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Old 05-19-2018, 04:30 AM   #1
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“Main power” switch

When I had my Monaco, the so called salesman switch by the entry door activated a relay in the engine area that would turn off all 12V power in the coach. So called because sales people would turn off power after showing the coach. They were notorious for failing, always at the worst time, so most people never used them or else bypassed them. I never used mine.

I have the big red switch by the door, also a “MAIN POWER” switch on the left of the driver seat on my Aspire. Is this similar to the Monaco? Does anyone use these switches, and if so, what for? I’m wondering if maybe I’m missing something here...

2015 Aspire towing a 2017 Acadia
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Old 05-19-2018, 04:43 AM   #2
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I have never seen a post here that a switch has failed on an Entegra.
Uses: to reboot the 12v system when anything in the coach on 12V starts acting up, shade motors, GPS's, thermostats. etc. Also some people turn that switch off when in storage.
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Old 05-19-2018, 06:04 AM   #3
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In 5 months, me or the dog accidentally hit one a total of 3 times, so far.
Not a fan of them.

The one in my former Monaco failed at 6 months. I bypassed it and that was good for the next 8 years.
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Old 05-19-2018, 07:44 AM   #4
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DW and I call it the Doggie Power Kill Switch. I saw another thread recently
where you can install a cover over this rocker switch to prevent accidental canine activation.
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Old 05-19-2018, 07:55 AM   #5
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In motor homes you have two 12 volt systems
MAIN means the "Truck" part (Chassis) engine, exterior lights other than porch and grab handle and basement (Marker turn, stop tail, head and license plate).

AUX is the HOUSE part Interior lights save for possibly one dash light, (Dome light replacement) teh porch light. basement, 12 volt stuff in the house).
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Old 05-19-2018, 10:25 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wa8yxm View Post
In motor homes you have two 12 volt systems
MAIN means the "Truck" part (Chassis) engine, exterior lights other than porch and grab handle and basement (Marker turn, stop tail, head and license plate).

AUX is the HOUSE part Interior lights save for possibly one dash light, (Dome light replacement) teh porch light. basement, 12 volt stuff in the house).
On an Entegra motorhome “Main Power” is the 12v house power switch.
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Old 05-19-2018, 10:30 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnontheroad View Post
When I had my Monaco, the so called salesman switch by the entry door activated a relay in the engine area that would turn off all 12V power in the coach. So called because sales people would turn off power after showing the coach. They were notorious for failing, always at the worst time, so most people never used them or else bypassed them. I never used mine.

I have the big red switch by the door, also a “MAIN POWER” switch on the left of the driver seat on my Aspire. Is this similar to the Monaco? Does anyone use these switches, and if so, what for? I’m wondering if maybe I’m missing something here...

2015 Aspire towing a 2017 Acadia
My 2016 Aspire has the exact same switches in those same locations. I know for a fact that either switch does the same thing, and that is to disconnect / connect the HOUSE Batteries from the coach. In the last bay before the tag axle, there is a "Big Boy" brand large solenoid that accomplishes that task. Either switch will disconnect or connect the batteries thru that disconnect solenoid. The engine cranking batteries are disconnected by the yellow "flip" switch back by the batteries.
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Old 05-19-2018, 10:35 AM   #8
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Quote:
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My 2016 Aspire has the exact same switches in those same locations. I know for a fact that either switch does the same thing, and that is to disconnect / connect the HOUSE Batteries from the coach. In the last bay before the tag axle, there is a "Big Boy" brand large solenoid that accomplishes that task. Either switch will disconnect or connect the batteries thru that disconnect solenoid. The engine cranking batteries are disconnected by the yellow "flip" switch back by the batteries.
Even up until the 2017 model year (I believe) that yellow chassis disconnect switch by the chassis batteries does not truly disconnect the chassis batteries from the parasitic loads, it only disconnects the starting circuitry so that you cannot start the engine.
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Old 05-19-2018, 11:58 AM   #9
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Thanks, DON. Good to know. Fwiw, I never had a problem with discharged cranking batteries, unlike the house batteries if I forgot to use the "Main" disconnect switches.
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Old 05-19-2018, 04:19 PM   #10
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Thanks, DON. Good to know. Fwiw, I never had a problem with discharged cranking batteries, unlike the house batteries if I forgot to use the "Main" disconnect switches.
Same here, I have not had any trouble with the parasitic draws on the chassis batteries, but I think that this winter will almost be time to change them out as they approach 5 years old.
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Old 05-19-2018, 05:53 PM   #11
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I find that the switches are very warm to the touch, almost hot. That means they are using up battery power when you are not on shore power. Why?

I don’t understand why Entegra installs two switches when other coaches have only one. Is there a use for the one on the driver’s side? Why would anyone use it while driving? To me it is only a nuisance. I have never used it except by accident.
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Old 05-20-2018, 04:57 AM   #12
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The PDI tech at Lazydays explained they added the second switch so you didn't have to get up when the "radio" locked up and you had to do a reset....
Not sure of the accuracy of this statement.
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Old 05-20-2018, 05:18 AM   #13
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The PDI tech at Lazydays explained they added the second switch so you didn't have to get up when the "radio" locked up and you had to do a reset....
Not sure of the accuracy of this statement.
It is accurate. My GPS screen went haywire while traveling. Turned the 12v off at the drivers seat, then back on, cleared right up. It has never happened since.
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Old 05-20-2018, 06:29 AM   #14
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Why not just install a better radio vs wiring the entire coach for failure modes....
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