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Old 03-25-2018, 04:52 PM   #1
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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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Old 03-25-2018, 06:02 PM   #2
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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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Old 03-26-2018, 10:17 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommymsw View Post
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.
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.
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Old 03-26-2018, 11:06 AM   #4
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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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Old 03-26-2018, 11:36 AM   #5
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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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Old 03-26-2018, 06:25 PM   #6
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I installed amp l last year best money I've spent, keeps them charged.
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Old 03-28-2018, 07:00 PM   #7
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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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Old 03-28-2018, 08:24 PM   #8
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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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Old 03-28-2018, 08:29 PM   #9
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Battery Isolation Manager with Contactor

Available on Amazon or from Winnebago ...
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Old 03-31-2018, 11:18 PM   #10
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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.
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Old 04-01-2018, 05:15 AM   #11
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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.
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