Question 1

Are these cables made of copper or aluminum?

Accepted Answer

They are copper-clad aluminum. Before everyone gets worked up about that, please know that Coleman has added more CCA strands to compensate for the higher resistivity of aluminum relative to copper. Also, the copper cladding makes up 10% of each strand's cross section, so the wire resistance is less than that for pure aluminum. This particular model, made up of 126 strands of 0.0212" in diameter each, has a physical cross section equating to AWG 2.68 and its resistance comes very close to AWG 4 copper. Other Coleman AWG 4 "copper equivalent" jumpers also get very close to AWG 4 copper, hence the term "copper equivalent." Granted, aluminum is more prone to bending fatigue and failure than copper if subjected to frequent or heavy use, but you get what you pay for.

Question 2

What is the most useful length to get?

Accepted Answer

The length depends on the battery locations of both vehicles, drivers side or passenger side,, and the positions of the two cars, side by side needs about 12 feet, back to front could require 25 feet.  Longer cables have higher resistance, so to compensate, and allow for sufficient current transfer, a heavier gauge, lower number cable, should be purchased, such as 4 gauge.  If the running car has a big capacity battery, and a big capacity charging system,  starting will be easier, especially if the non-running vehicle has a very dead battery, and /or a large displacement engine.  The colder it is outside, the more amperage will be needed to start the non-running vehicle.

Question 3

How many amps can this handle?

Accepted Answer

Per Coleman Cable specifications 4 gauge 20 foot long cables current rating is 300 amps.

Question 4

Is this compatible for all vehicles? specifically a toyota rav 4? thanks

Accepted Answer

Well Dan, your question seems easy - but really isn't ....... Jumper cables by themselves for the most part are compatible for all vehicles ...... That being said, basically jumper cables transfer current from one car battery to another.....to hopefully start the problem car..... so if you can connect one car battery to the other car battery, in theory, this will provide more power to start this problem car...... However, problems come into play when your first question says "for all vehicles"  ....... the answer is "YES" and "NO", when combined with your "toyota rav 4"........ Note - the cables are fine for compatible systems, it's your car that might not be.....  If I understand your question right..... You want to jump your vehicle with ANY vehicle....... there are other electrical systems out there which may "NOT" be compatible with yours ....... for example some systems are 6 volt, 24 volts, or have positive ground, etc....... now the jumpers cables could be hooked up to these systems as long as you connect it to a vehicle with the same system, so the jumper cables are compatible but NOT your vehicle ......now most of these NOT so popular systems are RARE, but those and other types are out there ....... so make sure you jump vehicles with the same type electrical system as your own car.... You don't list the year of the "Rav 4" but most the common system in USA by far is "12 volt negative ground".......I'm not trying to scare you, just making you aware...... most people never really have any problems, they probably don't even know other systems exist, but better safe than sorry !!

ASIN	B00002243Y
Best Sellers Rank	#469,439 in Automotive ( See Top 100 in Automotive ) #317 in Automotive Battery Jumper Cables
Brand	Coleman Cable
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (179)
Date First Available	November 8, 1999
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Weight	5.42 pounds
Item model number	86600104
Manufacturer	Southwire
Manufacturer Part Number	86600104
Model	86600104
Product Dimensions	11.5 x 11.75 x 3.75 inches
Voltage	12 Volts

Southwire Road Power Commercial-Duty Booster Cable - Heavy Duty Design - Top & Side Post Compatible - Reliable Jump Start Tool - Tangle Free Automotive Jumper Cable - 4-Gauge - 20 Feet - Red

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