Best method for maintaining engine batteries.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
And just to hopefully make the Trik-L-Start's function a bit clearer, it only passes a charging current to the chassis battery when the coach batteries are at a higher voltage than the chassis battery. Once the batteries equalize, the Trik-L-Start goes into a standby mode until it's needed again.

Since I am plugged in full time this sounds like exactly what I need.

"mikestock".....Many coaches charge both the house and chassis batteries at the same time when plugged in or while using the generator. Your coach, a 2006, is about the time that some companies started adding the feature that charges both as standard equipment. It sounds like yours is one that doesn't do this.

There are three companies that make a "built-in" add on charger that will do what you want. Not only will it keep your coach charged while in storage, but it will also keep those starting batteries at full charge while staying at a campground for a long period of time.

You've been given the info on the TRIK-L-START which is a good product and the least expensive. Magnum makes a similar product and is probably the most expensive, but a better quality product.

Zantrex is the third product available and probably priced in the middle. I originally bought a TRICK-L-START for my previous coach, but it failed after about three years. I purchased the Zantrex unit and it was still running six years later when I sold the coach.

Some people will buy a cheap Harbor Freight trickle charger and use that. Some will just connect a wire between the batteries and disconnect before starting the coach, but the safe and easiest method is to buy one of the three products above and permanently connect it.

All three products are mounted in the battery bay, usually against one of the walls where there is space, with a couple of self tapping screws. The wiring is VERY simple and just connects to a metal ground and the two battery banks.

Even though there are cheaper ways to charge your chassis batteries, your best bet is to buy one of the above, which provides QUALITY protection from overcharging or back charging the batteries.

As with any product, get the part number and find your best deal with an internet search.

Any battery that is in good shape will easily hold its charge for over 6 months by just removing the cables. My '57 Ford in storage always starts twice a year with no trickle charger. My gas golf cart in storage for 7 months of the year always starts with no trickle charger. Of course the battery has to be in good shape to do that.

hershey wrote:
Any battery that is in good shape will easily hold its charge for over 6 months by just removing the cables. My '57 Ford in storage always starts twice a year with no trickle charger. My gas golf cart in storage for 7 months of the year always starts with no trickle charger. Of course the battery has to be in good shape to do that.

That requires accessing the battery at least twice a year, once to disconnect, once to reconnect. These products, you install and forget. You never have to access the batteries again except for routine battery maintenance.

Access is not the only issue. On most diesel pushers, if there is no charger for the chassis batteries, parasitic draw from the various items running, while parked at a campground, can easily run the batteries down during a two week stay.

Thus the recommendation for one of these permanently installed trickle chargers that works off of the converter. If the rig is plugged in, it is charging. Always.

Bobbo wrote:

hershey wrote:
Any battery that is in good shape will easily hold its charge for over 6 months by just removing the cables. My '57 Ford in storage always starts twice a year with no trickle charger. My gas golf cart in storage for 7 months of the year always starts with no trickle charger. Of course the battery has to be in good shape to do that.

That requires accessing the battery at least twice a year, once to disconnect, once to reconnect. These products, you install and forget. You never have to access the batteries again except for routine battery maintenance.

Knife switch on the engine battery eliminates the need to disconnect cables.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
And just to hopefully make the Trik-L-Start's function a bit clearer, it only passes a charging current to the chassis battery when the coach batteries are at a higher voltage than the chassis battery. Once the batteries equalize, the Trik-L-Start goes into a standby mode until it's needed again.

I have ordered a Trik-L-Start and it appears that the installation will be quit simple.

My only concern is if there may be a downside to leaving it connected full time, i. e. traveling, camping, storing with power, etc. The coach is plugged always, except when when traveling. I have searched the Tiffin manuals and find nothing that addresses my situation. They just say to disconnect the batteries, with the disconnect switch, when sitting for an extended period.

Mine has been connected, continuously, since 2010 (or so) with no ill effects. When the RV is not plugged in, it is dormant and does nothing. When plugged in, if the chassis battery gets a little low, it turns on and tops it off, then turns back dormant.

The reason Tiffin says disconnect the batteries is to prevent them from running down. The Trik-L-Start does that very well, as long as you are plugged in. If you are going to boondock or store the RV for a long time without plugging in, then you should still disconnect the batteries as Tiffin recommends.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
And just to hopefully make the Trik-L-Start's function a bit clearer, it only passes a charging current to the chassis battery when the coach batteries are at a higher voltage than the chassis battery. Once the batteries equalize, the Trik-L-Start goes into a standby mode until it's needed again.

If you are right, that would mean the "maintaining" in Trick-L description is another lie.
Evidently manufacturer don't want the buyers to know what that thing does and I usually stay away from such suppliers.
I still think that attaching REAL maintainer to the batteries is way better way.
On side note, I bought my combiner assuming it will connect the banks only one way, but was surprised when I noticed that when my inverter/charger was maintaining the house batteries, the coach batteries got maintained as well.
I have high-tech unit in my coach and know the long term maintaining will not shorten the battery life -like trickle chargers do.
Coach golf-cart batteries lasted 12 years.