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Topic ClosedIs a on/off switch necessary for batteries?
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happywifehappylife View Drop Down
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Posts: 14 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Is a on/off switch necessary for batteries?
    Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 12:07am
I am installing two Group 24 batteries in my Rpod 179, and I am wondering if it is an advantage to have a switch to disconnect the batteries from the trailer's electrical circuits. Or should I just remove the battery box tops and disconnect the negative wires? I just thought the switch would be more convenient. If a switch is recommended, what type of switch would handle all that amperage?
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this_is_nascar View Drop Down
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Posts: 466 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 6:07am
If you're going thru the trouble of going with dual batteries, why not install a battery cutoff?
"Ray & Connie"

- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road
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Q7-retired View Drop Down
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Posts: 100 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 8:10am
My problem with the battery switch is where to mount it.  I look at the marine-grade switch and can't see that it is waterproof, but maybe it doesn't have to be.  Aside from that, let's look at why you might want to have a switch installed, i.e., the requirements, and maybe others will weigh in with their usage tips.
1.  the ability to positively cut off all electricity to the rpod when doing electrical wiring or repairs.
2.  the ability to disconnect the battery when it/ the rpod is stored without being connected to shore power.
3.  in the case of multiple 12V batteries, the ability to use one or the other, plus items above.
4.  the ability to connect a battery charger to the batteries without taking them out of their box and without having the rest of the rpod electrically connected during that charging period.

These are the only operations I can imagine, and none of them really demand a battery switch since direct wiring control can serve the same requirements.  I think it comes down to personal preference.

Having offered my unsolicited opinion, are there other uses folks can contribute that might sway the discussion?
Best regards, Jim
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TV 2015 Audi Q7 TDI and 2017 Ford F150
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 8:11am
Way more convenient to have a switch. I mounted mine on the battery box lid. I like the Hella brand keyed switch. Pictures in my mods link.
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3346 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 5:37pm
While most probably do go with a switch, I do it manually by changing the cables.  It takes me a whopping 2 minutes to take off both covers and change cables.  Not as "convenient" but it works for me.  Add the fact that we go 3 - 4 days before switching batteries when dry camping under cold conditions I get about a week out of both group 24's, that were purchased in spring 2011, and my total time invested changing the battery if I dry camp for 1 week is 2 minutes. 
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"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 8:35pm
With my battery security (see my mods), taking the covers off is not an easy task. A switch is much more convenient. I take the covers off to check the electrolyte, but it is not too often that I have to do it.
StephenH
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R&J View Drop Down
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Posts: 27 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 10:28pm
My cut off switch is in the corner of the storage cupboard to left of the entry door above the space for the distribution panel, if that helps!
Rhona & John
POD: 2015 179 'OzPod'
Tow: 2014 Holden Colorado

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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 12:16pm
You definitely need some way to disconnect the batteries between trips (unless you leave it plugged in) so a switch, or a fuse, makes that easier. I added a 30 amp all-weather blade fuse to my pod since I've seen corrosion issues posted about some switches.

If you are using dual batteries always use them (and charge them) together. You end up getting more total amps out of them than if you use one and then the other (look up Peukert effect if you want gory details).
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 100 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 3:43am
Originally posted by techntrek

You definitely need some way to disconnect the batteries between trips (unless you leave it plugged in) so a switch, or a fuse, makes that easier. I added a 30 amp all-weather blade fuse to my pod since I've seen corrosion issues posted about some switches.

If you are using dual batteries always use them (and charge them) together. You end up getting more total amps out of them than if you use one and then the other (look up Peukert effect if you want gory details).

Thanks for the head's up. Very interesting reading in the Wikipedia article on Peukert's law. Another good reason to always discharge the pair of batteries together is they will both be at the same state of charge when you begin recharging. I supposed you could charge each one separately. But that would be a bit of a hassle. But it might not hurt to occasionally charge them separately, especially if performing an equalizing charge for flooded batteries.
Russ
2009 Toyota RAV4
V6 w/ tow package
2016 Rpod 171 HRE
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Posts: 471 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2016 at 12:29pm
Quick question,
 Do you know if i can just plug my battery maintainer into the zamp solar port?  I have two batteries would this keep both charged? I don't like the idea storing the unit with shore power continuously plugged  in for weeks (or months) at a time, as that would mean i'm always using the  the onboard converter. do the wires just go straight to the batteries? If i hook up straight to the one battery does it charge both? I have a battery disconnect I just haven't had any time to hook it up yet.
thanks John
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John&Sue,SLO,CA
2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
 
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