Couple Simple Mods- Battery Switch and City Water Cap

[Carleen]

I'm still working on all these fun little projects, but here are a couple that were a must-have.

I wanted a master battery switch for storage so I wasn't left to pulling the fuse at the battery. To avoid drilling through the frame or installing inside, I decided to put it straight onto the battery box. I used caulk to fill the spaces where water could penetrate (Should have used clear silicone, but I was out and worried about the rain storm ahead).

It also drove me crazy that the city water fill had a screen but was not capped off. I purchased a general rubber water cap that fit perfect!

[need-a-vacation]

Nice!!!

Where did you get the battery switch? I need to do the same. One of the mods I haven't had a chance to get done yet!!! To many mods, not enough time!!! Lol

[redenbacher]

I love your install idea for the battery switch. I was going to mount one on the frame but I like your idea better.

[need-a-vacation]

Originally Posted by redenbacher

I love your install idea for the battery switch. I was going to mount one on the frame but I like your idea better.

I have thought about doing the same on the battery box. I just considered buying a larger battery box and running the wires inside behind the switch. Use a 1x or 2x cut to fill the space so the battery doesn't slide around.

I am also considering the small trailer tongue box from Harbor Freight that I found posted somewhere! Lol If it will fit, hoping to keep some leveling boards in there also.

[Carleen]

I found the battery switch at Camping World. It was hard to find one that wasn't for 2 batteries. I am sure they have them on Amazon.com.

[need-a-vacation]

TY!

Your right, the little I have searched seems to only turn up dual battery switches, or the basic, battery mounted one. Not the one like you posted.

[dphoward62]

Here's a link to the one I installed:

Amazon.com: Marinco 701 Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive

The switch has three removable sides. I used clear silicon to seal the sides and mounted the switch on the battery box with the open side down.

Because of the variety of ways in which this switch can be mounted, it does NOT come with mounting hardware. I bought stainless bolts just long enough to fit into the battery box cavity, and secured them with stainless washers and lock nuts.

You will also need to buy a short cable to connect the switch to the battery. The cable that is currently connected to the battery will connect directly to the switch. As best I recall, I connected the switch to the battery's positive terminal.

This is a great mod! It's relatively cheap and easy, but with big benefits. When storing the camper, I used to remove my cover, disconnect the positive cable, and replace the cover. To prep it for camping I had to reverse the process. Now I just flip a switch!

[Carleen]

Instead of removing one of the side tabs on the battery switch, I drilled holes to fit the wires through- less room for water/road grime to get inside. This made the wires ten times more difficult to install though.

[jimp]

Check any local marine dealer for the battery switches, common things on boats

[Ela1948]

Amazon has them. Bought one for an ATV.

[TCNashville]

I just installed the Marinco on my battery box as well.

[need-a-vacation]

I did end up finding a single battery switch after I posted. TY for the link DP!

We used to have a West Marine, but they have been gone for at least 8-10yrs. Only other local option is the somewhat local marine dealer, but I would bet they are almost twice what Amazon is.

TY again!

[BluJay]

This is the one I installed:
http://www.amazon.com/Support-Batter...connect+switch

[Johnny-Quest]

I investigated installing one on or in the battery box, but it appears there is not sufficient room. I can install one inside the trailer, beside the converter and under the refridge, but it seems like I will still have a drain from the electric jack and trailer brake connector. Does anyone know if these will have a significant drain, thereby wasting my time and money? I like that the switch will be inside and out of the elements. Has anyone done this? Thanks!

[annie oakly]

I have one as well just behind the batteries underneath the trailer on the frame.
I have forgotten about a few times, when going to push the slide out.

[jasoncw]

Originally Posted by Johnny-Quest

I investigated installing one on or in the battery box, but it appears there is not sufficient room. I can install one inside the trailer, beside the converter and under the refridge, but it seems like I will still have a drain from the electric jack and trailer brake connector. Does anyone know if these will have a significant drain, thereby wasting my time and money? I like that the switch will be inside and out of the elements. Has anyone done this? Thanks!

Should work fine. The only time the jacks would drain power is while in use. There shouldn't be a drain from the brake connector either. That is how my factory wired cut-off switch is connected, although it is mounted outside.

[need-a-vacation]

Originally Posted by Johnny-Quest

I investigated installing one on or in the battery box, but it appears there is not sufficient room. I can install one inside the trailer, beside the converter and under the refridge, but it seems like I will still have a drain from the electric jack and trailer brake connector. Does anyone know if these will have a significant drain, thereby wasting my time and money? I like that the switch will be inside and out of the elements. Has anyone done this? Thanks!

There is not enough room in or on the battery box itself, or the area around the battery box? If the bb, that is why I am going to buy a larger bb and use some wood inside to keep the battery from sliding around. This will give me room for the on/off switch, and I am considering a 12v outlet as well so I can plug in either an inflator pump or the 12v compressor if needed.