12 Volt on/off switch?

I have one installed in all 3 of my RV's. The thing is, I typically don't use them unless I will be storing for a long time. In storage, I always use a solar panel with desulphation to keep the batteries nice. The switch is not part of the solar "trickle" charge.

IF you have an INVERTER/CHARGER, your battery disconnect does NOT disconnect the Inverter/charger. This type Inv/charger is wired direct to the Coach batteries. The amp draw(Inverting) is too large for the Battery Disconnect relay. If you have just a CONVERTER, it depends on the OEM and how they wired it. Some, if you turn the disconnect OFF, the coach batteries will NOT charge but the Converter will still supply your 12 volt electrical needs. Your only problem is, the batteries will be dead in 3 to 5 days. Most OEM's wire the CO and LP detectors direct to the coach batteries to prevent voltage spikes that can set them off, thus when the battery disconnect is OFF these type detectors will continue to drain the coach batteries. Not all do this but a lot do. Doug

The master disconnect switch:

Some (many in fact) older rigs have a converter called a Magnetek often the 6300 this unit is a known battery killer..Monitor batteries, The problem is it does not work well without either a battery or a battery simulator.

I would monitor battery status and when full cut it off..I would also upgrade that model (A hardening condnser from a high end automotive audio store makes a good battery simulator by the way)

More modern RV's may well have 3-stage converters.. With those Leave the batteries connected.

Find the make and model of your converter and google it for info on what you have.

My residential fridge spikes over 900w surge, when starting the compressor, that's about 80 amps, that's why it takes a large inverter to power the fridge , start up surge, with out batteries where will the inverter get the amps for the startup ?
How big is your converter, will it do that ?

I suggest you leave the batteries connected

I have a residential refer with four 6V batteries. Thanks for any advice!

if the fridge is on, leave the battery switch on

if the fridge is OFF you should be able to safely disconnect for several weeks, but again it depends on the converter

but WHY be plugged in, if storing the coach and NOT charging the batteries ?
more batteries die from neglect than over charging

Some systems require the batteries to be inline to act as a buffer for the converter. If you post what converter you have I'm sure one of the more experienced members will be able to tell you if yours is one that requires the batteries to be on.

In my view, leave it alone. If you use an off switch, there is NO charging of the batts.
Some may differ, but I long term 4 months at a time then move for another for months, the batteries need watching and make sure the post connections are kept clean and free of corrosion.
Cheers
Chuck