Battery Disconnect Switches

[racedaymechanic]

All you guys need to know that these switches are Not waterproof, and I would not mount them outside in the elements

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by SAILINGERIE

Doesn't Forest River install a battery disconnect switch from the factory on all of their trailers? My new 2013 Windjammer 3006W has one in the v-nose next to the propane bottles. It is a push-pull switch.

Not on my vcross either

[Terier]

Originally Posted by SAILINGERIE

Doesn't Forest River install a battery disconnect switch from the factory on all of their trailers? My new 2013 Windjammer 3006W has one in the v-nose next to the propane bottles. It is a push-pull switch.

I had a push-pull battery disconnect installed and I like it a lot. It might not have all those options the other type has but it does the job. And the best part is that I don't need to mess around with the battery box lid.

[spierce617]

Originally Posted by Triguy

In general, a battery disconnect is used to simply isolate a battery from its load OR to switch between banks of batteries.

You would isolate in an RV to avoid the parasitic draws mentioned above. The battery will still deplete over time but at a much slower pace. The parasitic draws on my trailer would run my battery bank down to a 50% SOC within a couple of weeks, but my batteries will last several months if disconnected.

The first picture below will allow you to isolate and that is it. This works well for one 12-volt battery or a bank of two 6-volt batteries.




Some disconnects allow more functionality. The second picture shows a disconnect that allows you to switch between batteries, use both batteries or disconnect all. This works well with two 12-volt batteries or two banks with each bank containing two 6-volts. There are several combinations.

Where would a person find these to buy?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by spierce617

Where would a person find these to buy?

marine/boat supply stores, CW and other RV parts stores. or Amazon.

[Triguy]

^^^ What he said

Those are the M-6006 and M-6007, respectively. A good disconnect is needed for marine use and Blue Sea is what we've used on a variety of boats but work well for RV use where exposure can be tough on electronics, too.