Quick Battery Switch Question

[EvnEm]

I just bought a battery switch for my TT since it didn't come with one. At least, I couldn't find one. So, is it better to install it on the Pos. or Neg. side? Or does it really not matter? There's a in-line fuse on the Pos. side already. Previously, I'd just been pulling the fuse to disconnect.
Thanks!

[boondocking]

Some people do the pos and other people do the neg, take your pick, either one doesn't matter. Just be sure it is not in the disconnect position when pulling your trailer, you need power to the breakaway switch.

[EvnEm]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Some people do the pos and other people do the neg, take your pick, either one doesn't matter. Just be sure it is not in the disconnect position when pulling your trailer, you need power to the breakaway switch.

Thanks. I figured it probably didn't matter. I just wondered if the TT manufacturers favored one over the other.

Good point about the breakaway switch. Good safety tip!

[boondocking]

You're welcome, Happy Camp'n !

[TGR]

Below is a clip from a post I just made on a similar question about a disconnect switch.

My trailer came with a power disconnect switch on the positive terminal that serves me well. It doesn’t disconnect my slide out motors, landing gear nor rear stabilizer but it does turn off all my parasitic draws. If I were to add a battery cutoff switch, I would put it on the negative side of the battery for the same reasons you should disconnect the negative battery post first when removing a battery.

A wrench or tool accidently touching the negative terminal to ground on an installed battery has no effect. After first disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery, shorting the positive terminal to grounded trailer parts with your wrench also has no effect either because the negative terminal is open. On the other hand, accidentally shorting the tool to ground, while disconnecting the positive battery terminal first, can cause a large spark.

This may not be a major concern but it is the reason many advocate putting the battery disconnect switch on the negative terminal instead of the positive one. In either case, the battery is electrically disconnected from the trailer.

[EvnEm]

Makes sense to me!

[TexasBob]

I switch the negative side. The only thing hooked up to my battery when the switch is open (off) is a small solar panel to maintain the battery.

[EvnEm]

Originally Posted by TexasBob

I switch the negative side. The only thing hooked up to my battery when the switch is open (off) is a small solar panel to maintain the battery.

Just curious, what size or watt panel do you use for that? Are you using a controller as well?

[pgandw]

I switch the positive side. There is only one wire from my battery to the switch, so I am switching everything (see photo of switch).

Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame

[TexasBob]

Originally Posted by EvnEm

Just curious, what size or watt panel do you use for that? Are you using a controller as well?

It is so small a controller is not needed.

[Goodtogo]

Would appreciate if you could inform me the Make, Model and where you acquired the small Solar charger you have mounted above the top of the propane cover.
Thanks

[EvnEm]

Originally Posted by Goodtogo

Would appreciate if you could inform me the Make, Model and where you acquired the small Solar charger you have mounted above the top of the propane cover.
Thanks

Yes, please! That's pretty nifty!

[TexasBob]

Originally Posted by Goodtogo

Would appreciate if you could inform me the Make, Model and where you acquired the small Solar charger you have mounted above the top of the propane cover.
Thanks

I got it at camping world but I've seen this size other places. It's only 2 watts but even with the battery disconnected there is a natural drain over time. This pretty much keeps the battery ready to go. My trailer may sit as much as 8 to 10 weeks but the battery will still run my refrigerator and manage all the other drains when I turn it all on the afternoon before I head out. But if your battery is dead this solar cell will not charge it. It just maintains the battery.

Nature Power Solar Battery Maintainers and Trickle Chargers - 2-watt - RDK Products 40019 - Solar Panels - Camping World

[EvnEm]

Originally Posted by TexasBob

I got it at camping world but I've seen this size other places. It's only 2 watts but even with the battery disconnected there is a natural drain over time. This pretty much keeps the battery ready to go. My trailer may sit as much as 8 to 10 weeks but the battery will still run my refrigerator and manage all the other drains when I turn it all on the afternoon before I head out. But if your battery is dead this solar cell will not charge it. It just maintains the battery.

Nature Power Solar Battery Maintainers and Trickle Chargers - 2-watt - RDK Products 40019 - Solar Panels - Camping World

Cool, thanks!

[W5CI]

If I install a disconnect switch it will disconnect the battery, Period. To have one that doesn't disconnect the battery is a Total Waste. IMHO