Power Switch

KatEllen

Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2023
Messages
10
Hi! I picked up a 2013 Salem Hemisphere from a couple who got from someone else and they lived in it while building their home. My issue should be simple. I need to locate the power switch so that I can turn it on to allow the converter to charge the batteries while I'm on shore power. I've looked under and everywhere I could think of inside and absolutely no luck. I asked the previous owners and they have no clue. Any ideas?? Thank you!
 
Probably would help if you posted the model number of the trailer since there were probably 9 to 13 different model numbers/floorplans for 2013.
Also what you're calling a "power switch", are you referring to a battery disconnect switch?
I doubt that a 2013 Salem came with a factory battery disconnect switch.
 
X2 It likely will charge if you simply plug it in. Model number may help but it probably does not have the switch that you are looking for. :signhavefun:
 
Probably would help if you posted the model number of the trailer since there were probably 9 to 13 different model numbers/floorplans for 2013.
Also what you're calling a "power switch", are you referring to a battery disconnect switch?
I doubt that a 2013 Salem came with a factory battery disconnect switch.
292 RLSS. That would make sense. The manual refers to it as a power switch, but there is no indication as to its location. Of course, the manual is pretty generic. According to the manual when it's "on" the converter charges the battery while on shore power.
 
X2 It likely will charge if you simply plug it in. Model number may help but it probably does not have the switch that you are looking for. :signhavefun:
That's what I would think, but manual says put the power switch to "on" position so converter can charge battery while on shore power. Of course, if there actually is a power switch, the manual doesn't say where it is.
 
292 RLSS. That would make sense. The manual refers to it as a power switch, but there is no indication as to its location. Of course, the manual is pretty generic. According to the manual when it's "on" the converter charges the battery while on shore power.
That would be the battery disconnect switch. Typically it's on a panel near the door.
Try plugging it in to see if it works. Of course, it's also possible that the battery is dead and can't be charged.

Welcome to the forum!
 
If you have one... follow the big heavy cable attached to the battery positive all the way to the converter and it will be somewhere in between. (and usually somewhere accessible and not hidden behind false panels)
 
That would be the battery disconnect switch. Typically it's on a panel near the door.
Try plugging it in to see if it works. Of course, it's also possible that the battery is dead and can't be charged.

Welcome to the forum!
I'm running dual batteries on a full charge. I'll double check that location again, but didn't see it. Thanks!
If you have one... follow the big heavy cable attached to the battery positive all the way to the converter and it will be somewhere in between. (and usually somewhere accessible and not hidden behind false panels)
I'll do that tomorrow. Problem is that cable runs up into the underbelly, so I'd have to drop that to trace. After I check behind the panel door inside, I'll try and track along the cable. I'd think it would be an easy find, but apparently not! Thanks!
 
Again, they (the factory) won't put the battery disconnect up inside the underbelly. They often make them difficult (inside the frame area or under the propane tank cover) but not somewhere you couldn't get to it. And as mentioned, a 2013 simply may not have one.
 
Again, thanks! I'll check around it again tomorrow. The manual that came with it suggests there is one. I'll find out for sure shortly.
 
Forget what the owners manual says. They are generic and has no model-specific nor brand-specific information in it. Just basic RV systems information. So it mentions a battery disconnect switch because some of FR brands(like Rockwood/Flagstaff)DO have factory battery disconnect switches, while many other brands don't because it is the same owners manual for all FR trailer brands. That manual will mention many things that some trailer brands have and some that don't have.
Get a multimeter and plug the trailer into shore power. Then test for charging on the battery cables.
 
if it has a battery disconnect it will (should) be close to the battery
follow the battery cables?

has it even got a battery that is good?
people who live in trailer for long time while building often just use shorepower , no battery

If you got a KNOWN good battery
Disconnect shore power and any solar
Turn on 12v light or waterpump ... if they work, battery is connected to fuse panel
and the disconnect switch if there is one ............... is ON.

if you find the switch also look for any junction box or 12v breakers near it
may help in future troubleshooting to find those too

Converter... make sure it is good too disconnect battery and any solar
connect shorepower cord to a suitable 120v outlet
if lights and waterpump work .... converter is working
 

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