Search results

When I upgraded from the factory 160amp alternator to the aftermarket 270amp alt, I settled on 270 because that was the highest output I could find that would install with stock pulleys and serpentine belts. I want to be able to get a replacement belt in any boondocks parts store. Even though...

Sterling BB series DCDC charger, I believe 120A is currently the biggest, but Charles has 180A and maybe 240A units in the pipeline. Yes, last time I looked into DC/DC chargers I found nothing suitable. But things change. Odyssey has told me several times that regular conditioning on an...

If no baffles, you can solve that problem by throwing some wiffle balls into the tank. Takes up a little volume, but mitigates sloshing. Big tanker trucks use a variation of these balls to minimize sloshing and load shifting. You can buy balls by the bucketful on Amazon, everything from...

I guess the separating of the house batteries from eachother is what I dont get.... It's the belt and suspenders and an extra piece of rope approach. When I only had two batteries, the single G34 (Odyssey at that time) could not keep up with the fridge load in the desert, so I added a third...

Heat kills lead just as bad, that could easily be your issue. True, but it seems to kill lithium ion faster than lead acid. If you consider my "one big bank" design, put them all together under the chassis, Don't really need to physically move them in the truck, because I can switch them as...

Battery setup is actually pretty simple (and elegant) because switches are all mechanical except for the isolator solenoid. I'd like to see actual SOC, but voltage of individual batteries would be an acceptable proxy. I'm not planning to add any more monitoring or diagnostic stuff to the...

So you have three batteries. If they are all in parallel during charging then a single volt meter would show the combined voltage. Do you have three separate banks? If so why? Typically most vehicles need two banks (which may have more than one battery). Three batteries, one for starting, two...

MasterVolt is likely relabeling another maker's, and while a quality brand, is rarely a better value - need to compare price per AH, but reputation is tge most important. Mastervolt is not relabeling, made in Holland as I understand it. Marine electronics dealer in Seattle told me they are...

OK, how do I get real-time, on-road info on three separate batteries with one monitor? No dash space for any more gauges. I already have a hardwired voltmeter for the primary battery and an electronic gauge pod pulling data from the OBD-II port, but that only shows system voltage when engine...

Volt meter and amp meter are great, but three batteries means three separate voltmeters and associated wiring. And my dash and console are getting short on real estate for new gizmos. Don't have any details on the new batteries because they are still in the testing stages, but tech support...

Since I am thinking seriously about replacing all three batteries in my truck (one Odyssey and two Optimas), I'm evaluating the alternatives. Was talking yesterday with a guy who installs and repairs marine electrical and electronic systems and he told me I should go with Mastervolt AGMs. They...

I'm getting ready to possibly replace all three batteries in my Power Wagon, and that prompted a call today to Northstar. Found out that they are planning to introduce Bluetooth-enabled batteries at SEMA in November. Batteries will allow you to monitor state of charge in real time on your...

I carry an ARB kit in one truck and Safety Seal in another. No practical difference between the two. Realize that plugs are intended to be a temporary repair to get you going again. Always a good idea to take the tire for a proper repair after the emergency has been handled.

I used to hand calc the mileage in my PW, until I realized that the computer was giving the same numbers as my math. Only variance was due to tire size change and I can do that in my head.

I once tried to tow a full size Bronco out of a muddy ditch with my Grand Cherokee. Basic physics was not on my side and when the Bronco started to slide sideways downslope, it pulled the Jeep with it. I unhooked quickly and waited for something bigger to come along. Then the Bronco almost...

only 42 seconds until the screw jigger gadget came out! That's a Kreg jig.

Ford is offering attractive deals on the 5.0 F150 right now. Looks like they may be having troubling moving them.

This is from Tools of The Trade/Journal of Light Construction. Cool way to build a heavy duty drawer set without buying expensive HD glides. Uses square steel tubing and skateboard bearings for the glides...

My wife's '04 Escalade probably has a similar drivetrain to the '05 Tahoe, although a bit more displacement and power. The Escalade's traction control does cut off torque whenever the system senses lack of traction. Even a little wheel spin is sensed as lack of traction and the torque shuts...

I'd be suspicious of that one. No mention whatsoever about duty cycle, CFM, etc on their page. And with a cigarette lighter/power port plug it is a low amp tool that won't be able to move very much air. I wouldn't worry about it. I have a lot of Dewalt cordless stuff and it's pretty robust...