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
I'll add a few more items to the above:)!
-Connect positive cable first, when getting ready. (Disconnect negative cable first, when done and removing cables.)
(Can't stress this enough. Batteries can outgas, and if tight areas this outgas can linger, and sparks can result in explosions.) Memorize the sequence! (My mechanic neighbor, helped me with my first jump of a a car. And I always remember and appreciate him taking the time to explain the safety aspects. He used the line 'Positive to use positive first on connecting. Reverse when disconnecting'. I've always remembered 'Positive to use positive first...' line:)!).
-As mentioned, even medium size chargers can have a 50A setting. Once you connect this, don't walk away and leave it. But, do let it push a little juice into the battery. With 50A, I usually wait at least 1 1/2 minutes, before trying to start. When jumping from another vehicle, I wait 2 full minutes before trying to start.)
-As reasonably soon as possible after starting, disconnect (Negative first!) the cables. (And I always turn the charger Off, before Connecting and or Disconnecting cables.)
Safety is a discipline of mind over the instincts of just wanting to get something done!!! Safety takes thinking, and consistent safe practices...
Off my band wagon now, was getting a nose bleed - so good thing. Off now to go beat some other drum...
Best to all,
Smitty
-Connect positive cable first, when getting ready. (Disconnect negative cable first, when done and removing cables.)
(Can't stress this enough. Batteries can outgas, and if tight areas this outgas can linger, and sparks can result in explosions.) Memorize the sequence! (My mechanic neighbor, helped me with my first jump of a a car. And I always remember and appreciate him taking the time to explain the safety aspects. He used the line 'Positive to use positive first on connecting. Reverse when disconnecting'. I've always remembered 'Positive to use positive first...' line:)!).
-As mentioned, even medium size chargers can have a 50A setting. Once you connect this, don't walk away and leave it. But, do let it push a little juice into the battery. With 50A, I usually wait at least 1 1/2 minutes, before trying to start. When jumping from another vehicle, I wait 2 full minutes before trying to start.)
-As reasonably soon as possible after starting, disconnect (Negative first!) the cables. (And I always turn the charger Off, before Connecting and or Disconnecting cables.)
Safety is a discipline of mind over the instincts of just wanting to get something done!!! Safety takes thinking, and consistent safe practices...
Off my band wagon now, was getting a nose bleed - so good thing. Off now to go beat some other drum...
Best to all,
Smitty
