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View Full Version : Attaching a Trick-L-Start to a 08 Tourmaster T-40B


David Bott
09-02-2011, 04:27 PM
Hi...

Someone asked me this via PM, so I thought I would post it here in case others were interested.

This is in regards to attaching a Trik-L-Start that is made and sold by LSL Products. The unit will keep your chassis batteries (engine batteries) charged up when plugged into shore power or running the gen.... http://www.lslproducts.com (Whenever you 12v converter/charger in running.)

Let's see if you can follow this. It is not hard as I did all the leg work before to find the leads on this coach. :)

This again is a 08 Tourmaster 40-B but could apply to the TM years and models.

The unit comes with 3 wires, so in the attached photo, you will be looking at 3 wires, YELLOW, BLUE, and BLACK coming off the unit (you can only see the bottom of it). You will be connecting them to 2 units, a main relay, and a breaker, at 3 separate points. All the wires in my case, for the charger, have RED ends on them, so they are easy to see where they attach. (You crimp on the end types/size you need that are included.)

With that said...In the last bay on the passenger side of the Tourmaster, you will find the electrical distribution area for the 12V systems.

LOOKING AT THE ATTACHED IMAGE...

The Trik-L-Start is at the TOP RIGHT of the photo where you can see the YELLOW, BLUE, and BLACK wires coming out. I mounted it to the side wall of the bay. (Disregard the old one you see on the floor. :))

1) YELLOW wire from the bottom of the unit will go to the LEFT side of the breaker above the BIG relay on the bottom. (My yellow wire loops up and around as I pushed it out of the way.

2) BLUE wire to the LEFT side TOP of the big reply. (You can follow that one. :))

3) BLACK wire to the bottom RIGHT of the relay. (That one kind of loops around the back and to the front.)

Again, look for the RED ends.

That's it. Now when you plug in, your engine batteries will remained also charged up. You can verify this by talking a voltage reading off the 12V engine batteries with and without the coach plugged in.

I used these connection points based on various readings I took with my meter as more or less you are coupling the house 12v batteries to the engine batteries. When the house 12v batteries are charging (Converter/Inverter system) it will also do the same at LOW amp to the engine batteries.

Hope this helps.

jtking
09-04-2011, 01:49 PM
David,
Thanks for the post, I just ordered one. On the subject of battery charging--do the 6v inverter batteries on your TM charge going down the road from the alternator? Mine only charge with shore power or generator power. :(
Thanks,
John

David Bott
09-04-2011, 02:27 PM
Hi...

Yes they do. Or at least seems to. For when I get somewhere, they usually are fully charged.

Check to see if you are getting 13+ volts at a 12v outlet when you are driving. (Like one of the 2 outside ones of the 3 on the low part of the dash.) Not the cigarette lighter, but one of the ones with the rubber caps. If you do not have one, get a simple digital plug in 12v meter to see the voltage. (Plugs right into the 12v port.) I have one plugged in all the time as it is good to see how your 12v system is doing. But in any case, when you drive, see if that is over 13V.

If not, then it could be an issue with the can relay in that same compartment. (I am NOT SURE if that also handles the 6v charging, but it does handle the 12v charging so it could when then coach is running.) Note, it will take like 15 seconds or so to kick in once you start the engine. If not get a voltage boost, let me know and I can advise on the part.

Well heck, the part is the trash can looking relay on the left side bottom of the compartment. It has 2 main line sides to it and one small trigger line on the front. If you are not getting 13v+ volts when driving, start their.

jtking
09-04-2011, 04:57 PM
Thanks. I do have a digital 12v plug in meter. I'll check the voltage when we get on the road again in a few days or maybe just fire up the engine here in the campground.
John

David Bott
09-04-2011, 07:38 PM
"or maybe just fire up the engine here in the campground."

Remember to unplug from shore power to get the correct results or your normal 12v charger will be in play.

jtking
09-06-2011, 12:06 PM
Hi David,
Well interesting results. Started TM and got 12.6v reading at receptacles on dash. Went outside with volt meter and measured 13.9 across 6v inverter btys. Went to rear compartment and measured 13.9 across 12v chassis btys and then 12.6 across 12v coach btys. Checked both sides of trash can looking relay 12.6 on one side 14.1 on the other. Checked breakers and various relays for voltage then went back to coach btys--now 14.1v (elapsed time about 15 minutes). Went back to trash can relay--now 14.1v on both sides and dash receptacles 13.9v. So looks like trash can relay wasn't connecting and now is! That was all yesterday--this still morning 13.8v on dash.

John

David Bott
09-06-2011, 12:28 PM
Hi...

You need to replace it as it is failing (Sounds like the contacts are not good.). Cheep part and can be done without to much issue at all.

jtking
09-06-2011, 01:32 PM
Thanks. There is no part number or markings of any kind on it. Do you have any idea of how or where I could find one?
john

David Bott
09-12-2011, 10:12 AM
Sorry for the delay...

Camco # 55350 Dual Battery Switch

http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Camco- ... _4837.html (http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Camco-55350-Dual-Battery-Switch-Camper-Trailer-RV_p_4837.html)

I also carry a space of one of these. :)

jtking
09-12-2011, 06:59 PM
Thanks I'll get one ordered(or maybe two!)
John

jtking
09-17-2011, 04:34 PM
Just installed the Trick-L-Start and the new dual battery switch (can relay), went very smooth and both seem to be doing their job. It will be real nice to charge chassis batteries when plugged in! Thanks David for all the help! Now I just have to figure out the slide out issue and get the refurbished generator reinstalled.

John........

nemo45
07-01-2012, 12:50 PM
Thanks, what a great idea. It looks like these are standard on a Winnebago and Damon. I ordered today.

nemo45
07-10-2012, 12:14 PM
Ok, I installed my Trick-L-Start today. I couldn't wire it the same way you did. On your picture, I couldn't read what the lable on the fuse block above the garbage can read, but mine said chassis battery fuse block, so I knew I couldn't hook the yellow wire there. There are two main posts in that compartment that all the positive wires lead from, one for the coach batteries and one for the chassis batteries. So, I hooked the yellow wire to the one marked coach batteries and the blue one to the post marked chassis batteries. The ground wire I put the same place you did. Looks like everything is ok. As soon as I hooked up the ground wire the charging light came on. Thanks again for the idea. Now I don't have to worry about turning that key after sittng camprd for a long time.

jtking
07-10-2012, 12:43 PM
You can check by taking a voltage read across the chassis batteries with shore power plugged in vs not plugged in. If correctly wired the voltage will be higher (should be at least in the upper 12v range) when plugged in and less when not. David Bott was the original provider of the instructions and pictures.

John

David Bott
07-10-2012, 03:29 PM
You can check by taking a voltage read across the chassis batteries with shore power plugged in vs not plugged in. If correctly wired the voltage will be higher (should be at least in the upper 12v range) when plugged in and less when not. David Bott was the original provider of the instructions and pictures.

John


Yes, what he said. :)

nemo45
07-10-2012, 07:35 PM
You can check by taking a voltage read across the chassis batteries with shore power plugged in vs not plugged in. If correctly wired the voltage will be higher (should be at least in the upper 12v range) when plugged in and less when not. David Bott was the original provider of the instructions and pictures.

John


Yes, what he said. :)
Don't really think I have to check it. Its gone into the maintain mode already.

David Bott
07-10-2012, 07:50 PM
Your call...but one should ALWAYS check things when you are working with batteries and charging. :)

Enjoy it. It really is a nice little product.