Factory battery disconnect switch

[ebcobra93]

Hello all. I have a 2016 Roo 183. Last year, I found this switch (see attached picture) under the tongue of the trailer, near the batteries. I'm embarrassed to say that I went almost a year without knowing that it was there although it's definitely not easily visible. What is it supposed to do? Based on how it's wired (and the obvious label) it appears that it's intended to be used to disconnect the battery from the trailer (for storage, etc...). However, I have switched it to the off position and even removed the red key, but the trailer 12v electronics still work. I am not connected to shore power.

Is the switch bad or is it intended to be used for some other purpose?

I appreciate your responses, as always.

[rockfordroo]

Yes That should disconnect the battery from MOST of the 12VDC devices. Your electric tongue jack and CO detector will probably continue to operate. If major things like bathroom fan, etc are still working, something isn't hooked up right.

[ebcobra93]

Yeah, the radio, lights, etc...still worked. I do have a permanently mounted solar panel, but I'm pretty sure that's wired to the battery and won't supply any loads if the battery is disconnected.

The switch looks to be in great condition, with no corrosion at all in the terminals. Just doesn't do anything. Fortunately, I've never relied on it to work (disconnect the battery ground during storage or when performing electrical work).

[rockfordroo]

Suggest you check out the wiring. I'd think you'd want it to operate correctly.

[ebcobra93]

Yes, of course. It appears to be wired correctly, battery terminal routed to line side of switch, wire supplying load devices on the load side of the switch.

Since I've never used it, I can't say if it ever worked. Unfortunately it's pouring rain right now, with snow expected tomorrow. Further troubleshooting will have to wait until this weekend.

[ekrus]

"However, I have switched it to the off position and even removed the red key, but the trailer 12v electronics still work"

In my trailer, you switch the battery disconnect ON to disconnect the battery. With the switch in the OFF position, the disconnect is off so the battery is connected.

Just a thought....

[ebcobra93]

The switch has been in the "on" position since I bought the trailer, at least that's how it was when I found it (as shown in the pic). The trailer gets power no matter what the position of the switch is.

I appreciate the response though and welcome any more suggestions. I wish I could put a volt meter on it and do some more troubleshooting, but it's not something I want to do in the rain.

[270S]

Unfortunately, the RV industry hot wires with too many dedicated 1-off items with independent wires to the batteries, main leads from batteries, ...You need to follow every wire to understand how it is done. Ask FR for a wiring diagram - hopefully it may be there, not always.

[ebcobra93]

I'll definitely check out the wiring in greater detail when I get a chance.

When I looked at it earlier today, it appeared that there is one main wire from the pos terminal to the disconnect switch. There are at least three wires on the load side of the switch. I didn't see any load wires directly connected (bypassing the switch), but that's definitely something I'll look into further.

[Kimber45]

I dont beleive that was a factory install. if you bought the unit used I am assuming the previous owner installed and mounted it as is.

[ebcobra93]

I bought it new.

The switch was definitely there from the factory, or possibly installed at the dealership. I picked up the unit the day after it was delivered from the factory so it doesn't seem likely that it was a dealer install.

[Kimber45]

interesting. saw that exact switch why shopping to add one to my new unit. Never saw a factory installed switch like that or in that location. I figured you had bought a very new used trailer that someone else had for a bit.


pull the key out will stop slow draws when parked as long as it shuts off everything and other things mentioned arent before the switch and still draw. My new unit was going dead in 5 days because of the radio (two batteries)

[bikendan]

Rockwood/Flagstaff installed it there only for one or two model years.

[ebcobra93]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Rockwood/Flagstaff installed it there only for one or two model years.

Maybe because it doesn't work? ☺️

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by 270S

Ask FR for a wiring diagram.

That ain't gonna happen.
Doesn't exist for most FR products.

[CNYCamper]

That is where mine is installed (on frame, under the propane tanks, facing the battery). When "off", shuts off everything, including CO/Propane detector. Either installed at FR or at the dealer and my money is on FR. The Key on mine looks different than yours. With mine the key ring side and the other side are the same length. This is a stretch, but is it at all possible the short side is supposed to be pointing to the Off/On positions?

[ebcobra93]

Originally Posted by CNYCamper

This is a stretch, but is it at all possible the short side is supposed to be pointing to the Off/On positions?

I'll definitely check that out as soon as I'm able. Thanks for the feedback.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by CNYCamper

That is where mine is installed (on frame, under the propane tanks, facing the battery). When "off", shuts off everything, including CO/Propane detector. Either installed at FR or at the dealer and my money is on FR. The Key on mine looks different than yours. With mine the key ring side and the other side are the same length. This is a stretch, but is it at all possible the short side is supposed to be pointing to the Off/On positions?

Our 2017 Roo has the switch in the same location. Its standard from Rockwood and kills power to everything as CNY stated. Except the power jack which is wired directly.

Since your main 12V + feed from the battery go's directly to the switch, their are only two possibilities as to why the switch does not kill the power. Either the switch is defective internally, or the key is not engaging in the switch correctly and turning the internal part of the switch. Does your key have 2 tabs on the shaft?

[ebcobra93]

When you pull the key right out, I'm assuming all of your loads are shut off? I'm able to pull the key right out in the off position, but everything still has power.

[ebcobra93]

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

Does your key have 2 tabs on the shaft?

It has one copper tab. I believe it faces the same direction as the long part of the switch. I'm hoping to take a better look at it tomorrow.