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Topic: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion (Read 849 times) previous topic - next topic
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Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
As with most things one researches, one inevitably ends up somewhat confused. I just spent about an hour and 1/2 trying to decide what to get. Let it be known that I am suspicious about reviews.

Anyone have substantial experience with these. If so, what say ye?
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #2 –
"Anyone have substantial experience with these."

I have the NOCO GB70. It's got the umpf to start our E450s and I have never had issues with it... if I keep it charged!   ::)   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #3 –

I've jump-started my 2003 MB with my Halo Bolt.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #5 –
I bought a NOCO GB150 to keep in our rig. A bit of an overkill, but I figure it could be useful to have the extra capacity.

I've used a GB70 before to jump it before.

The nice think about the NOCO's is they have an over ride mode you can use if the battery is so low that the jump back doesn't recognize it.
2001 MB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #6 –
I have the Micro Start XP3, might be a little light for the V10 though. I like Anti Gravity batterys we used them allot in our snowmobiles, light and powerful.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #7 –
I carry the Stanley J5C09 Jumpit.  Includes air pump.  Used it to start mine twice and about 4 times in campgrounds for others.  Handles the V-10 w/o any problems.  About $75 on Amazon.com



2003 MB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #8 –
If you're interested in the NOCO G3500, its on sale at W00T! today for $34.99 (normally $79.99).
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #9 –
For the large V10 engine, some of the smaller lithium boosters are not adequate to crank the engine over when the starting battery is totally dead.

Long, conventional battery jumper cables are another alternative, using the coach battery to start the engine.
No worries about keeping the booster battery charged.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
For the large V10 engine, some of the smaller lithium boosters are not adequate to crank the engine over when the starting battery is totally dead.

Long, conventional battery jumper cables are another alternative, using the coach battery to start the engine.
No worries about keeping the booster battery charged.

Larry


I'd be worried about trying to find long enough ones with large enough gauge.
2001 MB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #13 –
Quote from: henness  - 
I'd be worried about trying to find long enough ones with large enough gauge.

Battery cables are available pre-made in many lengths. For the DIY type,  cable and clamps are available at welding stores and online.
100% Copper Jumper (Booster) Cables | Polar Wire
Jumper (Booster) Cables - Booster Cable Parts - Polar Wire Products

If both the starting and coach batterie's ground cables are in good shape, only a single, positive cable is needed. With cables with large wire (2-gauge or thicker) two single cables can be connected together to accommodate longer distances between the coach and starting battery. Be careful with the exposed clamps, when connected to the batteries.

We also have Antigravity XP-10 Micro-Start, usually carried in the Jeep and a XP-1 Micro-Start for our Subaru.
Make sure to regularly check the charge level.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #14 –
In my experience the jump start battery packs are usually used on a towed car, or someone elses car.  I carry a 20' #2 copper set of jumper cables. I've used them for other people, jump starting them from their own house batteries.   A TrikLstart and solar keeps me from having a dead chassis battery. I don't use the power point, or cigarette lighter socket on my dash.   I saw that Xantrex now makes a competitor for the TrikLstart now. ($150 for up to 15 amps).
     I have three jump starts. The best is a DBpower 600. I don't carry it in the motorhome. It's to start my Truck, Odyssey, or Tracker. I have used it on the Truck once (let it sit too long with an old battery), and the Odyssey. Left the interior light on.
Mostly I've used them on other peoples cars.  Time to dig them out and charge them, and charge the CAT LED lights too.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #15 –
Trik-L-Start... 

Mega TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer

I’d not come across this device.  It’s a neat idea.  I had understood that the once coach batteries are sufficiently charged, the coach power converter diverts current to the chassis battery, effectively accomplishing the same thing as the Trik-L-Start. 

Is this perhaps true only on newer coaches? 

Or, perhaps during extended stays where the house batteries never reach full charge insufficient current is available to trigger the converter to charge the chassis battery?

