Disconnect Switch Install

[KDHfan]

Getting ready to install a "key type" disconnect switch on my Apex 288BHS battery and had a couple questions.
1. I've read that it's better to connect it to negative, then read positive, and also that it doesn't matter. Does it matter, and why?
2. I have two wires coming off the positive terminal (Red). One goes into the camper, the other goes to my electric tongue jack. Is it ok to hook both wires to the disconnect switch, or should I just connect the single black wire (or maybe it's white, I don't remember at the moment) to be sure?

Thanks in advance! FRF rocks!


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[5picker]

You will get a lot of opinions as to which side to hook to.
With that said, my preference (and most all factory installs I've seen) is to the positive side.

As long as your disconnect switch is rated for enough current carrying capacity, there's no reason you can't hook your tongue jack through the cut-off switch.

[KDHfan]

It's a 100amp switch.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[Stank Bait]

Just my opinion.
I used the positive for the disconnect.
If you have some type locking switch having both to the switch will keep somebody from messing with jack until they just pull the wires and jump it. The wires and battery on a trailer are so accessible that a lock will only slow them down about a minute, unless if they come prepared. Just don't see that a lock switch is much of a deterrent if vandalism or theft is the reason for the lock. Might keep some kids from goofing with it. Then they just stick something in the lock and screw it up, superglue works well for this.

[Kaadk]

In a closed system, it doesn't really matter, but I also prefer the positive side since I don't trust the trailer to always be a closed system.

If the trailer ends up grounded through other means, like say, sitting in water during a flood, and there's no disconnect on the positive side there's still a chance for the battery to drain.

In theory, the same can be said about the negative terminal, but usually there's a larger potential between the positive and ground than there is between the negative and ground.

As far as the tongue Jack, you have to decide, do you want to be able to use the Jack with the rest of the trailer off or only when the disconnect is on?



Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Skyliner]

In order to resolve this question, why not disconnect both? Personally, I prefer positive terminal disconnect for fear of alternate grounding that can occur for a variety of reasons.

[tragusa3]

I just installed mine a few days ago. I know nothing, but chose the negative side based on the majority of the online opinions chose it. Maybe I happened to read the wrong threads?

Either way. I only use it when at home under covered storage. The chance of an alternate ground seems extremely slim.

[KDHfan]

Thanks for the insight, all. Looks like I'm going to use which ever side is easier to fit the switch. I'm considering buying an oversized battery box and rigging it inside the box and out of the elements. Not sure how to attach it the box without rendering it non-waterproof.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[tragusa3]

I'm using a Group31 box for a Group27 battery. I drilled a hole in my box large enough for the post to stick through from the inside. So the only part exposed is the post that the key goes in. I put silicon at the hole and screwed it to the box lid.

It wasn't too scary, as a new box is $8.

I had room left, and an extra group24 box, so that is mounted and became a place to hold bungees and other incidentals.

[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by tragusa3

I'm using a Group31 box for a Group27 battery. I drilled a hole in my box large enough for the post to stick through from the inside. So the only part exposed is the post that the key goes in. I put silicon at the hole and screwed it to the box lid.

Great idea! Thanks for the info.


2015 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[tragusa3]

It wasn't an original thought. Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5hIxEtZDDo

is the link to the video I used. This guy did a great job!