Fighting17th
Member
Ok so I know this is a bit overkill, but I decided to add a shoreline Auto-eject system and battery charger to my POV pickup, a 2006 F150 extended cab. The plan is for it to maintain the battery, run a few small equipment chargers such as a Streamlight(s) and portable radio, and hopefully run an engine block heater as well as a thermostat-controlled cab heater.
I've already purchased the Auto-Eject Super kit. I've heard they're not the best for vehicles stored outside, but I'm not too concerned with how long it lasts, plus just like at my FD, I have the habit of always unplugging the truck before it ejects itself anyway. Also, I'm not concerned with drilling the holes in the bed, since there is already some rust around my gas tank area, I figure I'll just add the auto eject to the same body panel.
This leads me to several questions:
1. If I would decide to also add one of the Kussmaul battery charge indicator panels, can they withstand the weather of being kept outside year-round, or should I keep it on the inside? Especially if I find a deal on the one without the "weatherproof" bezel.
2. What battery charger would be best for my application? I can get a used Kussmaul 1200 on ebay for about $70-100 before shipping. I've also seen very good reviews on the Progressive Dynamics line of products. Remember, this is for a POV not a fleet vehicle, so cost is a factor. Reliability isn't necessarily as important as long as it doesn't start a fire. I will not be buying a brand new Kussmaul charger.
2b. If I do go with a non-Kussmaul brand, such as the progressive dynamics, can a Kussmaul battery level indicator be added just as easily?
3. Is there any SMALL 110v heaters out there that would work for an extended cab F-150? I usually keep all of my gear, medical bags, flashlights, etc. taking up the entire back seat during the winter when snow ice and cold makes it better than keeping all of that stuff in my toolboxes, so floor mounting in the rear is not really an option. I'm looking for something that can permanently, or temporarily for the winter, be mounted somewhere on the dash, near the glove box area, passenger seat floor, passenger side of the console, roof, back window area, etc.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice!
John
I've already purchased the Auto-Eject Super kit. I've heard they're not the best for vehicles stored outside, but I'm not too concerned with how long it lasts, plus just like at my FD, I have the habit of always unplugging the truck before it ejects itself anyway. Also, I'm not concerned with drilling the holes in the bed, since there is already some rust around my gas tank area, I figure I'll just add the auto eject to the same body panel.
This leads me to several questions:
1. If I would decide to also add one of the Kussmaul battery charge indicator panels, can they withstand the weather of being kept outside year-round, or should I keep it on the inside? Especially if I find a deal on the one without the "weatherproof" bezel.
2. What battery charger would be best for my application? I can get a used Kussmaul 1200 on ebay for about $70-100 before shipping. I've also seen very good reviews on the Progressive Dynamics line of products. Remember, this is for a POV not a fleet vehicle, so cost is a factor. Reliability isn't necessarily as important as long as it doesn't start a fire. I will not be buying a brand new Kussmaul charger.
2b. If I do go with a non-Kussmaul brand, such as the progressive dynamics, can a Kussmaul battery level indicator be added just as easily?
3. Is there any SMALL 110v heaters out there that would work for an extended cab F-150? I usually keep all of my gear, medical bags, flashlights, etc. taking up the entire back seat during the winter when snow ice and cold makes it better than keeping all of that stuff in my toolboxes, so floor mounting in the rear is not really an option. I'm looking for something that can permanently, or temporarily for the winter, be mounted somewhere on the dash, near the glove box area, passenger seat floor, passenger side of the console, roof, back window area, etc.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice!
John