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #16 –

Hi Warren.  I wish I had designed and sold the Trik-L-Start.  It was such a good aftermarket addition, especially when solar panels became more reasonably priced, that Winnebago puts them in their motorhomes.  I noticed that Xantrex has one also, but it doesn't look water tight. Probably intended to be wired in an interior battery compartment.   Amazon.com : Xantrex 82-0123-01 Auxiliary Battery Charger, 15A maximum...
      They work by measuring the voltage on your house battery. When it is above 13.2 volts, it assumes your batteries are near enough topped out, that it starts applying current to the chassis battery. It doesn't know where the power is from, genset, plugged in, or solar.  It drops out when the house batteries go below 13 volts.
      But your 2019 from LD includes the Blue Sky  Solar Boost 3000i  controller with your solar panels, and it has an auxiliary output intended to charge your chassis battery.  Good for 2 amps charging.  Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost 3000i 30A/22A, @12V Solar charge controller with...     So it should be already taken care of for you.  You can tell by measuring the chassis battery voltage with a good digital meter. Sitting in sunlight with charged house batteries, the chassis battery will read more than 13 VDC. So it would be receiving some solar charging along with your house batteries to keep it topped off.  The engine computer and other phantom loads, Wet Lead Acid batteries self discharge, etc. will drain a battery eventually without some makeup current.  This version only works when there is solar, and not with shore power.    RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #17 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Warren.  I wish I had designed and sold the Trik-L-Start.  It was such a good aftermarket addition, especially when solar panels became more reasonably priced, that Winnebago puts them in their motorhomes.  I noticed that Xantrex has one also, but it doesn't look water tight. Probably intended to be wired in an interior battery compartment.  Amazon.com : Xantrex 82-0123-01 Auxiliary Battery Charger, 15A maximum...
      They work by measuring the voltage on your house battery. When it is above 13.2 volts, it assumes your batteries are near enough topped out, that it starts applying current to the chassis battery. It doesn't know where the power is from, genset, plugged in, or solar.  It drops out when the house batteries go below 13 volts.
      But your 2019 from LD includes the Blue Sky  Solar Boost 3000i  controller with your solar panels, and it has an auxiliary output intended to charge your chassis battery.  Good for 2 amps charging.  Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost 3000i 30A/22A, @12V Solar charge controller with...    So it should be already taken care of for you.  You can tell by measuring the chassis battery voltage with a good digital meter. Sitting in sunlight with charged house batteries, the chassis battery will read more than 13 VDC. So it would be receiving some solar charging along with your house batteries to keep it topped off.  The engine computer and other phantom loads, Wet Lead Acid batteries self discharge, etc. will drain a battery eventually without some makeup current.  This version only works when there is solar, and not with shore power.    RonB
"This version only works when there is solar, and not with shore power.    RonB"

Can you explain this further, Ron?

Thx, Chris
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
"This version only works when there is solar, and not with shore power.    RonB"
Can you explain this further, Ron?
Thx, Chris

The Blue Sky 3000i controller has an output to charge the starting battery, operational only when the sun is shining.
It will not charge the starting battery when the sun isn't out and the rig is powered by shore power.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #19 –
Very helpful!  So, when Wapiti is stored and connected to shore power the chassis battery is not charging.  This plus the odd occasion when I’m camped with shore power make a good case for either the Trik-L-Start or Xantrex unit.
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #20 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
Very helpful!  So, when Wapiti is stored and connected to shore power the chassis battery is not charging.  This plus the odd occasion when I’m camped with shore power make a good case for either the Trik-L-Start or Xantrex unit.

The simplest solution is to use a trickle charger when in storage, assuming shore power is available.
A good starting battery should stay charged for a couple of months without needing charging, especially in a warmer climate.
When touring, most drive their rigs often enough to keep the starting battery charged, and even if parked for an extended period, the Blue Sky 3000i will charge all the batteries.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #21 –
I just recently installed a Trik-L-Start myself. Pretty easy job.
2001 MB
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #22 –
Any suggestions where in a Mid-Bath One would install a Trik-L-Start or Xantrex equivalent?  I’m thinking inside the battery box given proximity to the house and chassis batteries.
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #23 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
Any suggestions where in a Mid-Bath One would install a Trik-L-Start or Xantrex equivalent?  I’m thinking inside the battery box given proximity to the house and chassis batteries.

Mount the Trik-L-Start under the hood, at the battery combiner relay. It's a three wire hookup, the kit come with all the needed parts.
Mega TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #24 –
I put mine next to the battery. I'm thinking of moving it though to the other side near the isolator.
2001 MB