Changing House Batteries DIY

[sbleiweiss]

My first time changing the two 6 volt deep cycle batteries myself. I know to take pictures and make sure to get the cables back on the same. But what electricity do I turn off while making the switch? Salesman switch? Whole 50 amp to coach? This will be done in a campground while living in coach so better not to have to turn off all power if not necessary. Thanks.

[amosnandy]

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

My first time changing the two 6 volt deep cycle batteries myself. I know to take pictures and make sure to get the cables back on the same. But what electricity do I turn off while making the switch? Salesman switch? Whole 50 amp to coach? This will be done in a campground while living in coach so better not to have to turn off all power if not necessary. Thanks.

Yes. Any shore power should be off AND unplugged. If you have an inverter turn it off. You can turn the salesman switch off, but not needed if all 12v appliances are off. If you have a battery disconnect switch near the battery turn it off. Also your chassis disconnect switch. It’s unlikely with everything off there could be a connection between the chassis and house batteries but just in case.

Then disconnect the ground/negative from the battery bank first. Then star disconnecting everything else.

[wolfe10]

Actually, I like everything OFF when replacing batteries. That way as you disconnect/reconnect there isn't a spike to appliance PC boards.

[Mich F]

I would shut all power off and remove the positive cable or cables first, not the negative cable/s.

[Argosy]

If you remove the negative first if you accidentally touch ground when doing it nothing is going to happen. Touching a wrench from positive to ground with the battery bank in these could be a disaster.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by Mich F

I would shut all power off and remove the positive cable or cables first, not the negative cable/s.

That is the recommendation if you have a Magnum inverter / charger.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

That is the recommendation if you have a Magnum inverter / charger.

+2, Although I hadn't heard of this when I changed my house batteries, removed and re-installed ground first, and luckily it caused me no grief.

[twinboat]

Switching off the Battery Disconnect switch will cut power from the converter/charger to the battery.

You may also want to remove the chassis battery negative cable. The isolation/boost cable may be active if you just shut down charging.

Shore power isn't a factor as long as the converter/charger isn't connected to the battery.