TRIK-L-START Install Questions December 14, 2009, 02:34:37 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108510Hello!I bit the bullet and got a TRIK-L-START for our 1997 RB.The install directions contain the following: "Unplug from shore power, disconnect any solar panels, and remove the Negative terminals of BOTH the house and starting battery banks."The battery disconnect switch for our 2 house AGMs disconnects the Positive terminal. I assume turning it to OFF is equivalent (if not better than disconnecting the Negative if Negative is ground). Correct? The directions assume Negative is ground. Things are a bit cramped in the engine compartment and I could not make out whether ground was Negative or Positive.Getting a good look at the Isolator, let alone determining which terminals of it are which, is problematic. Suggestions/photos appreciated. I have no idea how to disconnect the four solar panels. Any suggestions?best, paul"Thriving not surviving" - Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon) - See our website at www. LazyDazers.com
Re: TRIK-L-START Install Questions Reply #1 – December 14, 2009, 02:54:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108511Quote From: Paul Smith"Unplug from shore power, disconnect any solar panels, and remove the Negative terminals of BOTH the house and starting battery banks."Disconnecting the positive battery terminal is just as good . . . the reason they don't suggest that, is that it's good practice when *manually* removing battery terminal wires (not a desconnect switch) and on a negative ground vehicle, to always always remove the negative terminal first. This is so because if the positive terminal is worked on first, there's the serious risk of bonking a wrench into any adjacent metal (ground) - - causing all sorts of spitzen-sparkin mit loudish poppin und lots of melted metal.As to disconnecting the solar panels, the wires may connect at the non-battery side of the disconnect switch, in which case, even with the switch disconnected, the solar panels would tend to power things if in the sun. If they go to the batteries direct (battery side of the switch), then all will be well. If you want to disconnect solar without the hassle, simply cover the panels with trash bags etc.bumper Yonder Minden, NV
Re: TRIK-L-START Install Questions Reply #2 – December 14, 2009, 03:24:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108513Thanks! I'm familiar with the potential of the mingling of batteries and metal to cause big problems. I'm very careful when I uncover our AGM's. They are in the same compartment as a seat belt - and the metal of the seat belt is tied off away from the battery terminals.best, paul PS> In a former life I walked down nuclear power plant battery rooms (500 to 1000 sf) with MANY very large batteries (backup power). We were not allow to take any metal into the room."Thriving not surviving" - Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon) - See our website at www. LazyDazers.com
Re: TRIK-L-START Install Questions Reply #3 – December 14, 2009, 06:28:06 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108520"I'm very careful when I uncover our AGM's. They are in the same compartment as a seat belt - and the metal of the seat belt is tied off away from the battery terminals.Paul I bought plastic terminal covers from West Marine to cover the battery terminals to prevent accidental shorting. http://tinyurl.com/y9qaadd> http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/1415589139/in/set-72157602104740457/> I would not want to have exposed terminals in batteries mounted under the dinette seat. The chance of accidentally shorting them out is too great.Larry
Re: TRIK-L-START Install Questions Reply #4 – December 14, 2009, 06:28:27 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108521"I have no idea how to disconnect the four solar panels."PaulFactory installed panels have a labeled fuse inside the power-center's door, in with the rest of the fuses. After-market panels should also have a fuse somewhere. Removing the fuse should disconnect the panels from the rest of the electrical system.Larry
Re: TRIK-L-START Install Questions Reply #5 – December 14, 2009, 08:03:12 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108524I've been thinking of a rigid plastic sheet to cover everything. Any suggestions?best, paul"Thriving not surviving" - Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon) - See our website at www. LazyDazers.com
Re: TRIK-L-START Install Questions Reply #6 – December 14, 2009, 08:34:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 108527"I've been thinking of a rigid plastic sheet to cover everything. Any suggestions?"paul In the photos below, you can see the plastic sheet used to line the top and bottom of the new battery compartment. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/1416466052/in/set-72157602104740457/> http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/1416467038/in/set-72157602104740457/> http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/1416467038/in/set-72157602104740457/> 1/8" polyethylene plastic sheet was used for the lining. Bought it at a local plastic supply store. The sides of the box are lined with exterior plywood. Overkill?…maybe but it was cheap insurance.Larry
Topic: TRIK-L-START Install Questions (Read 8 times)
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Topic: TRIK-L-START Install Questions (Read 8 times)
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