Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: JDimitriadis on November 03, 2018, 04:36:27 pm
-
Has anyone installed a Trik-L-Start to a 2552? Is there a connection point in the engine compartment for the House Battery connection of the Trik-L-Start?
Thanks, John D.
-
Has anyone installed a Trik-L-Start to a 2552? Is there a connection point in the engine compartment for the House Battery connection of the Trik-L-Start?
Thanks, John D.
I don't know what a trik-l-stsrt is, but I presume it's a way to charge your engine battery via the house batteries.
If so, you already have one (unless Phoenix stopped adding them) it's the white switch on the dash to the left of the steering wheel. It's use should be explained in the paperwork you received. It's low amperage (5 amp) and you need to make sure all engine and cab lights are OFF before you try to use it.
If that's no what a trik-l-start is, then I can tell you there is no opening in the firewall, you'll have to *CAREFULLY* add one and water proof it yourself.
-
Yes, I installed one on my 2016 2400 and now have moved it to my new 2552. I installed it in the engine compartment on the solenoid for the jump start (ie. the white button) located on the drivers side under the coolant over flow tank. The solenoid has a direct cable to both the engine battery and the coach battery. Very easy to do!
The Trick-L-Start continuously charges the engine battery anytime the coach batteries are fully charged (ie. from shore power, solar or generator) it will not run down the coach batteries or over charge the engine battery.
As I understand it the white button only charges the engine battery while in being held in the on position.
-
@Donc13 the Trik-L-Start is a little different than the connection Phoenix installs. It maintains the chassis battery with a low amperage charge current from the house batteries. Useful if the house is plugged in or if you have solar.
My chassis battery has gone dead twice now because I forget to run the truck and charge it up. House batteries are fine as they are plugged in.
I have a Trik-L-Start sitting on my workbench to install. That was today's project until it started to rain. So this thread is very timely for me.
@Ashby if you get a chance can you post a picture of your install? Based on the weather I am not going to get to mine for 5 days or so.
-
Just installed one last week. It was so simply that I thought I surely misunderstood how to set it up. BUT it actually was that simple. I moved the coolant reservoir tank to give me more room to attach the trik-l-start to the inside of the engine compartment wall, right next to the solenoid for the house battery booster start. Just follow the enclosed instructions and no more dead starter battery after parking your Phoenix Cruiser for a couple of days.
-
What is draining your truck batteries? Ours died when our step switch was malfunctioning. Once we figured that out, we never had a problem again.
Do you run the radio or charge devices in the cab? The battery shouldn't drain that quickly.
-
What is draining your truck batteries?
No idea, and I've looked. I'm guessing some radios are still on even if the switch is off. I have turned off or unplugged everything else I can find and truck battery still goes dead. It does take about 3 to 4 weeks so as long as I run the truck once a month there is no problem. But in the winter I do not always get that done.
-
We have been having the same issue with the battery going dead since we picked up the 2552. Contacted PC and Barry sent us the Trik-L-Start unit. Waiting for the weather to clear up before I install it. Thanks for all the input on my question. Attached is a picture of the Trik-L-Start installed. Barry sent it to me after I asked him where it should be installed.
Forgot to mention, the picture is behind the coolant reservoir tank. I just checked to see that the solenoid is back there. Just as Zolman stated, you will need to remove the three screws from the coolant reservoir tank and move the tank in order to be able to get your hands in there.
-
Here is a picture of my Trik-L-Start installation with the coolant tank in place. The Trick-L-Start module is double stick taped to the top of the fuse box and does not interfere with opening the box.
Please be aware that the terminals on the solenoid are hot and will give a big spark if shorted while connecting the Trik-L-Start. May be best to disconnect the batteries!
-
I don't understand why the engine battery would go dead when nothing should be draining it. My new 2552 has been sitting for about a month. I just went out to see if it would start, and it did with no problems. It IS plugged in, but the engine hasn't been started for a month. So I don't understand why some are having issues with this. What am I missing?
Peg
-
Several years back I purchased a HF battery charger pack which was on sale. Fortunately, I've not had to use this with our PC2100, although the charger has been used several times to assist others with low battery situations. The pack has yet to fail in providing enough charge to allow the engine to start.
-
I don't understand why the engine battery would go dead when nothing should be draining it. My new 2552 has been sitting for about a month. I just went out to see if it would start, and it did with no problems. It IS plugged in, but the engine hasn't been started for a month. So I don't understand why some are having issues with this. What am I missing?
Sometimes there are small loads that you do not notice. Perhaps the radio is in a 'standby' mode that draws just a little bit of power. Or the truck computer is kept alive. Almost all vehicles will have these 'parasitic' loads on the battery that we do not notice. It will vary from unit to unit depending on what is installed but they are there and if your truck is left long enough the battery will go dead.
