Battery Disconnect

[A-Frame Don]

What would be the most convenient way to disconnect the 12v rv battery when unit is parked. I see online there are many different products for this purpose. I did buy a pull/push switch from my dealer and he said to wire it with the converter under the dinette bench. Maybe I could place it in a more convenient location with longer wires. I'm thinking in the front storage trunk. My previous Coleman TT had a plug on the tongue you just had to pull apart, very convenient.

[Shinny]

I use an RV/Marine battery shut-off switch

[itat]

The most convenient would be to have the switch located near the batteries so you don't have to go inside to turn it on-off. I mounted a Blue Sea waterproof switch under the propane tanks on my previous Roo hybrid. Some mount them on the side or top of the battery box.

If you already have a pull/push switch and it's not waterproof, I'd look for a location near the power panel. Put the switch in the +ve line between the battery and the power panel.

[RedLdr1]

I'm looking for a good disconnect system as well. Right now I just disconnect the ground wire from the battery, not very elegant, or convenient, but effective. In my case the disconnect needs to be outside of the main unit so I can use the power roof lift.

I'm probably going to go with one of the big plastic rotary switches. Putting it inside the cargo box is a very good idea. My previous experience with these type units has not been good when they are left outside exposed to the weather.

[Blackhat6mike]

Go to any marine store for the on/off/bat 1/bat 2/both switch. If you only have one bat, a simple on/off switch will do. Buy enough cable to mount the switch where ever you want it, or install it in line with the current bat cable. The shorter the distance from the bats is better. All West Marine stores have either of the two switches or Amazon.com.

[toxophilus]

On ours we just pull the fuse located near the battery; 25 amp fuse.

[RedLdr1]

Originally Posted by toxophilus

On ours we just pull the fuse located near the battery; 25 amp fuse.

I don't think that will totally disconnect the battery. On newer trailers the CO2 detector is usually hardwired to the battery. It will continue to run down your battery unless you install a disconnect of some type.

[Pooneil]

Now matter how you disconnect the battery. Make sure the breakaway switch is powered when you are driving so the brakes will activate if needed.


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[Timex]

Mounted mine in the nose compartment of my Vlite. Got it from Amazon and a 4' auto battery cable(4 gauge) from Auto Zone.

[GreenImp]

Another option is to use Blue Sea Systems 187 series circuit breakers. They are rated to be used as a switch, are waterproof and ignition protected (won't ignite gas due to spark). All that and you get the added benefit of circuit protection. You can find the Blue Seas 187 series under the Bussman brand name for less cost, but I can't remember what they called them.

[camaraderie]

One of these battery top post disconnects makes it easy. Walmart & Amazon have them for under 10 bucks.

[ko777]

I have 2 switch:
Switch 1 to turn on/off main battery
Switch 2 to turn on/off external line for external spare battery:

Turn off switch 1 before connecting spare battery

Note: If the key is out, it means off

[ko777]

Also I use the external line to connect to solar panel:


In this setup both switch 1 & 2 are on, the main battery is being recharged

[yayus]

Hi Folks. I have this Blue Sea switch installed on the side of my battery box. Really happy with its performance and durability. Just another option among many ...

Amazon.com : Blue Sea Systems m-Series Mini Selector Battery Switch, Black : Boating Battery Switches : Sports & Outdoors

[Pooneil]

Originally Posted by yayus

Hi Folks. I have this Blue Sea switch installed on the side of my battery box. Really happy with its performance and durability. Just another option among many ...

Amazon.com : Blue Sea Systems m-Series Mini Selector Battery Switch, Black : Boating Battery Switches : Sports & Outdoors

I had the same switch on a previous camper. It was great to cut or switch power to the camper and/or to an inverter. The main problem for me with keyed switches is keeping track of the keys but that appears to be an idiosyncratic issue.

[biscuit72]

I mounted to the top of the battery box.

[itat]

Originally Posted by biscuit72

I mounted to the top of the battery box.

I'm leaning towards the same thing you did or on the side of the battery box. Can you post a pic of the underside of the battery box cover? Obviously there is no issue with clearance between the underside of the switch/terminals and the top/terminals on the Group 24 battery?

[biscuit72]

Originally Posted by itat

I'm leaning towards the same thing you did or on the side of the battery box. Can you post a pic of the underside of the battery box cover? Obviously there is no issue with clearance between the underside of the switch/terminals and the top/terminals on the Group 24 battery?

I will post pics later tonight. I have two 6 volt batteries so my boxes are a little taller then a 24 but I think the clearance from the top of the battery to the top of the box would be able the same. I was not able to use the back cover for the switch. I cut a hole with my dremel, used some butyl tape and secured with bolts and nylon lock nuts.

Amazon.com: Blue Sea Systems m-Series Mini On-Off Battery Switch with Knob- Red: Sports & Outdoors

[biscuit72]

Not sure why my pics are being rotated but this should give you an idea.

[A-Frame Don]

Thanks for all your input regarding a disconnect for the battery. After looking at all the suggestions, I decided not to go with the push/pull switch I had. One of my buddies found this one on line and the local store had them in stock. The price was reasonable at $14.99. Off to another store for the wire and fittings to complete the job.