Community Forums

CountryB · 02-23-2018, 04:33 AM

I'm going to remove the Chassis and Coach batteries to clean and re-paint the battery tray.

I'm wondering if I can or should leave the Shore Power (20A feed) connected to keep all the interior equipment powered up (no loss of clock settings, etc.).

Of course I would be sure the battery cables did not touch anything as there may be some "charging" current".

Is this a bad idea or useless idea?

Sandy Swede · 02-23-2018, 05:32 AM

That is a great question, CountryB. My gut feeling is that I would disconnect shore power and turn off battery switch(s). However, I don't know the answer and eagerly await the responses by members with electrical knowledge.

TMan59 · 02-23-2018, 05:44 AM

When I removed the batteries to clean the tray I always just turned everything off.
We aren't full timers so really nothing important to leave on.
I used that risk/reward theory.

will stevens · 02-23-2018, 05:48 AM

My rig will not power up without a connection through the batteries. I would power everything down to remove the batteries.

Tha_Rooster · 02-23-2018, 05:50 AM

I would disconnect for the reason you can’t fry a charger or inverter.

CountryB · 02-23-2018, 06:19 AM

Okay. Thanks. Will disconnect all power.

wa8yxm · 02-23-2018, 06:41 AM

I would do two things or 3
Assuming motor home (For Trailers just disregard all Chasis somments)

With Shore Power present use the battery DISCONNECT. then lift the NEgative termials off the battery, then the positive WRAP the positive in something insulating (Zip lock bag with a rubber band to secure it? or equzal, use double bags if doing it the zip lock method)

Clean and then re-connect in reverse order.

Then do chassis. same way Drop negative and then disc onnect Positive, bag and tie to insulate cean and replace.

Most modern RV's will work this way.

Some OLDER Rv's (ones with magnetek converters) there is one more thing you need to do to keep power live, but that only applies to older rigs.

CountryB · 02-23-2018, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

I would do two things or 3
Assuming motor home (For Trailers just disregard all Chasis somments)

With Shore Power present use the battery DISCONNECT. then lift the NEgative termials off the battery, then the positive WRAP the positive in something insulating (Zip lock bag with a rubber band to secure it? or equzal, use double bags if doing it the zip lock method)

Clean and then re-connect in reverse order.

Then do chassis. same way Drop negative and then disc onnect Positive, bag and tie to insulate cean and replace.

I was going to do that (i.e. protecting cable ends) but I have to remove all batteries (Coach and Chassis) at the same time because they share the same slide-out tray.

I want to remove the batteries, clean the tray and underside, remove any rust, paint the tray frame with Por-15, then top coat with satin (chassis) black.

"007" · 02-23-2018, 12:42 PM

Here is a complete job and repair of tray rollers needed.
Found in QT's # 3.

CountryB · 02-23-2018, 01:02 PM

Thanks.

BTW - You have some great links! I will be spending much more time looking through your collection.

veraken · 02-24-2018, 05:46 AM

Just a reminder! Take plenty of pictures of the wiring before removing anything. Draw a diagram and and attach a numbered label to each wire end corresponding to your diagram.