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Topic: TRIK-L-START Installation (Read 1539 times) previous topic - next topic

TRIK-L-START Installation

I've read and looked at other installations of the trik-l-start system, so here is ours in our 03' U320.

For those not familiar with this product, here is a short marketing blurb.  The TRIK-L-START™ is designed to keep your engine starting battery fully charged during long periods of storage or inactivity. Connected between the house and starting batteries, it diverts current from your existing house battery charger, sending it to the starting battery. Maximum charging current is 5 amps, automatically tapering to a small fraction of an amp after a full charge is reached. A set of indicator lights display the charger's status, also warning of improper hookup. A built-in blocking diode keeps the starting battery from being discharged due to any loads on the house batteries.

So it performs some of the functions of the boost switch, without the fun task of replacing that tiny light bulb in the switch every 6 months or so  ;D

Here are some pictures of the installation.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #1 –
Michelle, because the unit charges the starting batteries from the converter/charger when plugged into shore power, I would not benefit from this unit as my storage location does not allow coaches to be plugged-in to their power supply.  For now, I just disconnect the ground battey bank terminal, check the voltage before reconnecting.  And if need be, run the genset and boost switch to recharge some.  My Optima starting batteries are 6 years old and hold a charge disconnected from November to May while in storage.  What a great product!
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #2 –
Steve,

I didn't use the split loom to cover the wires from my Trik-L-Start.  Should I have done so? What is the advantage?

George Stoltz
2000 U320
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #3 –
Split loom is just to protect the wires from abrasion and slow down the rodents getting to the wires. As I am running new wires under the coach I add split loom everywhere I see anything rubbing. It will save me a problem in the future  :D
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #4 –
Peter,

I do not have access to shore power at my storage location either.  I use a portable solar panel which is hooked to my house battery.  The house battery is then hooked up through the Trick-L-Start to the engine battery.  Since I have flooded cell batteries, this is the only way I can keep them charged.  I've left the MH for up to four months without a problem.

John Cooper
''91 GV 36'
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #5 –
I have a question on Trik-L-Start installation. I thought about installing the Trik-L-Start on the wall of the bed base inside the motorhome so as to monitor it easily. I would just run the wires through insulated grommets through the bed base wall to the battery isolator and do the hook up normally. If the wires need extending I don't think it would cause any problems. This would help in checking the LED lights with out raising the bed or opening the engine door.
Does anyone see a problem in this?
Thanks
Donald & Cheryl
1999 U295 36'
2006 Saturn Vue Toad
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Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #6 –
Quote from: roadrunner –
Does anyone see a problem in this?
Thanks

That should be no problem as you are using little amps.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #7 –
I can keep mine on shore power but in case something changes I didn't want to do this type of install.  I mounted mine on the batter tray and use the alligator clips from battery to battery so that I can easily disconnect it.  Seems to be working as advertised.
Dwayne Keith
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #8 –
I would NOT mount any type charger IN the battery compartment. 

Battery out-gassing (a normal byproduct of charging) produces Hydrogen which is explosive and acid vapor which shortens the life of electronic devices. 

You can mount it in the compartment in front of the battery box and route wires to either the batteries or more easily to the large fuses on the forward wall of your battery compartment that are directly connected to the batteries.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #9 –
Thanks Brett.  I'll move it.  I wonder why they don't give you enough wire to do a proper install?  I figured it must be OK considering they give you the wire and the alligator clips. 
Dwayne Keith
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #10 –
I've seen the pics in this thread, the install looks simple enough and I'm headed to my coach tomorrow.  I have a Trik-l start on order and it will arrive in a few days. 

I'm trying to do a little planning so, where in the engine compartment will I find the battery isolator for my coach - 2005, u295 - cummins 400 ISL? Passenger side, drivers side, front or back, top of engine compartment or bottom? 
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Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #11 –
If it is anything like my 2003 U295, it is on the forward firewall of the engine compartment, driver side.  Easily accessibly by lifting the bed.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #12 –
Tom - Lifting the bed to me means not crawling in the engine compartment.  That would be super simple.
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Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #13 –
Another place you can install the Trik-L-Start is on the boost solenoid,You have easy access to House and Starter battery connections. I have installed lots of Trik-L-Starts on the boost solenoid, The Tiffin coaches (Allegro Bus) Use a electronic isolator so I tie in to the solenoid. On the Foretravels  Under the bed like Michelle said is the fastest and easiest place. At Quartzsite this year I gave, and installed one on Kenny & Ann Lemons Coach for being such great host. Then I installed 4 more in the Lemon Group,all Foretravels all under the bed. Under the bed is OK because you don't have to look at it, It's one of those cool devices,after you install it, forget about it.  IT WORKS.  On our 96 U320 our Isolator is Behind the rear driver side tire in the last compartment. Art 
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
 The selected media item is not currently available.
 

Re: TRIK-L-START Installation

Reply #14 –
Thanks all. 

Now I have a good idea where to look and how to do.
The selected media item is not currently available.

Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit