Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator) (Read 783 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from New isolator

Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Question, When using shore power for extended periods is it a good idea to use the Boost Switch to combine batteries for a automatic charge of both?

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #1 –
Quote from: NancyS –
Question, When using shore power for extended periods is it a good idea to use the Boost Switch to combine batteries for a automatic charge of both?

It is better to have a smarter charger than the Boost switch (especially because if you were to lose power and run down your house batteries, with the Boost on you would also run down your chassis batteries).

Some use a device like the Trik-l-start.  Some use a separate charger.  There is also a third device which escapes me now.

Lots of previous discussion, a number of existing threads on this.  Possibly search on the words battery and storage together.

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #3 –
Battery minder is popular as dedicated charger. Echo charger is similar to trim-l-start

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #4 –
This is just me......but I disconnect the ground from the start battery and don't worry about it.

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #5 –
And just me... I use the boost switch and don't worry about it.

see ya
ken

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #6 –
The simplest, best, never worry about it system for me is a separate solar panel for start batteries. All you need is 70 watts or so and the simple controller sits on the below bed wall. Never think about it and engine starts fast all the time.
JohnH

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #7 –
If we are some where for a long time a small battery minder works well and will not over charge our batteries. 2 amps per battery is usually enough to get them to float pretty quick. 

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #8 –
I close the boost solenoid when I'm in the coach and open it when I leave or go to bed. As previously mentioned, I don't want the cranking batteries to run down if there's a power failure and I'm not here to notice. I have very low electric load so I doubt that could happen. I modified my voltmeter so it's on all the time and added another voltmeter to the coach batteries so I can see the voltage readings change between the two of them when I close the boost solenoid... It's like a little operation test each time if I watch the gauges as I flip the switch ...Oh hey, and I bought a hundred of those little indicator bulbs for ten bucks on the internet cuz I was burning one out every few months, so now I have enough bulbs to last me two lifetimes at this rate :)

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
The simplest, best, never worry about it system for me is a separate solar panel for start batteries.
What happens when you park under a big tree, or under a cover, or in a barn, or in the event of Nuclear Winter?

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #10 –
A solar panel would be challenged in the coach barn.  But it really takes very little over time to bring the start batteries to float state. If you have been driving for any length of time they should be pretty well charged up and all the solar panel is doing keeping them topped up. It is a good idea if you are out where the sun can do its part.  On our coach a week or two with no charger in the start batteries is not an issue. Still plenty of poop to pop. My start batteries are at 12.84 v after three days with no charger.  Another week or more to droop to 12.7 or so.

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #11 –
True, ours is outdoors so forgot that- sorry. But if you do the solar panel as well as another type you have it all covered.
It was a very busy week working with Barry on his coach and maybe I can use that for my lapse of mind??
JohnH

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #12 –
John, it was all that fiberglassing and painting. That'll kill brain cells faster than anything. Thanks for being a good neighbor to Barry.

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #13 –
maybe it was, but the 6 packs did much damage to my arms etc. All cut up trying to get into those stupid locations. FT of course puts them in before dropping body on top of frame, not much thought of servicing in future, but I did learn how to rebuild them for when I do mine!
JohnH
 

Re: Boost switch and storage (split from Re: New isolator)

Reply #14 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
maybe it was, but the 6 packs did much damage to my arms etc. All cut up trying to get into those stupid locations. FT of course puts them in before dropping body on top of frame, not much thought of servicing in future, but I did learn how to rebuild them for when I do mine!
JohnH
Sorry, John, I thought of something else when you'd said  the 6 packs did damage to your arms. My bad.