Typical battery drain ?

[alarge1]

I am really surprised they don't. I guess they just want to make a few extra bucks selling / installing them.

[crookedread]

My stealth has a red plastic key right under the refrigerator that you turn on or off to disconnect the batteries. Surprised that all models don't have that!!


Crookedread
2016 Duramax
2011 Stealth 2312

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by alarge1

Good to hear that someone else has this same trailer. So far that is only 3 of us that I know of !!!

I've not found even three, but we love it! No major problems at all.

[alarge1]

There is you, me and BrioRick !!! I haven't had any problems -- just a couple of small things but we love ours too -- perfect for 2 people.

[stevejahr]

Originally Posted by Briorick

Same here. Had no switch, watched a youtube video, purchased a switch, and installed to the Negative post as well. Works perfect! I know there are various types out there. Here are some pics showing the install and the Switch Key I have. Such a time saving gadget. Comes with 2 keys. I keep one hanging in the TT, for easy & quick access, due to the key has to remain in the switch to engage battery, otherwise the battery is disengaged when the key is taken out.

This will work but may not be optimal. Around any lead/acid battery is a fairly hostile environment for metal with corrosive gasses emitted by the battery. So I prefer to keep exposed metal and electrical connections to a minimum inside the battery box.

On my Rockwood 2604 the factory installed a battery cut off switch in the frame cross member under the propane tanks (right in front of the battery box). I added a master circuit breaker next to it. The circuit breaker was an O'Reilly Autoparts item and could also be used as a master battery cut off switch.

[Boots49]

Hi, I have been thinking of installing a battery cut off switch on my Wildcat, 5th wheel. The problem I have is that the battery cover on my box comes off, so I can not install a switch on the cover. Can I install one on the away from the box, on the wall? How would I protect it & how would I insulate it? Would it be wired to the negative side of the battery? The reason I want the switch on the outside of the box is encase of a 12 volt fire, you have to disconnect the power to the battery. Looking for an answer.

[tbln930]

A cutoff switch is a good way to go. They are inexpensive and very simply to install near the battery. I have this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Marinco-701-B...cut-off+switch

[stervin]

I keep a solar panel plugged in for battery it does the job fine

[shelkol]

If you install the switch on your negative lead, you will no longer have power for your breakaway brakes should you forget to turn the switch on while towing.

Maybe your memory is better than mine.

I would feel much more comfortable installing the switch on the positive side and then wiring the breakaway brake power to the battery through a circuit breaker. That way if you forget to turn on the switch while towing, your breakaway brakes will still work.

Just my $0.02

[tbln930]

I thought about adding a solar battery minder that won't overcharge. Is that what you have? Which one?

Originally Posted by stervin

I keep a solar panel plugged in for battery it does the job fine

[Chuck Sr]

Recent perplexing experience with new 2017 FR Vibe brought me new insight on battery drains.

I always follow the manufacturer's guideline of turning off all loads and turning off the Main breaker prior to disconnecting shore power. I have also installed a battery isolation switch to prevent battery drain as I had experienced in my previous RV.

When I went to get my RV out of thr storage area to prep it for a trip on Monday, both batteries were dead! Even hooking up my truck to the electrical tow connection did not provide enough power to move the tongue jack. When my brother-in-law gave me a jump on the trailer battery, which was dead, he swa a spark when he attached the cables to his vehicle. This indicated a load somewhere. After getting a jump to the battery on the RV to use the jack, I got the RV home, and required another jump to jack the trailer off of the hitch. Troubleshooting did not reveal anything.

Today I was looking in the cabinet where the switch for the onboard tv antenna is located and saw that it was on. I turned off the Main power breaker, and the light remained on. This could have been the load that drained my batteries. I am not sure if it contributed, but the on/off switch at the water heater was also left in the on position.

Check these items. They may seem minor, but these vampires will kill your batteries!

[tbln930]

Not an issue on my TT. One can't operate the electric jack to hitch it up without power.

Originally Posted by shelkol

If you install the switch on your negative lead, you will no longer have power for your breakaway brakes should you forget to turn the switch on while towing.

Maybe your memory is better than mine.

I would feel much more comfortable installing the switch on the positive side and then wiring the breakaway brake power to the battery through a circuit breaker. That way if you forget to turn on the switch while towing, your breakaway brakes will still work.

Just my $0.02

[tbln930]

The CO and fire alerts can be battery drains. Also, clocks on the stereo systems. My battery is good for about two weeks or a little more if the cutoff switch was left on.

[Briorick]

Originally Posted by stevejahr

This will work but may not be optimal. Around any lead/acid battery is a fairly hostile environment for metal with corrosive gasses emitted by the battery. So I prefer to keep exposed metal and electrical connections to a minimum inside the battery box.

On my Rockwood 2604 the factory installed a battery cut off switch in the frame cross member under the propane tanks (right in front of the battery box). I added a master circuit breaker next to it. The circuit breaker was an O'Reilly Autoparts item and could also be used as a master battery cut off switch.

I do like the frame mounted switches. This was my initial thought of installing one on the frame, just as yours is, but opted to install the one I did. Thanks, I will definitely keep tabs on the corrosion factor, that you mention, just as a preventative, should I need to rethink placement of my switch.

[WolfWhistle]

sorry

[alarge1]

An update... I checked the battery this afternoon and it didn't show any further drain. I will find a suitable disconnect switch and install it before we head out for a camping trip this weekend.

[andymil]

Originally Posted by shelkol

If you install the switch on your negative lead, you will no longer have power for your breakaway brakes should you forget to turn the switch on while towing.

Maybe your memory is better than mine.

I would feel much more comfortable installing the switch on the positive side and then wiring the breakaway brake power to the battery through a circuit breaker. That way if you forget to turn on the switch while towing, your breakaway brakes will still work.

Just my $0.02

Give that man a see-gar! Mine was wired that way from the factory.

I have a power jack so I would have to turn my switch on, but not everyone does, and you definitely want the breakaway brakes working. For me, it would be too easy to forget to turn the switch on when towing. Not likely, but why risk it.

[Briorick]

Originally Posted by andymil

I have a power jack so I would have to turn my switch on....

Same here. I have a power jack as well. So no chance of NOT forgetting to power on the battery when connecting up. Well, okay, maybe!.... And...if I do forget, there is always someone in the background telling me "I DID FORGET", or, "I TOLD YOU SO"! So, I'm good!

[5OHcampers]

I put a cut off switch on our 16 26tbud. Without it the battery would die within two days.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by tbln930

Not an issue on my TT. One can't operate the electric jack to hitch it up without power.

.

Exactly! I always install the cutoff on the negative side as I want EVERYTHING off, plus it is just easier. But I understand a lot of folks over think stuff