Would like to add battery disconnect

[campfirefun]

Would like to add a battery disconnect to our rockwood 8316. For when we store the trailer I don't leave it plugged in.

Two questions I have about this project

1 best place to buy one

2 where should I install it on the trailer near the battery or somewhere inside the unit?

[Triguy]

I like the Blue Sea disconnects. Very sturdy. Made for boats. $26 on Amazon.



I would think its better to install close to the battery. At least that is where I have always had one whether its a boat or a camper. Mine is in front of the battery box, on the positive side, bolted to the frame.

[campfirefun]

So it can be exposed to the elements? Not in a case or something?

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by campfirefun

So it can be exposed to the elements? Not in a case or something?

Yes, no problem with that one being exposed to the weather. Its waterproof (IP66 = water jets, but not immersion) and uses non corrosive marine grade materials.

As I said, Blue Sea is made for the boating crowd first, but plenty of RVers use the brand as well.

I can't speak for other disconnects, though, so its a good question to ask when you are looking at the various options out there - and there are a lot to choose from.

[KyDan]

I have the exact same blue sea switch as pictured by Scott.

I put mine in the toe kick area right next to but not under my fusebox power center.
In my trailer there was nothing hooked to the battery lead in-between the
battery on the tongue and the fusebox so I was able to do this easy install without
any extra wire.
I just cut the hot lead and put the switch in it.

I know on some trailers there might be things in the line ahead of the fusebox.
These can include slide out motors and LP detectors and possibly other things.
One way to tell would be to disconnect the battery lead at the fuse box and then
try to turn on everything you think might be still connected. Be sure and push the
test button on the LP detector.

You definitely want the switch to disconnect the LP detector because that
is a major battery drain while in storage. Many folks don't realize the battery charger
in the power center is a battery drain when the trailer is not plugged in!

Good Luck!!

[campfirefun]

Kydan any pics of it?

[sherdep]

I have one installed on my 2306 - there is a metal plate right under the battery tray that I mounted my switch to.

If you plan on upgrading to Dual Batteries it might be best to get the Blue Seas one that allows you to seperate the batteries or run both at the same time if you are going to Boondock at all.
m-Series Battery Switch, Dual Circuit Plus™ - PN 6011200 - Blue Sea Systems