Chassis Battery disconnect

[Noleakman]

I mounted a chassis battery disconnect switch to my 06 W22. I had had gone from 12.5 to 11.8 in less than 2 weeks. Will this affect anything other than radio

[edgray]

Noleakman: I believe the answer to your question may vary slightly by coach manf. because many seem to "run" different functions off of the two sets of batteries found on most coaches. For example, Newmar chose to run MY radio off the house batteries.

CHASSIS related items such as your Tranny computer (TCM) and the engine computer (ECM) are most likely going to "power down" when you deprive them of electricity from the chassis battery. I don't think any permanent "harm" will occur, however your tranny will have to "re-learn" what it knows about your driving habits after each disconnect. You "may" notice some differences in shift patterns while it "learns", but this isn't a big deal IMO.

Rather than disconnecting the batty as a means of preventing discharge, why not add a Battery Minder type "smart charger" to keep the batty in tip top shape? This assumes you have elec available while in storage. Otherwise, you would need one of the solar trickle chargers I see advertised, assuming your coach builder did not include one.
ED

[JCM]

I have been using a front battery disconnect for years without any problems. Yes you have to reset your radio and clock but you don't have the "other" hassles. Also my battery is 6 1/2 years old and still works - been down to -32.C during the fall. Just charge it up after you disconnect it.

[AFChap]

Quote:

Will this affect anything other than radio

Knowing the RV mfg would be a big help ... as already indicated, engine & tranny computers will loose their "memory" along with all the radios loosing theirs. If you have a Smart Steering wheel, it will also be shut down ...no big deal, just won't work. Same for LP etc detectors. If you have slideouts and leveling jacks, they probably are powered by the chassis batteries, so won't work with the batteries disconnected. The thing you are MOST likely to notice is the entry steps. You will definitely notice when they don't work and you automatically expect them too!

[rvten]

Most newer MH's will loose engine computer memory. It wll have to relearn when you start up and drive again.
One reason they do not put a chassis disconnect in a MH anymore. Just a coach disconnect.

[JCM]

I use a milk container for steps or you can leave them out when you disconnect (via a knife switch). The engine feel new every time I restart it up after being in storage.
It stops the battery from freezing up at -30 to - 40. There is ABSOLUTELY no parasitic drain while in storage. I also put a boat switch.

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvten Most newer MH's will loose engine computer memory. It will have to relearn when you start up and drive again. One reason they do not put a chassis disconnect in a MH anymore. Just a coach disconnect.

Help...I'm lost

I'm confused about the phrase "Most newer MH's will loose engine computer memory." Except for a short time with a different brand coach "lemon", we have had this replacement unit (see signature) for only two months so we have a lot to still learn. We have been using the coach AND chassis disconnects for fear that leaving them on will cause a parasitic drain on the batteries. There is no AC where I have to park the coach. I felt that if the disconnects are there, they are meant to be used when the coach is in storage. I don't recall reading anything either way in the manual.

#1 So I need to tap your knowledge and ask: What does the engine have to re-learn and what am I screwing up?

#2 Should I not use the chassis disconnect and just use the coach disconnect, considering we will be weekenders until DW retires?

#3 Will using the coach disconnect cause any memory loss in anything?

#4 What is the chassis disconnect for? Why is it there in the battery compartment?

Sorry if my questions are confusing, but I have a lot to learn from you and others and appreciate any knowledge that I can gain. I would be in sad shape if not for this forum! Joe

[UFO Pilot]

Before I had solar installed, I used both disconnects regularly. The only items that seemed to "lose" their memory were the radio and the Kwikee leveler control.

[rvten]

Have not had a chassis battery disconnect on last 2 MH's. (both Winnebago)
There was an article about disconnecting the chassis battery and the engine computer would need to relearn everything to operate properly.
I have also noticed other MH's over the years with no chassis disconnect. From other MFG's. Maybe they are all trying to save a buck.
I have seen little battery back up attachments. To plug into 12 plug on dash to help keep memory on vehilce when disconnecting the battery.

Those with a DP may be different than a gas vehicle not sure.
Maybe I am just all wewt as usual. Just throw me a towl. LOL

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvten Have not had a chassis battery disconnect on last 2 MH's. (both Winnebago) There was an article about disconnecting the chassis battery and the engine computer would need to relearn everything to operate properly. I have also noticed other MH's over the years with no chassis disconnect. From other MFG's. Maybe they are all trying to save a buck. I have seen little battery back up attachments. To plug into 12 plug on dash to help keep memory on vehilce when disconnecting the battery. Those with a DP may be different than a gas vehicle not sure. Maybe I am just all wewt as usual. Just throw me a towl. LOL

Oh no! I was waiting for your definitive answer to my four questions...now I am back were I started........lost. Joe

[HMXDave]

We in the Great White North here disconnect the batteries for the 5 months of non-RV season. I suppose I could leave a battery tender on it, but the rig I just sold was fully charged when I winterized it in October....I turned off the coach batts with a switch and unhooked the chassis neg cable. Two months of -20c to -30c and two months of -30c to -40c....I hooked up the cable one balmy -15c day and she fired up instantly.

In the summer I leave my rigs plugged in (converter) the whole time I'm home....never disconnect anything.

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMXDave We in the Great White North here disconnect the batteries for the 5 months of non-RV season. I suppose I could leave a battery tender on it, but the rig I just sold was fully charged when I winterized it in October....I turned off the coach batts with a switch and unhooked the chassis neg cable. Two months of -20c to -30c and two months of -30c to -40c....I hooked up the cable one balmy -15c day and she fired up instantly. In the summer I leave my rigs plugged in (converter) the whole time I'm home....never disconnect anything.

I have no AC where I store the RV. I do have a 10 W solar panel, but do not really know which batteries it takes care of. (solar panel came with the coach) I am unsure if I should use both of the disconnects or one or none????

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer I have no AC where I store the RV. I do have a 10 W solar panel, but do not really know which batteries it takes care of. (solar panel came with the coach) I am unsure if I should use both of the disconnects or one or none????

Winnebago Industries will typically wire the solar cells and charging circuitry to the coach batteries.

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Winnebago Industries will typically wire the solar cells and charging circuitry to the coach batteries.

Thanks, any thoughts about my prior four questions? Anybody?