Master battery cut-off switch

[RVhiker]

I can't find a master battery cut-off switch in my shiny new Jayco 28.5RLS fifth wheel, nor any mention of it in the documentation. Does Jayco just not install a master battery cut-off switch in some trailers, or is the switch hiding somewhere?

[rray32539]

Mine didn't have one, and I haven't seen any in new ones, either. It's a simple addition, and a trip to the local boat shop like West Marine will get you a good quality Perko switch for about $35.

[Crabman]

I had to install one also:


http://www.jaycoowners.com/attachmen...1&d=1296177752

[RVhiker]

Thanks, guys. It sure is dumb of Jayco to make a trailer without a master switch. But you are right, it's an easy fix.

By the way, if I run according to pattern, this was the first of 872 questions. Get ready!!

[SmokerBill]

I just remove the 30 amp automotive fuse that's next to the battery box.

[Spike99]

.

At my 2006 Jayco at our seasonal site, I installed a manual 12V switch as well. For my setup, I used a hard wood board backing. Could have used a steel plate as well. For picture, surf: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...e/100_1336.jpg

Note: If installing a manual 12V switch, it might be best to install on the "+" cable (near the battery). And, have the brake's break-away positvie cable on the "live side" of this switch. Using this wiring connection method, the brake's break-away switch will continue to work - regardless of manual switch position. If wanting to build a 100% off or 100% on manual switch, install this optional switch on the "+" or "-" side of the battery. And all other cables are connected to the switch side (of the switch).

Hope this helps as well.

.

[Mopar1973Man]

No master switch on my Eagle...

But don't want one. I just keep the shore power hooked up and check the batteries every month. So far zero issues.

But do remember even though you have a master switch on the battery doesn't mean it will protect them from self-discharge.

Like I use to work for the local fire dept. They always had issues with dead batteries in the fire trucks even with master switches. What it can down to was installing a small trickle charger in the trucks and keeping them plugged in. So this just proves that master switch will keep your loads from drawing down the batteries but does nothing about the self-discharge.

[clutch]

I am with you MoparMan, I don't have one and don't really see any need for one. Our trailer is always plugged in.

[Crabman]

But if you`re not plugged in and do not disconnect the battery it will be stone dead in about two weeks, due to the parasitic draws from LP/Carbon monoxide alarm, radio, etc. I found this out the hard way on my first trailer. -Lee

[TexasA&M]

I just pull the ground cable off of the battery when leaving the trailer in storage. Takes about 10 seconds longer than turning a switch, and it's free!

[av8arkie]

Mine is in the battery compartment. Id say if you dont have one there you dont have one!

[RVhiker]

Thanks for the replies. I know that not everyone is interested in a battery disconnect, but for those of us who don't have our trailer hooked up to AC all the time, they can be helpful.

It does work, of course, to remove a battery cable. But, you have to remember to do it, and to hook it again before you tow again, or you don't have any break-away brakes. Anyway, my last trailer had one, and and I got spoiled.

I'm going to install a battery disconnect switch next to my converter. There, I can rig it so that it only turns off battery power to all the interior equipment; the break-away will still be powered, and I believe that the slide and landing jacks will still be powered.

I'll post some pictures when I get it done, but it will be awhile; my list of "to-do's" is quite long. It's like moving into a new house.

[Terry]

Just another take on this ---

Before I had permanent wiring for my trailer, I used to disconnect the battery cable. About 6 months into it, I started having low voltage under load in the TT when on battery. What I discovered was my exposed cables developed a thin layer of corrosion and caused the issue.

Bottom line, if I did not have shore power I would want a cut off switch in order to keep my connections nice and tight.

[clutch]

You are correct Crabman. I really don't think my batteries would last close to two weeks. Some of us could use a switch and some of us don't need one.

[mlrtwo]

I just pull the 30 amp fuse as well.

[Old Blue]

Well I know that on my new TT that batterys didnt last two weeks when the converter went bad obout week and a half and everthing in trailer was dead batterys only read 6volts on both but cut off switch would not have helped I was hooked up to power.

[12_AMS]

Originally Posted by mlrtwo

I just pull the 30 amp fuse as well.

Me too. When winterizing the trailer last fall, I pulled the fuse, but didn't get to take the battery inside for the winter due to a last-minute work-related trip. The battery remained outside all winter (and I live in Ottawa, Canada, the second-coldest capital in the world), and the battery still had a full charge in the spring (much to my surprise). Now, I don't recommend doing this, as I was LUCKY that my battery didn't freeze; I'm just making the point that removing the fuse will do the same thing as a battery-disconnect switch.

Regards,
Rick

[jamoke]

If your thinking of adding a switch, then why not replace the cheap fuse holder too with a combo breaker/switch. I use these on my boat and love em.
I plan on making many mods this fall/winter and adding two of these breakers are on the to-do list.

Blue Sea Systems - 187 Series Breaker

Large Picture

[RustyFairmount]

I just installed a Marinco "Park Power 701" series switch.



The fuse was inside the battery box, so pulling it was never an option. The cutoff is wired such that the tow vehicle and breakaway brakes are ALWAYS connected, regardless of the switch position. I also have a 2-Pin flat harness exposed for connection of a 1 watt solar panel whilst in storage.

[mcfarmall]

Make sure you keep the battery clean, especially the top. Dust, dirt, and grime will conduct enough electricity to discharge the battery over a period of time.