How to: Battery Disconnect
A common problem for RV'ers (not just TT owners) is a low or a dead battery. The reason for this is parasitic power drain. A single light left on can obviously drain the battery quickly but there are things in our RV's that pull some power all the time. A few examples could be your radio, power inverter, gas detector, smoke detector, etc, etc, etc..
One method to remedy this issue is to leave your RV plugged in to a power source (if you have an onboard battery charger) or leave your battery on a trickle charger. However, for many of us we have to leave our RV at a storage facility, or parked away from the house without a plausible way to leave the rig plugged up.
One simple method is to install a battery disconnector, as the topic of this post, I will show you how I installed a battery disconnector on my deep cycle battery. I had previously fully charged it after I found it dead (again) after fully charging it and reinstalling it on the trailer. :M
Kudos go to this forum for educating me about parasitic power drain and turning me on to a "battery disconnector".
Ok, first things first, Start with a fully charged deep cycle battery. (these things take a LONG time to charge from dead. )
Then pick up a battery disconnector. I got mine from Wal-Mart in the automotive section for less than $5.00.
I also picked these Coated Marine Battery Terminals up for about $4.00 at Wal-Mart. More on them in a few moments.
Install the battery terminal protectors that come with the Marine Battery Terminals
Now, Install the battery disconnector on the NEGATIVE terminal. Then I installed the black Marine Battery Terminal on the battery disconnector. I have it pointing down to fit in my battery box, You can position this any way you need to to fit your situation.
Fit your battery in your battery box. Notice that I also installed the Red Marine battery terminal? I did this because I wanted to use the wing nut for my wires, yeah, I know.. but I had it so what the heck right. In this picture the red connector is pointing to the left. After I got through with pics I moved it to point forward so the battery box lid would fit.
Now, remove your wing nuts and install your negative cables to the black Marine Battery Terminal. Attach your positive wires to the red Marine battery terminal, reinstall the Wing Nuts.
Now, test that you have a complete circuit. I tested the light on my tongue jack. Everything works!!!!
Congrats, you have successfully installed your battery disconnector. Your Deep Cycle battery thanks you. Now, Remove the green knob from the battery disconnector and you have disconnected your battery from the system. When you need to use your TT again, simply reinstall the green knob and your battery will be connected again and you will have full power. ( don't lose the green knob!!)
Oh, yeah, I think I used a 1/2 crescent wrench for the install. Super simple. You may have to use different parts depending on how your wires connect to your battery. You can get the parts for pretty much any need at Wal-Mart or any automotive section etc.
I know that this is a simple install but for those who don't know about these neat little disconnectors I hope you got a little from it.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
One method to remedy this issue is to leave your RV plugged in to a power source (if you have an onboard battery charger) or leave your battery on a trickle charger. However, for many of us we have to leave our RV at a storage facility, or parked away from the house without a plausible way to leave the rig plugged up.
One simple method is to install a battery disconnector, as the topic of this post, I will show you how I installed a battery disconnector on my deep cycle battery. I had previously fully charged it after I found it dead (again) after fully charging it and reinstalling it on the trailer. :M
Kudos go to this forum for educating me about parasitic power drain and turning me on to a "battery disconnector".
Ok, first things first, Start with a fully charged deep cycle battery. (these things take a LONG time to charge from dead. )
Then pick up a battery disconnector. I got mine from Wal-Mart in the automotive section for less than $5.00.
I also picked these Coated Marine Battery Terminals up for about $4.00 at Wal-Mart. More on them in a few moments.
Install the battery terminal protectors that come with the Marine Battery Terminals
Now, Install the battery disconnector on the NEGATIVE terminal. Then I installed the black Marine Battery Terminal on the battery disconnector. I have it pointing down to fit in my battery box, You can position this any way you need to to fit your situation.
Fit your battery in your battery box. Notice that I also installed the Red Marine battery terminal? I did this because I wanted to use the wing nut for my wires, yeah, I know.. but I had it so what the heck right. In this picture the red connector is pointing to the left. After I got through with pics I moved it to point forward so the battery box lid would fit.
Now, remove your wing nuts and install your negative cables to the black Marine Battery Terminal. Attach your positive wires to the red Marine battery terminal, reinstall the Wing Nuts.
Now, test that you have a complete circuit. I tested the light on my tongue jack. Everything works!!!!
Congrats, you have successfully installed your battery disconnector. Your Deep Cycle battery thanks you. Now, Remove the green knob from the battery disconnector and you have disconnected your battery from the system. When you need to use your TT again, simply reinstall the green knob and your battery will be connected again and you will have full power. ( don't lose the green knob!!)
Oh, yeah, I think I used a 1/2 crescent wrench for the install. Super simple. You may have to use different parts depending on how your wires connect to your battery. You can get the parts for pretty much any need at Wal-Mart or any automotive section etc.
I know that this is a simple install but for those who don't know about these neat little disconnectors I hope you got a little from it.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
