goboborz
Explorer
Joined 14 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Jumpstart from auxiliary battery
Ok, I had the opportunity to try a terminal to terminal jump on the isolator, and it worked just fine. Earlier in this thread I mentioned that the Jump&Go was possibly under recall, but the manufacturer hadn't responded to my email. The manufacturer has since responded, and said that a few units were under recall, but I should be able to buy one from another Walmart. I went to another Walmart and bought one without incident. I wanted some auxillary power for my iPad anyway, so this is a good multi-purpose solution. Also, I had noticed that the battery was an AC/Delco, which made me suspect that the battery had never been replaced on the 2007 chasis of the 2008 Roadtrek 170. So I bought a new battery as well. With roadside service, jumper cables, the ability to jump from the auxilliary battery via the isolator, and a new battery, maybe, just maybe, I'm covered. If I still have troubles, I'll start troubleshooting for current leaks. I appreciate all the replies and ideas.520Views0likes0CommentsRe: Why do we carry a spare tire around?
My Roadtrek 170 did not have a continental kit when I bought it used. The spare tire was under the bed, accessible through the rear doors. I put the tire in storage to reclaim the space for a foldable Brompton bicycle. It's a calculated risk that I'm willing to take.683Views0likes0CommentsRe: Jumpstart from auxiliary battery
Thanks Mike, The battery has never gone completely flat, and both times the engine wouldn't crank it would still turn over - barely. Two different Advance Auto stores have tested the battery and told me it's good. I'll take your good advice on tracing the leak, while still going forward with the isolator terminal-to-terminal jump experiment.521Views0likes0CommentsRe: Jumpstart from auxiliary battery
A lot of good suggestions here. Thanks everyone. I think I have a very slow current leak somewhere, so I want to make sure I'm covered. I tried taking 1775's suggestion and ordered a Jump&Go online from Walmart. When I went to the store to pick it up, they wouldn't give it to me because they said it was under recall. So they refunded me. I emailed the manufacturer and asked about the recall, but haven't heard back yet. I bought a 20 ft jumper cable set from Home Depot for a very reasonable cost as PSW suggested. It reaches from from the auxillary battery to the starting battery with length to spare - at least on the Roadtrek 170. A long time ago I had one of the isolator bypass switches inside the coach of a Fleetwood class C and it was very handy. I'm still toying with the idea of a terminal to terminal jump directly on the isolator. I've determined the terminal that the wire from the auxillary battery is from. The terminal that the auto battery is from is obvious. It seem that I could just connect those with a short jumper cable and it would work for jumping. It shouldn't need a ground cable. I think that's probably what wsfurrie did, and he said it worked. Right wsfurrie? At any rate, the next time the starting battery gets weak, I plan to try the terminal to terminal jump with my existing jumper cables to see if it works. If anyone knows that it will blow up the neighborhood please let me know. If that works, I'll just get a very short jumper cable or make one. The 20 foot cable and it's storage box takes a lot of room (relatively) in a Roadtrek 170 that I live in much of the time, so I will store it. The idea is that the auxiliary battery will always be up, or at least can be charged with the generator if it's not. So it should always be available for jumping unless I run out of gasoline. Thanks again!520Views0likes0CommentsJumpstart from auxiliary battery
I had to call roadside assistance to jump start my 2008 Roadtrek 170 today. I understand there isa way to jump start from the auxiliary battery from the isolator in the engine compartment using a pair of jumper cables. Does anyone know where to clamp the cables to do those? I've attached a picture of my isolator. Thanks!9.3KViews0likes21CommentsRe: Best Option for Internet Access Traveling Cross Country?
I take frequent road trips in my Roadtrek and needed something flexible. So I sold my iPhone and got an iPad mini with the Verizon data plan which includes hotspot capability like the jetpack. I had my phone number transferred to the line2.com app, which turns the iPad into a phone for $10 a month. Then, when wifi is not available, I can use the Verizon data plan, and can change the plan level from month to month. I use the iPad for GPS, gas buddy, email, etc. When I need to use the laptop and wifi is not available, I turn on the hotspot feature on the iPad. When I get back home, or if I'm know I'm going to have good wifi access for the month, I can revert to a cheaper plan. The plan can be changed right on the iPad mini - you don't even need to deal with Verizon directly. There is no contract. The current rates are: 1gb - $20 2gb - $30 4gb - $40 6gb - $50 10gb - $80 This works well for me.480Views0likes0CommentsRe: Macerator Hose Replacement
Thanks everyone, I got the 21' Thetford hose. I know the hose stretches, but I'm concerned the 21' won't be long enough to make the run under the RT170 and still have sufficient length to dump. And if it's stretched under the van, it seems like it would be very vulnerable to puncture. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is the Thetford hose long enough by itself? Should I use 1" landscaping hose under the van and then couple the Thetford hose to that? If so, where is the best place to couple? Thanks again!348Views0likes0CommentsRe: Macerator Hose Replacement
Thanks for the replies. They lead me to more questions :). 1. How much of an advantage is the retractable feature on the Thetford hose? 2. Will a normal hose curl up in the rather limited left-side compartment on the Roadtrek 170? 3. Does the unseen end of the hose attach with a regular hose clamp? 4. How hard of a job is it? Would ramps do or would I need a lift or pit for access? Thanks again!347Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Motorhome Group
Join in here to discuss all things motorhomes.Feb 17, 202538,707 Posts RV Newbies
We all start out new. Share lessons learned or first-time questions!Jun 15, 20174,026 Posts
