Looking for battery disconnect switch recommendation

Any of the marine grade switches are going to be fine and will handle any current you can throw at them as they are made to stand up to starting current for big diesel engines. I would recommend going that route for one hat is going to be exposed to the elements. A lot of people go cheap at Harbor Freight or the local parts house. Some are happy with these, others not so much, but then I'm always amazed at the people who spend thousands on their truck and trailer, then wince at something that costs more than $20. Very few people have been unhappy with buying the best, and the best is barely good enough.

I have had a Blue Sea Systems disconnect switch mounted on the outside of one of the battery boxes for the past several years. No problems at all. They are made of boat applications so they are tough. They run about $35.

I installed one of these on my small boat, and will soon put one in my new trailer when I get a second battery. I'm old school and like to run on one battery, then switch to the backup so I can calibrate my remaining battery capacity usage.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems--Series-Selector/dp/B000K2MCR2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383935360&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+seas+battery+switch

wrvond wrote:

westend wrote:
One of the best:Cole-Hersey

I like that one a lot.
It looks like it could be useful boondocking too. Two banks of batteries in series could be isolated, making it easier to recharge, etc...

If you are only interrupting a single bank of batteries to the trailer, you'll only need a single disconnect switch. They are much cheaper than the one I originally linked. I have three of the Cole-Hersee M-750's doing duty as interrupters for two battery banks. The cool thing about the CH master switches is that the contactors inside the switch are sealed with an o-ring so that no moisture or acid fumes can get on them. The backplate is removable for servicing, should it ever be needed.

Ebay is good, and they deliver..:)

Any Parts store has them and they are inexpensive on EBAY $4.99

Check out marine supplies, lots of options. West Marine online, if nothing else around you. Made to be in a salt water environment and can handle voltage, amperage and the elements, plus keeps the batteries isolated. Used one for years and just like you mounted to the side of a battery box. Don't buy cheap, you get what you pay for. Perko is a good brand, amongst others.

However, if I did it again, I think I would mount it in a forward compartment, so I could have it in a locked location.

Harbor Freight has a couple simple battery disconnect switches, one
for 6.00 and another for 8.00 Just do a search on their website.

westend wrote:
One of the best:Cole-Hersey

I like that one a lot.
It looks like it could be useful boondocking too. Two banks of batteries in series could be isolated, making it easier to recharge, etc...

bob_nestor wrote:
This is a good one and reasonably priced.

http://www.cooltechllc.com/jeep/jk_batt_disconnect.shtml

I used to have a knife switch on a MH that mounted to the negative terminal of the engine's battery. It was effective, but not nearly as convenient as being able to flip or rotate a switch mounted on the outside of the battery box.

I am looking at the Blue Sea 9002e
but I don't think I need an alternator field and it isn't lockable.

It occurs to me that with two or more batteries connected in series, a disconnect that only controls one battery cable is all that's necessary. Other's experiences would be great, thanks.