For me it takes between 4 and 6 weeks for the battery to go dead. And we all know r\letting the battery run completely dead is a very bad thing. So I installed a Trik-L-Start to make sure that does not happen. Think of it as a battery maintainer. My solar panels will keep the house batteries in good shape, the Trik-L-Start just passes some of that charge on to the truck battery.
It was a simple install and many thanks to @JDimitriadis for the excellent photo.
-
Yes, I installed one on my 2016 2400 and now have moved it to my new 2552. I installed it in the engine compartment on the solenoid for the jump start (ie. the white button) located on the drivers side under the coolant over flow tank. The solenoid has a direct cable to both the engine battery and the coach battery. Very easy to do!
Ok, so here is a mystery to me: My '17 2552 already had one installed just in this manner except it is behind the coolant tank mounted to the firewall. I just noticed it recently when looking the motor are over. (WH)
-
Mike, Pat, we have a 2018 2552 and there was nothing behind the antifreeze coolant reservoir. I just installed it by removing the reservoir and connecting the Trik-L-Start unit as shown in the picture. Not sure if it should have been included by PC when the RV was built. Our engine battery was going dead within 3 weeks, when parked with shore power. I had contacted PC and they sent me the Trik-L-Start unit, with directions, which I connected as shown in the picture.
John D.
-
Mike, you have an actual Trik-L-Start there or just the solenoid in the picture? If I remember right your rig was just behind mine on the line. Did you request that in your build sheet?
-
There is an actual Trik-l-start behind the coolant tank and it's connected to the solenoid and periodically switches to charging (did once while I was looking at it and did right after I hit the switch inside the RV).
I did not request it on the build sheet. (I checked as I don't trust my memory!)
I did add solar through AMSolar afterwards but it does not make sense that they would have added it as the solar controller has it's own secondary battery charging system which I had them set up to charge the truck battery. It does show up on the solar controller display, showing whether charging or not and how charged the truck battery is. (It has become intermittent :'(, often showing no data which I need to figure out why and fix)
So... (WH)
-
Don't know if I can contribute information, or just add to the confusion regarding factory Trick-L-Start installation. Just got back with my new 2552 from the factory last Sunday, and as weather allowed was going over the rig. Was under the hood this afternoon, and found a Trick-L-Start installed in the familiar location behind the coolant reservoir. I did NOT specify this installation, in fact, I had already purchased my own Trick-L-Start that I planned to install as one of my first upgrades to my unit.
In reviewing just this single thread, there doesn't seem to be a lot of consistency to when the factory installs this feature. Looking through the posts, and reviewing ONLY 2552 models, I find the following: JATRAX bought a 2017 model in 11/16 and did NOT have the Trick-L-Start installed; GANDALF42 bought a 2017 in 5/17 and DID find a Trick-L-Start; JDIMITRIADIS got a 2018 model in 5/18 with no Trick-L-Start; and ASHBY bought a 2019 model in 9/18 also with no Trick-L-Start; then I received my 2019 model in 2/19 that DID have a Trick-L-Start. I don't know if there is some other option that triggers Phoenix to install this feature, but I don't think so, since most of my options match others that didn't have it.
I think the Trick-L-Start is a worthwhile addition; it's inexpensive, simple to install, and evidently the factory is willing to "throw it in" by virtue of the fact that they install it at times when not specified, and also have in past shipped one to the buyer after the fact upon a complaint. Until this is verified as a new standard install on all units, it would seem that buyers spec'ing a new unit might want to mention that they'd like one of these units included to be sure they get it factory installed.
As an aside, I now have a Trick-L-Start unit that I bought that I don't need. I'll be glad to donate it to someone who might need one if you will let me know.
Mike
-
Don't know if I can contribute information, or just add to the confusion regarding factory Trick-L-Start installation. Just got back with my new 2552 from the factory last Sunday, and as weather allowed was going over the rig. Was under the hood this afternoon, and found a Trick-L-Start installed in the familiar location behind the coolant reservoir. I did NOT specify this installation, in fact, I had already purchased my own Trick-L-Start that I planned to install as one of my first upgrades to my unit.
In reviewing just this single thread, there doesn't seem to be a lot of consistency to when the factory installs this feature. Looking through the posts, and reviewing ONLY 2552 models, I find the following: JATRAX bought a 2017 model in 11/16 and did NOT have the Trick-L-Start installed; GANDALF42 bought a 2017 in 5/17 and DID find a Trick-L-Start; JDIMITRIADIS got a 2018 model in 5/18 with no Trick-L-Start; and ASHBY bought a 2019 model in 9/18 also with no Trick-L-Start; then I received my 2019 model in 2/19 that DID have a Trick-L-Start. I don't know if there is some other option that triggers Phoenix to install this feature, but I don't think so, since most of my options match others that didn't have it.
