Battery Disconnect

[Workshop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom I left my disconnect switch on while parked for a month (as most of my friends do), just to check voltage and see how much water the batteries use. What I found, was the built-in charge wizard works pretty darm good, cause in a month, I didn't need to add water...it used some, but very little. I think I'm gonna leave the switch on while parked on shore power. rockin'

Bruce...sorry to hear of all the problems trying to get to Alaska....now you know why I never sent you my address. Hopefully things will settle down for awhile.

Since I purchased my unit in June 07 and installed the 120v Power Port, I have left my unit plugged in all the time while at home. As my unit didn't come with a disconnect, I installed a 12dc switch that allows selection of Battery #1 or #2 or OFF. The only time I use the OFF position is when I'm doing maintenance or repairs to the 12v side. With the Charge Wizard, I select each battery bank for several weeks and then select the other. Doing this I keep the batteries charged and on the main batteries...added water 3 times in three years. On the single batter bank (#2), it will use more water for some reason...but not bad.

My prior unit was a burner and couldn't have done this...this one I can.

Always on, aways connected.

workhorse

[Bruce and Jenna]

Some confusion here.

I shut off my 12v power via the switch before towing. Sure the slides don't move with the 12v off. That's one of the reasons I turn it off, as insurance against anything moving unintentionally. Like hydraulic jacks. Or the the awning.

I shut off the propane too while towing. I thought that was standard procedure anyway, in case of an accident.

Yes the refrigerator does not work. And the temp rises throughout a warm day. But I won't tow with the propane on.

My brake actuator works with the 12v off.
I turn on the 12v switch when I arrive and deploy the jacks and the slides. I leave it on thereafter, in case I lose shore power.

davy - I just tested my breakaway switch. It does work with the 12v switch off.

[davydee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce and Jenna davy - I just tested my breakaway switch. It does work with the 12v switch off.

Interesting. I'm wondering where it would get power during a complete breakaway if you had the batteries off? Thanks!! David

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davydee Interesting. I'm wondering where it would get power during a complete breakaway if you had the batteries off? Thanks!! David

Not quite sure, but with my original 05 Excel with drum brakes, I had no electric to brakes with the BD off. But when Mor/ryde installed the disk brakes I had braking with the BD off or on.

Ol' workhorse will figure it out and get back with us. It does hafta be made out of wood for him to get interested.....maybe someone at PI will chime in too! rockin'

[Workshop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Ol' workhorse will figure it out and get back with us. It does hafta be made out of wood for him to get interested.....

all the connections for my breakaway are done in the generator/front compartment, near where the harness enters the compartment. My unit initally didn't have a disconnect, I added a battery selector switch and when I wired it in for battery selection...a battery would have to be selected. The breakaway also get power when connected to the TV as it is forward of the selector.

I always tow with the batteries connected, I run the refrig and have at least one of the propane tanks on. If I need fuel on the road, will turn the gas off while fueling...but the side refrig vents are at least 20+ feet from the pumps if not farther and unless there is fuel spill, shouldn't be a problem in most cases. As far as propane bottle safety, the new/required valves will take care of turning the gas off if in an accident if the propane hose/tubing is damaged....

Don't know for sure, but thinking that the disc brake actuator is probably wired back to the battery or before the switch. it might be the difference of who installed it or the way of doing it.

Since it's not wood....don't really know !

workhorse

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workshop all the connections for my breakaway are done in the generator/front compartment, near where the harness enters the compartment. My unit initally didn't have a disconnect, I added a battery selector switch and when I wired it in for battery selection...a battery would have to be selected. The breakaway also get power when connected to the TV as it is forward of the selector. I always tow with the batteries connected, I run the refrig and have at least one of the propane tanks on. If I need fuel on the road, will turn the gas off while fueling...but the side refrig vents are at least 20+ feet from the pumps if not farther and unless there is fuel spill, shouldn't be a problem in most cases. As far as propane bottle safety, the new/required valves will take care of turning the gas off if in an accident if the propane hose/tubing is damaged.... Don't know for sure, but thinking that the disc brake actuator is probably wired back to the battery or before the switch. it might be the difference of who installed it or the way of doing it. Since it's not wood....don't really know ! workhorse

You are so funny work, I would have to agree with you.....the B+ for the brakes has got to be in front of the BD. Sure glad we have that one behind us!!! rockin'