12v dash outlets

[PapiG]

Our Greyhawk seems to send 12v power to the cigarette lighter style outlets on the dash, below the Jensen radio.

My concern is, if we mistakenly leave devices plugged in while camping, it may drain the battery. Note the indicator LEDs on the charger cords. (Photo)

If the coach is connected to shore power, does the system maintain the charge on the chassis engine start battery, as it does the "house" battery?

Thanks!

[WinnieView]

Typically those outlets are wired to the house battery.

[hoppers4]

My 2015 MV dash power ports are fed from the chassis battery. Unless you're hooking up a device that draws a lot of current, there should be no problem. Phone chargers don't draw enough to be a concern.

[gprapim]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

My 2015 MV dash power ports are fed from the chassis battery. Unless you're hooking up a device that draws a lot of current, there should be no problem. Phone chargers don't draw enough to be a concern.

Also, if ever needed, there is a button just above the emergency brake release that when pushed connects both sets of batteries together (house and chassis) for an emergency start.

[PapiG]

Thanks Guys!

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by PapiG

If the coach is connected to shore power, does the system maintain the charge on the chassis engine start battery, as it does the "house" battery?

Thanks!

No it doesn't

Last camping trip, I left a high-draw device plugged im, while hooked up to shore power and engine battery was dead.

Used the Aux Battery button to start the engine.

Lesson learned.

[WinnieView]

Originally Posted by pconroy

No it doesn't

Last camping trip, I left a high-draw device plugged im, while hooked up to shore power and engine battery was dead.

Used the Aux Battery button to start the engine.

Lesson learned.

Adding a Trik-L-Start at the Aux Start relay will take care of that problem;

Ultra TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer

$40, 30 minutes, a few small wires, a screwdriver and it's done.

[PapiG]

Great idea for the Trik-L-Start.
Thank you!

This is an example of the benefit of the Forums!!

[hoppers4]

I use a product called Battery Minder Junior. I plug it into one of the dash outlets as it comes with a plug to do just that. I keep it plugged in at the house because if I don't the battery will die from parasitic draw. You could do the same thing if you're plugged in to power at the campground.

[rogerthedodger]

I installed the Trik-L-Start. Now the chassis battery as well as the house batteries stay charged whenever I am plugged in, even at my storage facility, where I have a 30 amp outlet.(thank you to my electrician son in law). Best $40 spent yet!

[bababooey]

Originally Posted by rogerthedodger

Best $40 spent yet!

Where are you getting it for $40? I can only find it for $49.95 + $6 shipping?

[rogerthedodger]

I bought it awhile ago, I think ppl motorhome, but not sure. Still a good deal at 50-60 $. Your chassis battery will love you for it.

[bababooey]

Ok, after a week of screwing around with a trickle charger, power cord, etc.. I pulled the trigger on a trik-l-start. I probably should RTFM, but I'm guessing the 2 leads just go on either side of the 'jump your rig with the house battery' solenoid in the engine bay on my E450.

Where is the typical place people mount the 'control box'?

[WinnieView]

Originally Posted by bababooey

Ok, after a week of screwing around with a trickle charger, power cord, etc.. I pulled the trigger on a trik-l-start. I probably should RTFM, but I'm guessing the 2 leads just go on either side of the 'jump your rig with the house battery' solenoid in the engine bay on my E450.

Where is the typical place people mount the 'control box'?

We always mount them on the wall next to the solenoid, but ours is in the coach battery bay. A chassis ground wire needs to be connected as well, and under one of the mounting screws is sometimes a convenient location.

[rogerthedodger]

I used a metal bracket from my junk box, mounted the Triklstart to it, then the bracket to the firewall near the solenoid using an existing mounting screw. The manual will give proper color codes on which wire goes where. Read it.

[bababooey]

Was expecting something a little bigger. Nice it's small and light, I just zip tied it in place. Took 15 minutes to install.

[Bullitt6283]

The specs on the Trik-L-Start mention a 140F max operating temperature.

[bababooey]

Unfortunately the length of wire included with the unit prohibits mounting just about anywhere else.

But, that shouldn't be my excuse not to try and relocate it somewhere else in the engine bay. I'm not that keen on where I put it anyways.

I ran out of power pole connectors when I did it, I have more now. Think I'll add some more wire and some nice connectors so I can disconnect it in the future if I want and move it.

[bababooey]

Little better now...

[WinnieView]

Originally Posted by bababooey

Little better now...
Attachment 44436

Looks good. Shouldn't have any issues with heat as is, mentioned previously.

We have continued to move ours between motorhomes for close to 15 years and always mount in on the battery bay wall with a couple of self-tapping screws and using a crescent wrench can remove and install it in under 10 minutes.