Jumping a Battery
Is it OK to start a MH (or any other vehicle) with a battery charger attached? In other words, use the charger as a jumper? I have one of those portable jump starter things, but it doesn't appea...
Forum Discussion
Yes however, keep in mind that most chargers simply don't have enough current to be able to start a car let alone a motorhome. It can take 90 - 300 amps instantaneous draw to start a vehicle. Most "chargers" can deliver 1 - 50 amps. Some "converters" can produce 30 - 160 amps but they are designed for hotel loads not massive inductive motor loads. The problem with most "jump" boxes is insufficient capacity for motorhomes and poor connections. It requires a really good connection to pass a large amp draw otherwise a lot is lost as heat. Understand that turning over a large engine requires a lot of energy. All of this said using a charger to charge the chassis battery can allow you to get enough charge to start the vehicle. Most common motorhome manufacturers provide a "boost" switch to allow the motorhome be started from the house batteries. I would recommend that method in most cases.
