Give up on BIRD etc and go with Amp-L-Start?

DSDP Don wrote:
Before you buy the Amp-L-Start, take a look at Xantrex and Magnum's version of the same charger. I think the Xantrex is a little better quality. The Magnum is much more expensive.

If you are refering to their Trucharge system, I got the impression from their product description it was only meant for house batteries.

Also it requires AC wiring to a power source which I was hoping to avoid.

Chris

Before you buy the Amp-L-Start, take a look at Xantrex and Magnum's version of the same charger. I think the Xantrex is a little better quality. The Magnum is much more expensive.

dougrainer wrote:
You have made the smart choice. When NEW, the BIRD systems are OK, but if you have to replace because it fails to charge the chassis battery bank, go to a stand alone trickle charger system. BTW, you should also understand that on your year Newmar and up to at least 2008, the Genset is started by the chassis battery bank on Diesel pushers. The downside to that is this---It takes 12 volt source/power to run the Genset after it is running. So, if you are running more than 6 to 8 hours and the BIRD is NOT charging the Chassis batteries, the Genset will drain the chassis batteries and when they get below 10.5 volts the Genset then dies because there is no 12 volt power. Doug

Thanks Doug, I didn't think of that, though I found out that running the genny doesn't charge the chassis batteries so it makes sense. Usually the longest time I run the genset is while driving, or just to exercise it on a regular basis when parked at home. I have a stand alone genny for when the S&B power goes out, and the MH is always the last lifeboat (except during winter).

Chris

Chris

You have made the smart choice. When NEW, the BIRD systems are OK, but if you have to replace because it fails to charge the chassis battery bank, go to a stand alone trickle charger system. BTW, you should also understand that on your year Newmar and up to at least 2008, the Genset is started by the chassis battery bank on Diesel pushers. The downside to that is this---It takes 12 volt source/power to run the Genset after it is running. So, if you are running more than 6 to 8 hours and the BIRD is NOT charging the Chassis batteries, the Genset will drain the chassis batteries and when they get below 10.5 volts the Genset then dies because there is no 12 volt power. Doug

SCVJeff wrote:
Gotta change that name..

Which one - having married a girl from Newfoundland and having served there several years, the word "BIRD" could have a different connotation;).
As for Amp-L-Start - I'm not going there:B

Chris

Gotta change that name..

It sounds logical to me. The Amp L Start is better than their trickle L start, and should solve your charging problem.

My only thought is that I would disconnect the BIRD just in case it decides to try to work again.

Fred