I need HELP!!!: Battery disconnect switch

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Battery disconnect switch - on or off?

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14642
Printed Date: 11 May 2025 at 7:23am
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Topic: Battery disconnect switch - on or off?

Posted By: Jefferson
Subject: Battery disconnect switch - on or off?
Date Posted: 18 May 2021 at 8:00pm

I'm both new to the forum and a happy new owner of a 2015 Rpod 177 from northern California. When connected to shore power, is it recommended to turn the batter disconnect switch to off? Nothing is drawing on the battery and presumably it will hold its charge and/or is the charge maintained since the pod is plugged into shore power? Thank you so much for your insights : )

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 18 May 2021 at 8:32pm

There are phantom draws on the battery that will eventually drain it to nothing after 12 - 14 days but seeing that you are plugged in to 120 shore power, I see no need to turn switch to off.

It would be a good idea to keep an eye on the battery once a week for a few weeks to make sure the onboard converter is doing its function properly. Also invest in a multi tester/voltmeter. HF carries them for around $4. For maximum battery life do not draw down below 60% S.O.C. or 12.2v before recharging. I have a pair of group size 24 Interstate deep cycle 12v that are just over 10 years old and still functioning very well. I depend on them a lot as I usually boondock. No solar or generator used either.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 18 May 2021 at 8:36pm

Hello and welcome, lots of useful info available here. I would recommend leaving your battery turned on whenever it isn't in storage.

As you thought, it keeps your trailer battery connected and topped up via your power converter. Electrical power at wherever you are camping can be lost. If your battery is connected all will be okay with your food as its 12 volt power will keep your fridge operating if it can switch to propane for cooling...It is controlled with 12 volt power. You lose shore power and if you turned off your battery shutoff you fridge and freezer can't work as there is no 12 volt power to control your fridge.

The battery shutoff switch is for when you have your trailer in storage (as in not using it). It will prevent all the little power drains in your pod from draining your battery and possibly damaging it in the process.

Have a good one, hope this helps and don't be a stranger!

Andy

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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green

Posted By: Jefferson
Date Posted: 18 May 2021 at 8:54pm

Thank you so much for the prompt and very useful replies - Switch off!

Look forward to reading much more on the many topics and shared experiences of the community - what a great resource!

Cheers!

Posted By: Jefferson
Date Posted: 18 May 2021 at 8:58pm

oops, I mean Switch on!!

Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 18 May 2021 at 9:03pm

Phew, you had me there!

There are many good threads so depending on your time you can browse for interesting topics or use the search feature.
Remember that you can select how far to search back in time. The default only is for the last 6 months.

Andy

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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green