Storage

[skyviewman]

We have to store our coach for 7 weeks. It has always been plugged in when stored but this storage yard does not have any electricity. I don't have any alternative but to use this facility. I plan to use the store button up front and turn off the inverter. Am I best to also disconnect the house batteries? We won't be there for the seven weeks so any other helpful hints would be appreciated.
thanks in advance

[t55watson]

7 weeks is not a prob. My coach sits for months sometimes with Batteries turned off.

[GaryKD]

Hi,
In addition to what has been mentioned, turn off the propane detector.

[HavingABlast]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi,
In addition to what has been mentioned, turn off the propane detector.

Hi GaryKD. Is this switched, or is there a fuse that needs to be pulled? I have a 2015 Ventana (VTDP). I shut of house and coach batteries, plus close the propane shut off valve. Never have thought of shutting the propane detector in a storage condition...but probably should have.

Jerry

[ghaynes754]

Propane detectors are usually on a direct wire to the batteries. Not switched and no fuse. Safety issue, like is some RV code somewhere. Draw is about .2 amps or so. Minor but will add up over time.

There may be other parasitic loads. Only way to be sure is to use a DC Amp meter (clamp meter) just to check what is still 'running' while everything that you can switch off is turned off.

[HavingABlast]

Originally Posted by ghaynes754

Propane detectors are usually on a direct wire to the batteries. Not switched and no fuse. Safety issue, like is some RV code somewhere. Draw is about .2 amps or so. Minor but will add up over time.

There may be other parasitic loads. Only way to be sure is to use a DC Amp meter (clamp meter) just to check what is still 'running' while everything that you can switch off is turned off.

Thank you for the answer. I will try this out the next time that I go to the storage facility.

[MRUSA14]

I would disconnect the black ground wire between the batteries and the chassis. This should kill all circuits and then the battery should easily go 7 weeks.

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

I would disconnect the black ground wire between the batteries and the chassis. This should kill all circuits and then the battery should easily go 7 weeks.

I would disconnect the positive terminal. Which I do via this disconnect switch.

[ghaynes754]

General battery disconnect rules are to do the negative terminal first. If the wrench slips and makes contact with other metal in the battery compartment there won't be the proverbial bolt of lightning if the same thing happens trying to disconnect the positive side first. YMMV...

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by ghaynes754

General battery disconnect rules are to do the negative terminal first. If the wrench slips and makes contact with other metal in the battery compartment there won't be the proverbial bolt of lightning if the same thing happens trying to disconnect the positive side first. YMMV...

That's fine for removing a battery and if safety first, remove the negative, then the positive and put the negative back on. Or - take them both off. With the positive connected - everything is potentially hot and always seeking a ground and can usually find one somewhere.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by flaggship1

That's fine for removing a battery and if safety first, remove the negative, then the positive and put the negative back on. Or - take them both off. With the positive connected - everything is potentially hot and always seeking a ground and can usually find one somewhere.

The only place a 12 volt battery based system can find a ground is at the opposite terminal of that battery.

This is not a power grid system that used the earth for ground.

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by twinboat

The only place a 12 volt battery based system can find a ground is at the opposite terminal of that battery.

This is not a power grid system that used the earth for ground.

Hmmm. So what causes a hot skin.

I have the same switch on my 2 12's as my 4 6's - both clearly marked - positive is open for disconnect. (Pic Above). It's good enough for NHRA and good enough for me. If you want a safe shutdown remove the fire wire, rubber cap the post and there's no juice on the loose.

I'd also almost bet marine battery disconnects remove the + side.

So yep - if you're just going to store for a short while - go with either. Be careful not to become a conduit for ground. If storing for a long period, best to pull them and maintain them. If you want safety and all power off - get a good quality switch.

[twinboat]

Hot skin is a 120/240 AC voltage issue. It is because the power grid uses the earth as a ground and tie it to netural, creating potential path of current flow.

You can grab both posts of a 12 volt battery with your hands and feel nothing. It is a completely isolated power source so there is no potential.

For years, Caterpillar construction equipment used a negative cable master disconnect.

Dirt and moisture on the back side of the switch will conduct current to ground, killing the batteries, in a positive switched arrangement.

Switching the negative just makes the disconnect ineffective, if shorted with wet dirt. I have seen this happen in construction equipment.

Switching batteries on and off on cars, MHs and boats can and is done on either cable. It is just safer to physically remove the ground with a steel wrench.

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Hot skin is a 120/240 AC voltage issue. It is because the power grid uses the earth as a ground and tie it to netural, creating potential path of current flow.

You can grab both posts of a 12 volt battery with your hands and feel nothing. It is a completely isolated power source so there is no potential.

For years, Caterpillar construction equipment used a negative cable master disconnect.

Dirt and moisture on the back side of the switch will conduct current to ground, killing the batteries, in a positive switched arrangement.

Switching the negative just makes the disconnect ineffective, if shorted with wet dirt. I have seen this happen in construction equipment.

Switching batteries on and off on cars, MHs and boats can and is done on either cable. It is just safer to physically remove the ground with a steel wrench.

You are correct on the skin - I was just suggesting that no positive connection, no worries.

Which battery post is an old point of discussion.

I have heard that on board computers like to be grounded. With my disconnect on the positive side I have not noticed any issues there.