I think the Trick-L-Start is a worthwhile addition; it's inexpensive, simple to install, and evidently the factory is willing to "throw it in" by virtue of the fact that they install it at times when not specified, and also have in past shipped one to the buyer after the fact upon a complaint. Until this is verified as a new standard install on all units, it would seem that buyers spec'ing a new unit might want to mention that they'd like one of these units included to be sure they get it factory installed.
As an aside, I now have a Trick-L-Start unit that I bought that I don't need. I'll be glad to donate it to someone who might need one if you will let me know.
Mike
Mike
I am interested in adding a Trik-L-Start to my RV. I have had my starting battery die a couple of times while storing the RV over the winter, I think it is the in and out of the automatic step that drains it down the most.
By the way, congratulations on your new RV!! How are the tables working out for you?
JJ
-
Hi JJ!
Thanks for the contrats--I'm glad to finally get the waiting over with and actually be an owner. The tables work great, and are one of my favorite (and most useful) features of my unit! You know how glad I was to find out about them when you posted your photos! I was really torn between getting the recliner/sofa for the usability, comfort and extra sleep space, but having to give up table/desk space to get it. It looked like almost no one actually went to the trouble to set up the portable table for intermittent use, so I had resigned myself to making do with the pull-up top in the cabinet set replacing the euro chair for computer work, etc. Then I saw your post, and that ideal solution was obvious! Phoenix installed the double doors on the pantry, so I have ready access to the top two drawers like you do. I haven't converted my bottom drawer to a shelf, yet--I'll see how things best fit as I begin using the unit.
Glad to pass along my extra Trik-L-Start. If you will PM me an address, I'll put it in the mail and let you know when it's on the way.
Mike
-
As far as I know EVERY PC that I have seen in the past 10 years has a momentary switch just to the left of the steering wheel on the dash.
When you push the switch and hold it on you will notice that you are charging your Ford battery. If you don't believe this, plug in a digital voltmeter to one of the 12v outlets on your dash before pushing the button. Push and you will hear a relay click and the Ford battery voltage will now increase. Let switch go and it will quit charging.
Now for those that don't want to sit there and hold this momentary switch in the on position, here is what I suggest and guarantee nothing bad will happen.
You can buy a 20 amp 12v switch that is identical to the momentary switch. Take out the 2 screws, slide off the wires, pop-out that switch and pop-in the new switch and push the wires onto the new switch. (either wire goes on either terminal). Reinstall screws, total time a 5 minute job.
I leave this switch on whenever RV is in storage, months at a time, since my solar arrays charge all 3 batteries. Note, two things do occur which of course is not a problem. Your step will not remain out with the door closed and your awning will not be able to be deployed.
Also when I'm parked in a campsite for a week or two, I monitor my Ford battery, if it drops to 12.4v, I flip on the switch for about 30 minutes to recharge the Ford battery, then I turn it off. If I forget, I'll notice because the step goes out when I open the door.
Some owners told me that Kermit said he uses a locking relay and when pressed relay locks, press again and it opens. I never saw one operate this way.
If you don't have solar you can still use to make sure Ford battery doesn't go too low when camped with campsite/home power for a long duration.
-
Hi JJ!
Thanks for the contrats--I'm glad to finally get the waiting over with and actually be an owner. The tables work great, and are one of my favorite (and most useful) features of my unit! You know how glad I was to find out about them when you posted your photos! I was really torn between getting the recliner/sofa for the usability, comfort and extra sleep space, but having to give up table/desk space to get it. It looked like almost no one actually went to the trouble to set up the portable table for intermittent use, so I had resigned myself to making do with the pull-up top in the cabinet set replacing the euro chair for computer work, etc. Then I saw your post, and that ideal solution was obvious! Phoenix installed the double doors on the pantry, so I have ready access to the top two drawers like you do. I haven't converted my bottom drawer to a shelf, yet--I'll see how things best fit as I begin using the unit.
Glad to pass along my extra Trik-L-Start. If you will PM me an address, I'll put it in the mail and let you know when it's on the way.
Mike
Thanks to MikeH, I was able to install a Trik-L-Start this morning on my PC. The installation was straight forward and based on the LED lights on the unit, it appears to be working great. It is still a mystery why PC installs on some RVs, but not all.
Thanks again Mike!!
JJ