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Old 10-18-2020, 05:59 PM   #1
jls
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Default jumper cables vs. jumper pack vs. coach connect

was thinking i should carry some jumper cables and found out about the jumper packs which can double as powerbanks to charge devices, etc. those also don't require another vehicle to get mine started. then i started to wonder if there isn't some way to just use my lithium coach batteries to accomplish the jump start if needed. would that be possible? and which of these three approaches to jump-starting is the best?
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Old 10-18-2020, 06:24 PM   #2
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A 12V jumper pack might almost be required for Ecotrek coaches.

See forum member starrski's described use of a small 12V lithium jumper pack -> https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...tml#post111574

You might as well get the startup & reset pdf's from here -> https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...tml#post111637


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Old 10-18-2020, 06:54 PM   #3
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A Xantrex Echostart or an Amplstart type solution has worked for me. Thirty minutes on a 15 amp charge has revived a failing battery. I do carry cables and a charger.
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Old 10-18-2020, 08:28 PM   #4
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I can jump start the the van by jumping the coach battery and vehicle battery poles at the battery separator- which is under my hood.
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Old 10-18-2020, 08:45 PM   #5
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Lots of people add a button on the dash to close the battery separator when a boost is needed.
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Old 10-18-2020, 09:33 PM   #6
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Thanks for confirming what i had hoped. Although it sounds simple enough it is beyond my skill set... I'll need to find a good RV or Sprinter shop for this kind of work -- any suggestions in the San Jose or Monterey Bay area?
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Old 10-25-2020, 05:28 PM   #7
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I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy so I carry both a jumper battery and a good set of jumper cables. Probably could figure out how to connect the coach battery if the first two methods failed.
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Old 10-25-2020, 09:01 PM   #8
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I have a FatMax power pack that has helped me start myself or others, including a friends boat. Well worth it and it also has an air compressor and floodlight built in, as well as ports for USB devices.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZXVQSU/
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Old 10-26-2020, 12:19 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jls View Post
was thinking i should carry some jumper cables and found out about the jumper packs which can double as powerbanks to charge devices, etc. those also don't require another vehicle to get mine started. then i started to wonder if there isn't some way to just use my lithium coach batteries to accomplish the jump start if needed. would that be possible? and which of these three approaches to jump-starting is the best?
Typically the Battery Management System on an RV's lithium battery cannot supply the high amperage needed to start a diesel engine. You will want to check the manual on your batteries to determine the maximum amperage. For instance the Battle Born batteries can supply 100 amps for 30 seconds, even with three in parallel you only have 300 amps and a Sprinter diesel probably requires 600 or more amps to start. Jump packs do not have the short circuit protection built in so they will deliver everything they can. Just note that most of the jump packs from China do not live up to their amperage ratings. https://youtu.be/JN8A2nIMUWA
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