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Topic: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion (Read 629 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Portable Jump Starters
Reply #25 –
Apparently LSL Products makes a couple of models of the device: Amp-L-Start and Trik-L-Start.  I contacted the manufacturer to understand the difference. Here is what they said.

“ Although both products accomplish the same basic purpose, the AMP-L-START version has several additional features:

1. Starting and House Battery Connection indicator lights - Warns you if either your house or starting batteries aren't connected to the AMP-L-START (i.e., due to an open battery disconnect switch, poor connection, improper hook-up during installation, etc.).

2. Several User-Selectable Charging Modes - Makes it compatible with Lithium batteries, and temperature-compensated house battery chargers. So, as you mentioned, that might be a consideration if you ever decide to upgrade to Lithium house batteries.

3. Overvoltage Shutdown - Stops supplying current to your starting battery if the house battery voltage becomes excessive (i.e., during a house battery equalization charge, malfunction of your house battery charger, etc.). As soon as the house battery voltage drops back into the acceptable range, charging current to your starting battery resumes automatically.

4. More sophisticated charging scheme - The AMP-L-START uses a microprocessor to precisely control the recharge regimen. Each unit receives its own calibration values, the very first time it is powered up at the factory. Conversely, the TRIK-L-START is an older, all-analog design that has no provisions for factory calibration. This means that the AMP-L-START provides a quicker, more efficient recharge than its 5 amp advantage would otherwise imply.

In short, it's a more modern, feature-rich design - for around 20 bucks more than the TRIK-L-START.

On the other hand, the TRIK-L-START is a tad quicker to install, since it already has the wires pre-attached. Also, unlike the AMP-L-START, it's available with battery clips, for temporary installation.”

I’m still interested in receiving any insights about the Xantrex unit given that company’s reputation for quality. On the other hand, the AMP-L-Start seems like the best of the LSL Products’ offerings (thanks Larry for the off line advice given my needs). 

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
Reply #26 –
If you are parked camping with shore power, the solar panels will top off the chassis battery, and the SB3000i will still provide power to the house battery. When camped there should be little drain on the chassis battery. That battery can sit for months and still start the engine, those 'phantom loads are very very small.   I know you are 'itching' to put a Trik-L-Start in, but really unnecessary for you.     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
Reply #27 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
If you are parked camping with shore power, the solar panels will top off the chassis battery, and the SB3000i will still provide power to the chassis battery.   I know you are 'itching' to put a Trik-L-Start in, but really unnecessary for you.   

Warren stores his LD inside where there is no solar.

Battery combiners or voltage-sensitive switches are not a new idea, having been used for years on boats.
Battery Combiners | West Marine

The  AMP-L-START is the better unit and the installation is almost as easy, it comes with the electrical fittings and appears to just need a few feet of wire.
The biggest issue is exactly where to mount it, the rest is easy.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
Reply #28 –
All input considered, I think that for the time being I’ll use a better quality battery tender I have from my days of storing vehicles during one of the other off-season living in the mountains of Wyoming. The only down side I can imagine is the slight risk of the tender shorting out and causing a fire (unlikely).

Thanks all for the education and input.

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
Reply #29 –
I ran a wire from my Blue Sky 3000i solar charge controller out through the house battery box.  I have to route the wire outside the RV to the truck starting battery less ideal than if they had built the wire in when making the RV.  As far as I know there is no such wire in my 2003 RB,  for which the Blue sky is a replacement for a previous solar charge Controller.   No ground conductor wire needed.  House and truck batteries are both chassis grounded.

I put a trick-l-start on my Bigfoot motorhome.   It keeps the truck batteries charged from the house batteries regardless of what is charging the house batteries.
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
Reply #30 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"Anyone have substantial experience with these."

I have the NOCO GB70. It's got the umpf to start our E450s and I have never had issues with it... if I keep it charged!   ::)   ;)


I am thinking of getting this. 7 months since your post, are you still satisfied. Mine is a Chevy small block. Is it adequate?
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.
 
Re: Portable Jump Starters - TRIK-L-START Discussion
Reply #31 –
"7 months since your post, are you still satisfied."

You betcha! Had to use it a couple of times and it starts at first crank. If it starts mine there's no doubt it will do the same for you.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!