Automatic start

[HarryN]

Hi, I would like to have a way to have a truck that can be set to auto start periodically, run for ~ an hour, and then shut off.

Has anyone done something like this?

Thanks

Harry

 

[crash68]

, I would like to have a way to have a truck that can be set to auto start periodically, run for ~ an hour, and then shut off.

and the million dollar question.. Why?

As for the how, have a Viper SmartStart installed and have them program a custom run time. Then link the SmartStart app to Google Assistant and set up a routine when you want the vehicle to start. Allow notifications to let you know when the vehicle has started.

 

[HarryN]

and the million dollar question.. Why?

As for the how, have a Viper SmartStart installed and have them program a custom run time. Then link the SmartStart app to Google Assistant and set up a routine when you want the vehicle to start. Allow notifications to let you know when the vehicle has started.

Thank you for the suggestion and lead, without criticizing the idea. I asked that question on another forum and all of the responses were "less helpful".

I come from the van camping world, but am ( planning ) on switching over to a 2500 or 3500 truck + cap + trailer, for the greater capabilities. I also will use it for misc things for work / tools.

The accessories will be run from a modest ( 10 kW-hrs ) aux battery pack, and the plan is to have solar on the cap to help keep up, but this cannot be counted on all of the time. Generator use is more or less banned or not allowed for camping here in CA, but I can get around some of this by occasionally fast idling the vehicle to make up for it, with sufficient alternator capacity. Charging while driving will also contribute, but driving can be irregular.

I plan to loan the vehicle to my adult children and the grand kids, so it needs to have a more or less bullet proof way of keeping them warm / cool / safe no matter the location, weather conditions or situation.

They might use phone applications, but I don't, unless you call texting a phone application, but it is a good lead and insight. The tracking, other info I really don't want, but maybe that can be turned off.

Mostly I would use the feature in the winter, so maybe it can be end customer adjusted, as I don't know exactly how often I would want to turn it on yet, and it probably will vary, depending on use.

Really appreciate the insight and lead.

Harry

 

[crash68]

The accessories will be run from a modest ( 10 kW-hrs ) aux battery pack, and the plan is to have solar on the cap to help keep up, but this cannot be counted on all of the time.

Make sure the main starting battery for the truck is isolated from your aux batteries or the remote start will be useless. Inquire with the remote start installer if the system is capable of auto starting if the battery voltage gets too low, it maybe possible for the system to monitor the auxiliary instead of the main battery.

They might use phone applications, but I don't, unless you call texting a phone application, but it is a good lead and insight. The tracking, other info I really don't want, but maybe that can be turned off.

Unfortunately you'll need some form of remote data capability, the Viper SmartStart uses cellular data so unfortunately things like location tracking comes with that. On the bonus side of someone unauthorized person "borrows" your vehicle, it will provide means to probably track the vehicle for recovery.

 

[HarryN]

Make sure the main starting battery for the truck is isolated from your aux batteries or the remote start will be useless. Inquire with the remote start installer if the system is capable of auto starting if the battery voltage gets too low, it maybe possible for the system to monitor the auxiliary instead of the main battery.

Unfortunately you'll need some form of remote data capability, the Viper SmartStart uses cellular data so unfortunately things like location tracking comes with that. On the bonus side of someone unauthorized person "borrows" your vehicle, it will provide means to probably track the vehicle for recovery.

Thanks - not sure that it will work out if it requires a cell tower to function. We have a lot of dead spots here in CA, especially in the mountains.

For the most part, the police here don't get involved in stolen vehicles unless they are very high value, so the tracking feature is interesting, but not as useful as you might think.

I will definitely look into the capabilities though and similar options.

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If the app software is a requirement, maybe I will just keep a spare phone for that. App software is just too insecure to have on a normal use phone.

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Agree completely that all modern vehicles need a battery to battery charger to get power from the alternator into the aux battery pack. The days of using simple isolators or just wiring them in parallel are long gone.

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I really do appreciate the insights and ideas.