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05-11-2016, 10:30 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Considering Battery Cutoff Switch
Hi All,
This weekend will be the conversion from the OEM hybrid battery to a true deep-cycle battery.
As long as I have the electrics apart, I was thinking of including a battery cutoff switch (I've got 2 kicking around).
I never considered one before since the TT stays plugged in whenever we are not camping.
Is there a real advantage to totally shutting down the trailer? Or am I better off leaving the systems up and the converter's maintenance charger connected?
Thanks,
Mike
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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05-11-2016, 10:36 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,772
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The only time I use mine is if I have to leave my rig at a dealers. Last time that happened the batteries were ruined from sitting discharged for a month.
__________________
Moderator
2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box,
2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CC
Hughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMS
Gator roll-up bed cover
B&W Turnover ball, Companion Std hitch
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
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05-11-2016, 10:46 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Considering the idle load (fridge, radio, USB charger, CO detector...) the battery will be flat within a month. In fact, the extension cord got disconnected over the winter, so the OEM battery took a full discharge!
So, should I include a battery disconnect and go out a couple of times during the winter to 'top up' the battery? Or set up some form of 'pilot light' that shows the trailer has 120VAC? And look for that at least once a week?
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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05-11-2016, 11:07 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Hi Mike
A battery disconnect switch is one of the best things you can add to your TT. It allows you to isolate the battery(s) from the TT's electronics/load. As Norty1 mentioned if you need to leave your TT at a dealer, you can disconnect your batteries so that the TT's parasitic loads (CO Alarm, Fridge Circuit, radio..) do not kill you battery in a week. It also comes in handy when trying to isolate or work on electrical problems on the TT.
Should you leave the TT hooked up to shore power when not in use? I would... the TT's smart charger will keep the battery topped off... and you do not have to worry about over-charging.. just check the batteries water level once a month as part of your battery maintenance program.
Don
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05-11-2016, 11:28 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Mike,
You can buy/make a remote alarm for when and if your 110VAC power to the TT get interrupted. OR, pull your 12VDC fuses in the TT power distribution center. That will eliminate any loads from the TT should the power cord detach again. I would go with designing a remote wireless power loss alarm
Don
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05-11-2016, 12:34 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mustang65
Mike,
You can buy/make a remote alarm for when and if your 110VAC power to the TT get interrupted. OR, pull your 12VDC fuses in the TT power distribution center. That will eliminate any loads from the TT should the power cord detach again. I would go with designing a remote wireless power loss alarm
Don
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Remote/wireless would be overkill. I work in (or at least visit) my barn/shop at least once-a-week over the winter. So if I plug a lamp into one of the outlets on the TT and leave it on. The fact the light is out will cause me to investigate. At most 3 days on the battery.
The results are in:
- I will install a battery cutoff, if just to make it safer and easier to service/diagnose/replace parts of the 12VDC system.
- Power fail notification: A relay with it's 120VAC coil connected to the trailer and a 120VAC lamp powered via the NC contacts would work nicely. The lamp comes on if the trailer looses AC power. The lamp can be inside the barn. Possibly positioned so it shows through a window that faces the house.
Thanks for the help!
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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05-12-2016, 08:44 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
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Mike since you already have the switches go ahead and install one.. IF I did not have a solar system I would just pull the fuse on the battery...
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days boondockinig in2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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05-12-2016, 08:54 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seann45
Mike since you already have the switches go ahead and install one.. IF I did not have a solar system I would just pull the fuse on the battery...
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Yup, I am. If just to make repairs to the 12V system easier & safer.
I'll let you know Monday how many times I electrocute myself.
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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05-12-2016, 09:44 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike837go
I'll let you know Monday how many times I electrocute myself.
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Keep your welders mask on for those arcs.
Don
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05-14-2016, 09:20 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Los Lunas, New Mexico
Posts: 3,766
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So guys......I have an uninstalled battery disconnect and two 12V batteries.
How do I install it and using which wires? I'm totally lost on this one. Thanks.
Happy RVing,
Jeff
__________________
2018 Eagle HT 26.5 RLDS. SOLD
2009 F150 Supercab UNICORN, 5.4L ,3.73, HD and Max Tow Packages, Timbrens, Bilstein shocks.
Wet bolt kit. Andersen Ultimate 20K hitch. TST 507RV TPMS. Hydro Life HL-200. 16" Goodyear Endurance. Progressive EMS. SteadyFast Stabilizers. Furion backup camera.
Best friend wife, Di, and dog Cooper. RETIRED
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05-14-2016, 09:25 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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I have two 12v batteries, but there is only 1 ground cable. I will install my switch in that ground cable when I get a switch. Well, actually I will then have two, shorter, ground cables with the switch between them.
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SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
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Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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05-15-2016, 06:09 AM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Quote:
Originally Posted by havnfun
So guys......How do I install it and using which wires? I'm totally lost on this one. Thanks.
Happy RVing,
Jeff
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Here is a picture to give you a better idea on how to wire in the second battery and the disconnect switch
Don
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05-15-2016, 07:36 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Los Lunas, New Mexico
Posts: 3,766
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mustang65
Here is a picture to give you a better idea on how to wire in the second battery and the disconnect switch
Don
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Mustang- Thanks. It sure looks easy. I will do that.
Happy RVing,
Jeff
__________________
2018 Eagle HT 26.5 RLDS. SOLD
2009 F150 Supercab UNICORN, 5.4L ,3.73, HD and Max Tow Packages, Timbrens, Bilstein shocks.
Wet bolt kit. Andersen Ultimate 20K hitch. TST 507RV TPMS. Hydro Life HL-200. 16" Goodyear Endurance. Progressive EMS. SteadyFast Stabilizers. Furion backup camera.
Best friend wife, Di, and dog Cooper. RETIRED
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05-16-2016, 10:39 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Well, here it is Monday and I didn't throw any sparks!
That was caused by the fact that I got NOTHING done on the RV this weekend!
New phones and service plus helping SWMBO clear out her sister's apartment meant no time to play outside.
We'll try again Tuesday if the grass hasn't grown to long...
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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05-23-2016, 02:11 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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The grass did get out-of-hand and more dealing with the SIL's apt.
Finally, on the 21st I had the chance to swap the battery. Couldn't find the cutoff switch. (I swear I left it in the pile by the shelving near the middle of the barn.)
This coming Memorial Day Weekend looks like 3-4 days of boondocking. We'll see how the new battery behaves!
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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06-12-2016, 06:20 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Marysville
Posts: 23
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Battery cut off is a fairly cheap upgrade. Here are the steps that prompted me to finally do it. (1) Remove locking cable from around battery box. (2) Remove nylon strap and battery box cover. (3) Remove wing nut from negative terminal (4) Drop wing nut into battery box. You can probably figure out the rest! No regrets at ALL since installing mine.
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