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Topic: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage (Read 594 times) previous topic - next topic

Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

I experienced a loss of power to the coach while it was in storage.  The end result was a significant discharge of the chassis batteries despite the Trick-L-Start.  My storage choices in the mountains of CO are limited.  I have a nice unit which unfortunately is 30 miles away.  It has a 15 amp circuit, which is more than enough for maintaining the batteries.......except when the GFI trips and I don't visit the coach for nearly a month.

The storage does not have wi-fi, so I started exploring cellular based monitoring/alerting systems.  I ended up going with Pump Alarm because the new generation units use 4G LTE vs. many of the alternative systems on the market use 3G which is on the way out.  Cost for the unit was $231 and cellular contact was $49.99/year.  Not inexpensive, but the cost of batteries can be significant.

The setup, programming and testing were very straight forward and worked the first time.  Once I received the unit, I navigated to an activation website, created an account, entered the code on the side of the unit, paid for the first year of monitoring.  At which point I received the telephone number of the unit.  After installing the backup batteries, plugging the unit in and allowing it to connect to the cell network, all programming is done via text messages from my cell phone.  I entered my cell phone number, my DW's cell phone number and an electrical outage wait period and all was done.  Additionally, I could have set max and min temperature alarms.  Additional sensors can be purchased for water, tilt and float switch (thus the Pump Alarm name).

I shut the unit down, took it to storage, plugged it in and tested it.  All worked like a charm.

Now the downside---When I went online and ordered the unit the website said "ships in 5-6 business days."  After three weeks passed I called.  After four weeks I called.  You see where I am going with this.  On my third call I got a person and he admitted that "ships in 5-6 business days" applies when units are in stock.  Ultimately my persistence got me to the front of the queue.

The bonus, I had not considered, is that when we are traveling in the coach, I can move the unit to the house and have a temperature alarm in case the furnace goes out in winter.

Tom and Lisa

2003 U320 38' PBBS
Build No. 6217

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #1 –
I have had my coach in storage with 15 amp GFI service in the past.  Kept popping the GFI.  Changed to non-GFI, problem solved.  I am now in 50amp service when in storage. ;D  ;D  ;D
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #2 –
Quote from: twestrup –
I experienced a loss of power to the coach while it was in storage.  The end result was a significant discharge of the chassis batteries despite the Trick-L-Start.
It sounds like (if I'm wrong I appologize) you misunderstand how the Trik-L-Start works.  The Trik-L-Start only charges the start battery bank when the house batteries are being charged.  It "steals" some of the charging current (regardless of source) going to the house bank.

When your coach is in storage and plugged in, the inverter/charger keeps the house batteries charged.  As long as they are being charged, the start battery bank is also being charged/maintained by the Trik-L-Start.

If you lose power to the coach, the house batteries are no longer being charged by the inverter/charger.  The Trik-L-Start goes dormant and its built-in diode prevents any drain on the house batteries from discharging the start batteries.

However, if there is any kind of phantom load on the start battery bank, it will be discharged and the Trik-L-Start cannot prevent it.  Just didn't want you to blame the poor little Trik-L-Start for your dead chassis batteries.

http://www.lslproducts.net/UTLS_Broch.pdf
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #3 –
Sorry for any confusion.  I was not blaming the Trick-L_Charge.  Clearly phantom loads put a draw on the batteries.
Tom and Lisa

2003 U320 38' PBBS
Build No. 6217

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #4 –
Tom,

On your coach there are several phantom draws other than the engine and transmission ECM units but these 2 are the most notable.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #5 –
Tom did the house batteries run down also?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #6 –
The house batteries were down a bit, but not to the degree of the chassis batteries.
Tom and Lisa

2003 U320 38' PBBS
Build No. 6217

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #7 –
We store or coach outside under cover without shore power.

We recently installed BlueSea high amp battery cutoff switches on both house and start battery banks to easily & quickly disconnect ALL loads.

Whenever we go out to our parked coach, I meter both banks and after 6-weeks voltages are still above 12.5 volts.

Any switch installed must be able to handle the full maximum amp draw when switches are closed and coach in use. Starter draws the highest amps, so any switch on the starter cable has to be highly rated.

Our coach has two OEM start battery positive cables with one dedicated to starter solenoid, and the second cable supplying all other coach needs. So, we only put our start battery bank switch on the second cable.

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #8 –
Chuck, that is a very clear explanation on how Trik L Start works and a good help for many.

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #9 –
I asked Pump Alarm:
"Want to monitor 2 RV 12-volt battery banks, but do not want to use either battery bank to power pumpalarm cellular radio / sensor processor"

Response:
The PumpAlarm device would not be a good choice for this application.
It requires a 120VAC power source. 12VDC cannot be its primary source.
Aside from that, the unit has built-in temperature sensing, for Low Temperature alarm and for High Temperature alarm.
Programming is done by text messaging from the user's smart phone.
There really is no wiring that needs to be done, or can be done with the unit.
It has a 120V AC power plug, and any sensors you would use have connectors that just clip into the sensor ports on the unit.
For further questions, you can call us a (888)-454-5051, Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM, Eastern.
Jim Moran
Support TeamPumpAlarm.com

Tom, this must work with you being connected to shore power.  We don't have power at our storage.

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #10 –
Correct.  What I am monitoring is the 120 VAC or loss there of.
Tom and Lisa

2003 U320 38' PBBS
Build No. 6217

Re: Monitoring of AC Power to Coach Storage

Reply #11 –
My RV command just saved my batteries again.  Showed when Cummins opened the door to move it inside and let me know that the voltage had dropped too low because they didn't plug it back in and something was left on.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas