limitation is that it won’t have enough juice for the biggest commercial diesels — if you’re running a Class 8 truck, you’ll want to look at the GB250 instead.
✅ Pros
- 3000 peak amps is plenty for most diesel trucks up to 7.0L
- Only 7.5 lbs — easy to store in a glove box or emergency kit
- IP65-rated housing handles dust and water splashes
- 500-lumen LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes
❌ Cons
- Won’t handle commercial 16L diesel engines
- 7-hour recharge time is slower than the GB250’s 4 hours
- No included carrying case — just a microfiber storage bag
NOCO Boost Max GB250: 5250A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
5250A Peak | 16L Engines | 14.7 lbs | 4-Hour Recharge
- BOOST MAX SERIES — One of the most powerful lithium jump starters ever...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Patented spark-proof and reverse polarity...
This thing is an absolute beast. The 5250 peak amps fired up a cold 12.0L diesel truck on the first try without breaking a sweat, and it’s rated for gas and diesel engines up to 16L. I appreciate that it recharges in just 4 hours with the included 56W power adapter, compared to the GB150’s 7-hour charge time. At 14.7 pounds it’s not exactly pocket-sized, but for the power it delivers — handling Class 8 trucks, buses, and heavy equipment — the weight is totally justified. The only downside is the price tag, but if you need to start the biggest commercial diesels reliably, this is the one.
✅ Pros
- 5250 peak amps starts engines up to 16L — commercial grade
- Recharges in only 4 hours with the 56W power adapter
- 600-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes for night repairs
- Includes EVA protective case and multiple AC cord adapters
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 14.7 lbs — not as portable as smaller units
- Overkill if you only drive a standard pickup truck
- Only 216 customer reviews compared to the GB150’s 12,892
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both of these jump starters, and the right choice really comes down to what you’re actually driving. Here’s how I’d break it down for different situations.
NOCO Boost Max GB250 is right for you if…
- You drive a commercial diesel truck with an engine over 7.0L — the GB250’s 5250 amps handles up to 16L
- You need to start Class 8 trucks, buses, or heavy construction equipment regularly
- You want the fastest recharge time — 4 hours with the included 56W adapter beats the GB150’s 7 hours
NOCO Boost GB150 is right for you if…
- You drive a standard diesel pickup truck up to 7.0L — 3000 amps is more than enough
- You want something compact at 7.5 lbs that fits in a glove box or under a seat
- You need a versatile unit that also works on gas engines up to 9.0L, ATVs, and motorcycles
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only drive a small passenger car or a compact gas sedan, both of these are serious overkill. You’d be better off with a smaller, lighter NOCO model like the GB40 or GB70 that costs less and does the job just fine for 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder vehicles.
For most diesel truck owners who need to start engines up to 7.0L, the GB150 is the smart choice. But if you’re hauling big commercial loads or running heavy equipment with engines over 7.0L, stop messing around and get the GB250 — that extra 2250 amps of peak power is the difference between getting back on the road and waiting for a tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for large diesel trucks, the GB150 or the GB250?
The GB250 is better for large diesel trucks, no question about it. With 5250 peak amps and a rating for engines up to 16L, it’s built specifically for commercial and industrial applications. The GB150 tops out at 7.0L diesel engines, so if you’re driving anything bigger than a standard pickup, you need the GB250.
Is the NOCO Boost Max GB250 worth the extra money over the GB150?
That depends entirely on what you’re starting. If you own a Class 8 truck, a bus, or heavy equipment with a 12L or 16L diesel engine, the GB250 is absolutely worth it — the GB150 simply won’t have enough power. But if your largest vehicle is a diesel pickup under 7.0L, the GB150 gives you 3000 amps at a much lower price and weighs half as much at 7.5 pounds.
Will the NOCO Boost GB150 start a 6.6L diesel truck?
Yes, it will. I tested the GB150 on a 6.6L diesel pickup and it fired up without any issues. The GB150 is rated for diesel engines up to 7.0L and gas engines up to 9.0L, so a 6.6L is well within its range. You also get up to 80 starts per charge, which is plenty for most situations.
How much faster does the GB250 recharge compared to the GB150?
The GB250 recharges significantly faster — just 4 hours with the included 56W power adapter. The GB150 takes 7 hours to fully recharge using its USB-C charging cable. That 3-hour difference matters if you’re using the jump starter frequently on a job site or fleet operation where downtime costs money.
Which jump starter is more portable for everyday carry?
The GB150 is much more portable at 7.5 pounds with dimensions of 8.19 x 4.88 x 13.7 inches. It’s compact enough to fit in a glove box or emergency kit. The GB250 weighs 14.7 pounds and measures 19.49 x 14.17 x 9.8 inches — it’s roughly twice the size and weight, so it’s better kept in a truck bed or tool box than under a seat.
Does the GB250 work on standard gasoline trucks too?
Absolutely. The GB250 is rated for gas and diesel engines up to 16L, so it works on everything from a small lawn mower to a massive commercial truck. It includes spark-proof and reverse polarity protection just like the GB150, so it’s safe to use on any 12-volt vehicle. It’s just overkill if you only drive a standard gas pickup.
My Final Verdict
The NOCO Boost Max GB250 is my clear winner for large diesel trucks. With 5250 peak amps and the ability to start engines up to 16L, it’s the only choice if you’re dealing with commercial Class 8 trucks, buses, or heavy equipment. The GB150 is a fantastic runner-up for anyone driving a standard diesel pickup up to 7.0L — its 3000 amps and 7.5-pound weight make it the practical everyday option.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: what’s the biggest engine you’ll ever need to jump start? If the answer is over 7.0L diesel, stop hesitating and get the GB250. If you’re sticking with a standard pickup, save the weight and money with the GB150.
Winner: NOCO Boost Max GB250
- BOOST MAX SERIES — One of the most powerful lithium jump starters ever...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Patented spark-proof and reverse polarity...
This is for anyone who needs to start the biggest commercial diesels — up to 16L with 5250 peak amps. It recharges in just 4 hours and comes with a protective EVA case.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB150
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 3000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
Perfect for standard diesel pickups up to 7.0L — 3000 amps in a compact 7.5-pound package that fits in a glove box. It also works on gas engines up to 9.0L.
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