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riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015

help on battery cut off switch and volt meter

I have read post on both of these topics. Hoping someone can save me some looking and point me to what I need to buy.

I have a new 2014 Coachmen Apex 214rb.

What I want to do is:

1- install a battery cut off switch in the + or - cable to eliminate drain when not in use. Location would be close to battery on frame.

2-install a volt meter. I figure it could be wired in at same time the cut off switch is and mounted close to the other switch.

I think the only thing direct wired to the battery is the electric tongue jack.

1-Will the tongue jack have any drain on battery?

2-Dumb question..Is volt meter wired into pos or neg or both?

3-Are volt meters available that can me mounted on the frame and out in the weather?

4-Any reason not to mount these items on the tongue?

5-Any SPECIFIC suggestions on what switch and or meter to buy would be appreciated.

Nothing big and fancy. No plans to go solar. no plans for a genny, although that is a possibility at some point. Not much boon docking planned but if we take off out west that might change some.

thanks in advance

4 Replies

  • mbopp, I like your switch. Might do the same and mount on frame of TT. It seems this would make it easier to remove battery / battery box. Or would it?

    Puttin, I could use one of those meters. Don't know where I would plug it in. Looks like it goes in a cig lighter? No special reason to measure V outside.

    dryfly, Thanks for reminding me. I should have been thinking between the + / - cause I know to put my portable VM + probe on the + and - on - !!
  • As far as wiring, a voltmeter will go between the positive and negative wires. Terminals on the meter will be labeled "+" and "-". Depending on when and why you want to monitor the voltage you will have to decide if you want the meter on the battery side of the circuit in relation to the cut off switch, or the coach side.

    The jack will draw no current unless you are using it to raise or lower the rig. Where you mount them will depend upon if they are weather proof.


  • Why not just get one of these? Do you need to see your voltage on the outside of the trailer? Just curious.
  • I installed a Blue Sea marine switch in the negative battery cable. It's mounted in a plastic electrical box attached to the side of the battery box:

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