Community Forums

99Monaco38 · 11-15-2019, 12:52 PM

I need to replace a broken Chassis Kill Switch. My coach has both a House Kill Switch AND a Chassis Kill Switch. My owner's manual does not show the purpose of these switches. Could someone please provide me with an explanation of the purpose of these switches? Thank you!

96Bounder1st · 11-15-2019, 01:03 PM

There purpose is to completely remove all battery draw from the batteries. That way they do not slowly go dead from the parasitic draw of the MH. With a solar panel on the roof your batteries will stay fully charged if you are in direct sunlight.

Terry

96Bounder1st · 11-15-2019, 01:07 PM

From my owners manual.

A majority of the lighting and appliances are designed to operate from
12 Volt DC (direct current) power. This is why the batteries play such an important role in the function of the motorhome. There are exceptions with appliances such as the microwave or television; however, indirectly they still operate from 12 Volt DC power, as they can be operated from the inverter. The chassis functions (engine, transmission, dash air, etc.) are also 12 Volt DC.
With the all technological advancements taking place in the past several years manufacturers have now incorporated electronics into these systems. It is important to keep the 12 Volt system(s) in good working order. These
systems, with their incorporated electronics, are voltage sensitive. Some items can be damaged if the DC voltage is not maintained within the designed specifications.
There are two separate 12 Volt systems. One is the chassis system; the other is the house system. These two systems, for the most part, are separate from one another. The house system does not operate engine functions; as the engine system does not operate house functions. However, within the two sys- tems there are some inner connections. For example: While the motorhome is driven the alternator on the engine will charge the house batteries. Likewise, while the motorhome is plugged into shore power, or the generator is running, the engine battery(s) are being charged. Each system will supply 12 Volt DC power to the 12 Volt distribution panels. The 12 Volt panel that services a majority of the chassis system functions is located outside by the roadside front wheel. The other panel, located in the bedroom, services the house interi- or functions such as the interior lighting and appliances. You should become familiar with these panels and the items they operate.
The two different systems, engine and house, have their own set(s) of battery(s). The engine battery supplies 12 Volt DC power to the front distribu- tion panel located in an outside compartment by the roadside front wheel. This panel contains mostly engine system fuses and wiring such as headlights, tail- light, dashboard functions, gauges, etc. The house battery(s) supplies
12 Volt DC power to the distribution panel located in the bedroom. This panel contains fuses for the house, interior lighting and appliances, such as the furnace and water heater.

The next section in the manual describes why in detail but basically turn the disconnects off when stored for more than 48 hours unless you have it plugged in to keep the batteries charged

Outbound · 11-15-2019, 02:51 PM

Easy way to kill power when working on electrical system.

MSHappyCampers · 11-16-2019, 03:34 PM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

We have basically the same coach as 96Bounder1st so that info would apply to us. Just don't know if it's the same for yours.

Noticed you are kinda new on the forum and wanted to say hello.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!