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03-25-2018, 04:52 PM
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#1
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 91
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Amp-L-Start vs isolator?
I am wondering the difference between the two? Can you not install an isolator the same way and have it do the exact same thing?
I just need my engine battery to charge while my cabin batteries charge. Both sets charge while driving, but I need the engine battery to charge while sitting. My engine battery keeps dying and is now toast.
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03-25-2018, 06:02 PM
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#2
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 267
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Do the amp-L-Start or the Trick-L-start. I have the Trick-l-Start and have not had a low battery since. I have used isolators before to charge two different batteries from the alternator but house batteries are different.
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03-26-2018, 10:17 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Pinellas Park, FL
Posts: 647
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommymsw
I am wondering the difference between the two? Can you not install an isolator the same way and have it do the exact same thing?
I just need my engine battery to charge while my cabin batteries charge. Both sets charge while driving, but I need the engine battery to charge while sitting. My engine battery keeps dying and is now toast.
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I'm not sure I can explain the difference but I installed the Amp-L-Start to solve the issue you are reporting with success.
__________________
Thom Boles
2010 Winnebago Vista 32K with a 2013 Mini Cooper S Roadster toad.
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03-26-2018, 11:06 AM
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#4
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 91
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Yea, I was just looking to save some money. I've seen some people say an isolator does the same job for $15. Just wondering if the extra cost is just in the name brand.
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03-26-2018, 11:36 AM
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#5
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 267
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I am a retired engineer and have learned over time, do not re-invent the wheel. The cheep isolators do not have good diodes in them and you can end up with all batteries dead. The Amp-L-Start is just an upgraded isolator with modifications for the RV industry. It is proven to work. Yes you could find good isolators but you wil find the price to be about the same $50-$80.
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03-26-2018, 06:25 PM
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#6
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 160
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I installed amp l last year best money I've spent, keeps them charged.
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03-28-2018, 07:00 PM
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#7
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 91
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I ordered the Amp-L-Start. Any advice on where to install it? I see under the step above where the batteries are, an access panel that says "isolator" and "relay". What one should I connect it to? I wish I could put it inside next to the inverter. The display on the Amp-L-start is so nice... it's a pity not to see it.
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03-28-2018, 08:24 PM
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#8
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Manhattan, Kansas USA
Posts: 1,315
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On newer Winnebagos the Precicion 10021000 Battery Isolation Manager is being used. It makes this VERY simple to accomplish.
It has a integrated heavy duty contactor that ties the Chassis and Coach Battery sides together that can handle 225 amps continuous. Prevents the annoying clicking of the contactor that simpler and or older designs do. Bi-directional charging. When one side has charging voltage and other side needs a charge the manager ties together. But is intelligent, it uses more than just voltage to determine when to tie together, to make sure batteries do not get overcharged. Input for an emergency start dash switch to manually tie together. Has ignition and genset inputs that it uses to make sure it does not tie chassis and coach batteries together when both engine and generator are running to avoid charging conflicts.
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Randy - Manhattan, Kansas
2015 Vista 27N
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
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03-28-2018, 08:29 PM
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#9
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Manhattan, Kansas USA
Posts: 1,315
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Battery Isolation Manager with Contactor
Available on Amazon or from Winnebago ...
__________________
Randy - Manhattan, Kansas
2015 Vista 27N
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
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03-31-2018, 11:18 PM
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#10
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Surprise, AZ
Posts: 399
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X2 regarding the Amp-L Start. I have had mine for 5 years. Very reliable. Install it and forget about it.
__________________
John Rossi
2013 Itasca Sunstar 26HE
Firestone Airbags, Hellwig front/rear Anti-Sway Bars,
Rear Trac Bar, Safe-T-Plus, and 480 watt solar system.
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04-01-2018, 05:15 AM
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#11
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 83
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I've had a Trik-L start installed in my coach since 2011. I've never replaced the chassis battery. Best money I've ever spent.
__________________
Dave and Holly
2011 Winnebago Sightseer 33c with a 2011 Honda CRV behind.
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