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CodyClassB's avatar
CodyClassB
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2014

Great West Vans battery switch . Need advice from GWV owners

Hi there,
I finally found a battery and switch in a hidden under the door step of my 1999 Great West vans (I bought it from the used RV dealer in CA and they had no clue on how to operate it . There are no operating manual either). I turn it on and it supplies 12 volt and 110 volt AC in the living area (there is an inverter that converts 12v DC to 110v AC). The switch was turned off when I found it and there is a warning label "Turn off engine before switching off" . I have a few questions and I hope someone can help:

1. Can I leave this switch ALWAYS on (even when I drive) ?
2. If I use the power in the van while the engine is off, will it also drain the vehicle's battery (the battery in the engine area needed to start the car)

You can see the picture of the battery switch here



Thanks in advance for your help

Moderator edited photo to forum standard of width 640.
Class B

6 Replies

  • Horizon170's avatar
    Horizon170
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2014
    CodyClassB wrote:
    thank you very much for all of your questions . I have another quick question. As you see , there is 1 house battery in my RV . On the left side (not shown on the picture), there is another space where I can add an additional battery . I understand that I should add the same brand/type/size/age of battery . However, I am on a tight budget so I am planning to buy 1 new battery and keep the existing one . Both battery will be the same type (deep cycle), but they do not have the same brand/size/age. The new battery's cables will be connecting to the existing battery . So, Red cable of the new additional battery will be connected to the red cable of the existing battery and the Black cable of the new battery will be connected to the black cable of the existing battery. Does anyone see any issue with this ? Thanks in advance for your advice .

    thanks


    That will work-----red to red and black to black = parallel so that keeps the system at 12 volts and the available Amp hours are increased. It is always best to use the same size and the same age and type but what you plan will be OK.
  • CodyClassB's avatar
    CodyClassB
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2014
    thank you very much for all of your answers . I have another quick question. As you see , there is 1 house battery in my RV . On the left side (not shown on the picture), there is another space where I can add an additional battery . I understand that I should add the same brand/type/size/age of battery . However, I am on a tight budget so I am planning to buy only 1 new battery and keep the existing one (which is still good) . Both battery will be the same type (deep cycle), but they do not have the same brand/size/age. The new battery's cables will be connecting to the existing battery . So, Red cable of the new additional battery will be connected to the red cable of the existing battery and the Black cable of the new battery will be connected to the black cable of the existing battery. Does anyone see any issues with this ? Thanks in advance for your advice .

    thanks
  • mikegt4's avatar
    mikegt4
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2014
    What you have is a Perko battery switch. Perko is a well established marine equipment company. Some models of switches WILL NOT interrupt the field current (increasing the possibility of damage to the alternator) if turned "OFF" with the engine running. Newer switches can be turned "off" or can be switched between batteries (if a 2 battery selector type) while the engine is running without fear of destroying your alternator. Lookup your model # on the Perko site and download the instructions for more info.
    http://www.perko.com/catalog/category/battery_switches/
  • mumkin's avatar
    mumkin
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    prairie camper wrote:
    Don't have a great west van but here's there website

    http://www.greatwestvans.com/contact/

    Great West Van is under new ownership, so they may not still employ anyone who worked there in the 90's who could answer this. But they may be able to contact the previous owner who has retired.
  • 1775's avatar
    1775
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    See my response to you in your second posted question about the battery. :)

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