Battery assist

Battery Tender, this way you have separate systems so if one fails you can still start the coach and charge everything.

ernie1 wrote:
On my previously owned PleasureWay I just hooked a Battery Tender to the engine battery and left it for months until I needed the rv for a trip and everything was fine with the battery.

This is what we do with our Roadtrek.

On my previously owned PleasureWay I just hooked a Battery Tender to the engine battery and left it for months until I needed the rv for a trip and everything was fine with the battery.

I use Trik-L-Start. Echo-charge or the BIRD are also good solutions.

Trik-L-Start

I added a Trik-L-Start. There is also and Amp-L-Start. About $45

I installed a Xantrex Heart Echo charger (Echo Charger) this past weekend after my Trik-L-Start failed. I don't think it's bi-directional like the BIRD. It keeps the chassis battery charged when the house batteries are being charged, but not vise versa.

My Allegro also has the "assist" button you speak of. It's just a heavy duty solenoid (around $20: Solenoid) that connects the 2 battery banks together via a momentary switch in the dash. It is meant to provide emergency power to the chassis so you can start the engine with a dead chassis battery. It's very simple to wire up.

As far as the battery-assist button,they may be able to install it,after market.

You can have a BIRD a Bi-Directional Isolator Relay Delay installed,my RV came wih one already installed
It Looks like this




Click For Full-Size Image.

It charges both batteries when either one is
being charged. When the coach is being driven,both
batteries will be charged from the engine's
alternator. When the coach is plugged into shore
power,both batteries will be charged from the
converter. If neither battery is being charged, the
batteries are fully isolated. The controller also
senses heavy loads on either battery to prevent
the wrong battery from being inadvertently
discharged.



While sitting even while plugged in, if some type of charger is not hooked up to the Chassis battery it will go dead from the parasitic loads.

I keep mine plugged in all the time at home and with the BIRD both Chassis and House batteries stay charged.

The best way to maintain a battery long-term is to bring it inside (garage), fully charged, and check it every few weeks. Charge as needed.

AGM batteries hold a charge for a very long time.