Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Confused at Battery Shut Off Switch

Print Page | Close Window

Confused at Battery Shut Off Switch

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11906
Printed Date: 26 Jun 2025 at 8:29pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Confused at Battery Shut Off Switch

Posted By: clickscrazy
Subject: Confused at Battery Shut Off Switch
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2018 at 8:08am

I went to install my battery shut off switch after looking at a few pictures and became a bit confused.

On my positive, I have 3 red cables hooked to the positive terminal.

Should I put all 3 of those positives to my switch, or should there be some that stay there.

I also got a 4 Gauge wire...and I think that is way to big. Just FYI. Not flexible, too big for the terminal.

-------------
2018 R-Pod 171
2014 VW Touareg TDI

Replies:

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2018 at 8:25am

Put the switch on the negative side. It's safer and does the same thing. There is a lot of toMayto / toMAHto about which side to put the switch on. Google it if you want to.

-------------
2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2018 at 8:39am

+1 - Switch on negative side.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2018 at 8:42am

The rule I learned was connect the positive first, negative last. Disconnect negative first, positive last.That is why I put the disconnect on the negative side. It has worked fine that way. For your jumper, 4 Gauge is what I used but the terminals on it fit the posts just fine. I had previously purchased a 6 Gauge jumper but it ended up being just a bit too short to use with my cases so the one that I am now using is long enough to allow it to make the bends needed to fit around the lids.

Now, as for the three wires on the positive, the heavy one is the main one to power the R-Pod. One of the smaller ones is likely the one for the solar input (mine was not connected when I bought it). If you have an electric jack, the third one is likely to power it.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: clickscrazy
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2018 at 9:49am

Easy solution. Put it on the negative side!

My 4 Guauge does fit, it is just doesn't hug the post as much as I would like.

Maybe I will still use it.

-------------
2018 R-Pod 171
2014 VW Touareg TDI

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2018 at 1:06pm

Originally posted by clickscrazy

Easy solution. Put it on the negative side!

My 4 Guauge does fit, it is just doesn't hug the post as much as I would like.

Maybe I will still use it.

Battery posts are different sizes. I forget which is bigger, but you may have a wire with a fitting for the other post.

-------------
2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: clickscrazy
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2018 at 7:47am

Hi All. I installed the cut off switch. I did what I think is a pretty seamless integration.

Mounted to the top of the box, the posts cleared. Black silicon around the switch to form a watertight seal (as long as that will last, probably 1 season). Screwed the switch on.

Used a 19" 6 Gauge wire from Walmart. Glad I went a bit longer than the 12" one I started with.

Question: Is it bad if I accidentally turn the battery off WHILE I am plugged into shore power?

-------------
2018 R-Pod 171
2014 VW Touareg TDI

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2018 at 3:43pm

If you do that, the converter won't be able to maintain your battery. The converter will supply 12V power to the 'Pod, but some have found having the battery connected provides a more consistent power. I remember reading one person who was running with the battery disconnected and found the furnace was not running right. Having the battery in evens out any power fluctuations.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: clickscrazy
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2018 at 5:03pm

Cool. Yeah, I plan on keeping the battery switch on, was just curious.

-------------
2018 R-Pod 171
2014 VW Touareg TDI

Posted By: ChuckH
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2018 at 11:41am

Would someone post a picture or link where to buy a battery shut off switch? My wife and I just bought our R-pod last month and still learning a lot about it. Thanks for all your help.

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2018 at 2:23pm

Originally posted by ChuckH

Would someone post a picture or link where to buy a battery shut off switch? My wife and I just bought our R-pod last month and still learning a lot about it. Thanks for all your help.

There are probably thousands to choose from on the market. Just google "battery cut-off switch", and you will be overwhelmed.

https://www.amazon.com/Zoostliss-Battery-Isolator-Disconnect-Vehicles/dp/B071D55VM3/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TCH6KKVYA942HFTM0V6W - This is kind of a middle of the road battery cut-off switch .

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: jimandclare
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2018 at 2:27pm

Here are a couple of locations:

https://www.harborfreight.com/battery-cutoff-switch-63425.html - Harbor Freight

https://www.amazon.com/Zoostliss-Battery-Isolator-Disconnect-Vehicles/dp/B071D55VM3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1532200810&sr=8-3&keywords=battery+cutoff+switch - Amazon

-------------
Jim & Clare
2016 R-pod 178
2014 Ford Edge

Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2018 at 2:34pm

This is the unit I purchased from Amazon. Blue Sea Systems 300 Amp m-Series Battery Switches

-------------
2017 179 1/2

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2018 at 10:41pm

This is the type I purchased from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DUUL9W/ - Amazon .It has been very reliable and since it is a marine model, it is suitable for a moist environment.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS