Defective Cutout Question

During a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest, I found myself in a situation with a defective cutout on my vehicle, and I was many miles away from any help. After giving it some thought, I came up with a solution using a 10-gauge wire loop that I connected to both sides of the cutout and ran into the cockpit. I incorporated a switch mounted on the driver’s side kick panel, positioned so that if it accidentally touched my leg when dismounting, it would be turned off rather than on. Once the car is started, all you have to do is flip the switch, and you’re “genning.” However, it’s crucial to be vigilant and remember to turn it off at each stop since leaving it on can quickly drain the battery. Perhaps this tip is worth sharing with others.

Answer:

This is valuable information. I’ve personally kept a cutout jumper under my seat for years. I’ve since transitioned to using an alternator for increased dependability, although I understand it may not be recommended for purists. – Lyle Meek, 1997 Technical Director