Battery Disconnect Switches

TomStacey616 · 02-19-2013, 01:52 PM

When I owned our Outback 21RS, I had installed a Battery disconnect switch to the side of the battery box... reason I had put it there was because it was hidden from view by the propane cover. Now that I have this nice brand spankin' new FR Tracer, with the battery and box in plain sight behind the tanks... I don't want my switch there. How many of you have installed a switch in the nearest compartment and how did you run it? I'm mechanically inclined and do a majority of my own fixes (one, if I CAN do it, i'll do it or at least try to get ideas first before diving in; Two, it's a learning experience).

So, what am I asking, can I see/hear your ideas which will hopefully spark my ideas to get one installed before I take it back to storage.

Thanks!

John McClain · 02-19-2013, 02:39 PM

Use a knife switch at the battery post, or istall a switch by your fuse box in the trailer

TomStacey616 · 02-19-2013, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John McClain

Use a knife switch at the battery post, or istall a switch by your fuse box in the trailer

Never thought about doing a switch by the fuse box...

Triguy · 02-19-2013, 03:26 PM

If I understand you correctly, you are just looking to install the switch so that its away from prying eyes? If so, I can understand that. I placed mine in front of my battery boxes and underneath my propane tanks. You have to know its there to see it.

prof_fate · 02-19-2013, 03:50 PM

I cheaped out...I got wingnuts and use them on the batt posts rather than the nuts that came with it. No tools, nothings come loose, as invisible as it gets, and cost under 50c.
Makes it easy to pull the batt if I want as well.

Len & Cheri · 02-19-2013, 03:52 PM

I did the same thing for a long time, but got tired of wrestling with the stupid battery cover

TomStacey616 · 02-20-2013, 08:48 AM

The red switch that Len&Cheri posted is the one I used to have....
I think i'll try to take a look by the fuse panel to see if there is a good spot to put one.. then i'll post some pictures to help the next 3200bht owner...

thanks for the idea everyone.

comfun1 · 02-20-2013, 09:28 AM

I put mine in a locked compartment because I didn't want to take a chance of anyone playing with the electric tongue jack. Here's a pic.

SYE · 02-20-2013, 09:41 AM

On my last 5er I did noty have one either and my battery kept going dead when I was not plugged in so I purchased a battery terminal disconnect switch because it is small and fit under the battery cover. I pais 9.99 for it. I foi=und one online and here is the link.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mo...FZE-MgoddVwACA

sideout1961 · 02-20-2013, 09:43 AM

What exactly is the disconnect switch for? Is it cutting power to the whole camper or is it there for another purpose?

SYE · 02-20-2013, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

What exactly is the disconnect switch for? Is it cutting power to the whole camper or is it there for another purpose?

All of the campers that I have had have carbon monoxide detectors in them that will run the battery down if it is not disconnected which is not good for the batteries to discharge fully asll the time, so that is why I have them to disconnect the batteries. I have never had a bad battery since I have done this.

TURBS · 02-20-2013, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syencer

All of the campers that I have had have carbon monoxide detectors in them that will run the battery down if it is not disconnected which is not good for the batteries to discharge fully asll the time, so that is why I have them to disconnect the batteries. I have never had a bad battery since I have done this.

Radio is also a draw.
12v tv if you have one.
Lp leak detector if its separate from the co detector.
Some units have 12v fire alarms.

Turbs

Triguy · 02-20-2013, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

What exactly is the disconnect switch for? Is it cutting power to the whole camper or is it there for another purpose?

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.

TURBS · 02-20-2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

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.

I have the second disconnect style you've pictured and I like it well.

sideout1961 · 02-20-2013, 11:11 AM

Thanks everyone for the answers. I'm on my first camper and learning a lot here.

TURBS · 02-20-2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

Thanks everyone for the answers. I'm on my first camper and learning a lot here.

Ooooo I remember my first camper!

Anytime you need something please ask!
We'll get you takin care of!

Turbs

Triguy · 02-20-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I have the second disconnect style you've pictured and I like it well.

That's a nice one. I've used that Blue Sea 6007 in boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

Thanks everyone for the answers. I'm on my first camper and learning a lot here.

Good to hear!

SAILINGERIE · 02-20-2013, 11:27 AM

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.

Triguy · 02-20-2013, 11:30 AM

Not on my 2012. It came later in the year for Rockwood and Flagstaff hybrids.

TomStacey616 · 02-20-2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syencer

On my last 5er I did noty have one either and my battery kept going dead when I was not plugged in so I purchased a battery terminal disconnect switch because it is small and fit under the battery cover. I pais 9.99 for it. I foi=und one online and here is the link.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mo...FZE-MgoddVwACA

Funny thing... I haven't installed my switch yet and I found one of those in my tool chest last night.. forgot what the heck it was and then it hit me, kinda like a V8 juice.... A FREAKIN BATTERY DISCONNECT!!!

You may also like: