A New Twist on the Marinco Block Heater Plug
#1
A New Twist on the Marinco Block Heater Plug
I encased my Marinco plug in 2" black ABS. The Marinco housing threads right into a 2" T fitting. I included a switch at the top, with a weatherproof boot. I also wired in an onboard, waterproof Deltran battery tender. The battery tender is hard-wired as always on. The block heater is wired through the switch, which allows me to turn it off, while leaving the battery tender running (I ride a motorcycle in the summer, and sometimes the truck can sit for a week or more).
You can't see the battery tender in the picture, it is mounted behind the driver's side headlight. The LED on the tender shows through the gap between the headlight and grille.
You can't see the battery tender in the picture, it is mounted behind the driver's side headlight. The LED on the tender shows through the gap between the headlight and grille.
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#5
Originally Posted by QwkTrip
Is this battery tender designed to ride along in machines and endure vibration and heat? If so, that's just cool and I want one!
But, the thing is fully encapsulated in solid epoxy potting compound, and I placed it behind the headlight, well away from the heat of the engine and radiator. It is separated from both by a solid wall of metal, and another of plastic. I have a fairly high confidence level about it.
I still may go back in and put a low-amperage fuse (1A) in the primary side of the charger, in case it ever fails for some reason.
This is the charger I used:
http://batterytender.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=cfd985c374a 788a7e8cccc6639914cd1
BTW, I just went out and looked at it in the dark, and the headlight bezel picks up the light from the charger LED. It almost looks like a parking light is on.
#6
Seems pretty decent and they make some pretty strong claims.
How did you connect to the battery? Did you cut off the leads and add a terminal ring and connect to a power distribution block? I would probably isolate it when the key switch is in the ON position or use a diode in the charging circuit. It may not be designed to handle voltage spikes or load dump from the truck electrical system.
I really like this idea. This winter I've been wondering about the same type of thing. It seems a shame to have this A/C plug on board and not be able to charge batteries. You're very creative!
How did you connect to the battery? Did you cut off the leads and add a terminal ring and connect to a power distribution block? I would probably isolate it when the key switch is in the ON position or use a diode in the charging circuit. It may not be designed to handle voltage spikes or load dump from the truck electrical system.
I really like this idea. This winter I've been wondering about the same type of thing. It seems a shame to have this A/C plug on board and not be able to charge batteries. You're very creative!
Last edited by QwkTrip; 02-16-2008 at 09:33 PM.
#7
Originally Posted by QwkTrip
How did you connect to the battery? Did you cut off the leads and add a terminal ring and connect to a power distribution block?
I would probably isolate it when the key switch is in the ON position because it may not be designed to handle voltage spikes or load dump from the truck electrical system.
Here's a thought: How about a relay with a 110V coil that comes on when you plug in the cord, and makes the connection to the battery? Dang, wish I'd have thought of that at the beginning
One thing I did do was measure the current it draws back from the battery when not charging. 0.4 milliamps.
I really like this idea. This winter I've been wondering about the same type of thing. It seems a shame to have this A/C plug on board and not be able to charge batteries.
Bonus: The plug is waist-high. No more bending over.
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