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Topic: Boost looks no different ? (Read 843 times) previous topic - next topic

Boost looks no different ?

We are heading to tennessee tuesday and since the coach has had a trik l start and the new battery installed its just been plugged in and setting in the barn. I knew I wouldnt need the boost switch on to start it so I could raise it up to secure with pipes to do an oil change, but I hit it anyways. When I did it really made no difference on the dash guage. This makes me wonder...shouldnt there be a noticable jump or since shes just been setting would you think everythings fine? Taking my inlaws with us and really dont need any glitches if you know what I mean.
Thanks in advance.
Btw..the guage does a little blink then is basically reading the exact as with it off. Cable  ends have all been cleaned.
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Boost looks no different ?

Reply #1 –
Carl,
The dash gauge is only an approximation of voltage reading for the start battery(ies).  If you have a voltmeter, it's the best way to tell if the batteries are charging.  With boost on, the reading at the start batteries should be 13.8 VDC.  May be lower if float charging, depending on your charger type.  In steady state w/o plugging to shore/gen power, the full charge reading should be 12.8 VDC.
 
I don't think you have anything to worry about.  But, I hope you are checking-in on the coach charging situation about once a week, anyway, to make sure nothing is going wrong.
 
Always check the battery temperature to make sure nothing is going south on you.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Boost looks no different ?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Carl Sandel –
I knew I wouldnt need the boost switch on to start it so I could raise it up to secure with pipes to do an oil change, but I hit it anyways.

Carl,

You are right in that you do not need the boost switch to start your coach -- especially with your new batteries.  However, by using the boost your starting motor will turn over faster, your coach will start quicker and you will put less wear and tear on your starter.  This is not the voice of wisdom speaking here, it is what James Triana told me.
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: Boost looks no different ?

Reply #3 –
I dont have a digital volt meter. My wife turned the key and my meter showed about 12.5ish. Then when she hit the boost switch it stayed the same. There is a covered panel in the battery bay that I heard a selinoid click behind and so I took off the cover and tightened some not so tight nuts on. Ive got that new adaptor chip on my inverter charger and the trk l start. Ive felt that everything has been fine and hope that once we're running down the road and I even start the gen, we will be in fine shape.
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Boost looks no different ?

Reply #4 –
Carl,

If both battery banks have been on a charger (house on inverter/charger and chassis on trik l start) it is quite possible that both are charged to the same voltage.

And easy test-- with generator off, shore power disconnected, run lights, etc on the house battery bank to lower it's voltage.  Turn on the key and see if the voltage on the chassis battery changes when the boost switch is turned on.

And please get a digital VOM-- they are invaluable on any RV and you can find them starting under $20 at Radio Shack, Sears, etc.

Brett
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: Boost looks no different ?

Reply #5 –
Brett, that makes perfect sense and I mentioned to my wife this evening that I HAD to go digital....I just haven't done it but will. I could have today when I was shopping for men's "stuff" but didn't run across one. I WILL before this weekend is out....I PROMISE :)

Thanks for the input folks!
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan