can someone explain how this works? new camper and when we disconnect from shore power- i turn off and it shuts down fridge etc. When we are connected in campground- should it be on or off? i don't see a difference. What we experience is after a day or two- the fridge starts to get warmer- sometimes i flip that switch off and on and it gets colder. What position should it be in?
I see you've been on this forum since the original 15 years ago and bought a new TT around 2021. You've never had to deal with a battery disconnect before?
the switch should be on. think of it as a disconnect switch for your batteries which it is. when you have it off and you are plugged in to 120V power, you won't know the difference until you try use a high amperage draw item that uses the battery bank as surge capacity. so things like power jacks, slides and so on. the rest of the time your converter will be sending 12V power out, but it will not be charging your batteries if that switch is off. so if you run it like that all the time be prepared to replace batteries more frequently
Better yet, store the camper where there is power to plug into and keep the switch closed. Batteries also discharge when all load is disconnected, and discharging shortens battery life.
Should be on when loading/unloading or using the camper. But if you want to verify which position is correct.
Disconnect the shore power and turn on the overhead lights. Flip the disconnect until the lights come back on (Most likely the ON position) From now on leave the switch in that position when loading up and when camping regardless of whether or not you have hookups. Once you are done and it is back in storage flip the switch the other way to disconnect the batteries.
When the refrigerator warmed up with no shore power it's because your refrigerator needs 12v for the electronics even if you are running it on propane. So as I said above, leave the batteries connected when you are using the RV.
Last thing. Be aware that with no shore power and everything turned off in the RV; If the batteries are connected your batteries will still drain in about 1-2 weeks due to vampiric loads like the LP detector. That is why you need to use the disconnect switch in storage.
Depends what type of power is powering your fridge. Sounds like it runs on DC power but your 1-2 days gets warmer etc etc doesn’t really make sense.
In general, leave the battery on all the time. Save for when it’s in storage, generally, if it’s long term storage or you’re unable to make sure it’s not providing power to something while your away.
More importantly, learn the basics of what powers your fridge (and when) and what a converter/charger does and whether you have an inverter.
Similar question and answers going in another thread currently as well.
my first suggestion is use the internet to familiarize or train yourself in the basic function of RV electrical systems. Betting there is more than sufficient info, tutorials, YT videos etc.
Battery disconnect is for storage so you don't drain your batteries. Just like the name implies, it disconnects your batteries so nothing 12v will pull on them. Some disconnects can be overridden by plugging into shore power. So, when using the camper you want the batteries connected and when in storage disconnected.
