Battery Disconnect Switch

[gdweb]

im installing a battery disconnect switch, i see alot of "never" hook into positive side. im installing it so i can keep my battery from being overcharged while on shore power. but im thinking if i go to ground side, battery would still be recieving the charge. Am i right or wrong in this thinking? was going to let converter continue running to keep sensors working.

[Old-Biscuit]

I have disconnect on battery bank positive cable to converter.........other positive leads are connected directly at battery prior to disconnect so that jacks/stabilizers/slides have power all the time.

[fj12ryder]

ScottG wrote:
Disconnecting either side isolates the battery from the charger.
I have my switch in the POS. side - works fine.

Ditto.

[Dakota98]

In consideration of "all" your questions.

The very best thing you can do for yourself, is read these TWO articles.

They are a "Must Read" for any RV owner.

http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

http://www.trojanbattery.com/tech-support/battery-maintenance/

[SailingOn]

Reasons to disconnect the negative side:
- often multiple wires on the (+) side, just one on the (-), so disconnecting the (-) is simpler.
- Most big 12v batteries are in cars, where inadvertently touching a wrench to surrounding metal and the (+) terminal causes sparks, shocks, sometimes fires. Touching (-) to ground isn't exciting. Of course, this doesn't apply to your RV since the battery isn't surrounded by metal.

[time2roll]

g4sbrg wrote:
can I add a question, on some other threads folks have talked about two or three bats inline, and also stated don't hook up an old battery to a new, I have a spare battery and was thinking of putting in my 5th wheel and installing a switch over from one bat to the other, charge one on the shore line before I go and the other on the road with the truck?? any comments ??

This is best covered in a new thread.

IMO the only time they need separated is when stored with no float charge.
Otherwise run them together is fine.

[time2roll]

2oldman wrote:

gdweb wrote:
im installing it so i can keep my battery from being overcharged while on shore power.

I'd prefer you replace your converter with one that doesn't do that.

+1

All other switches and fuses are on the positive so if you must have a switch I recommend staying with the existing convention. Electrically either side will accomplish the same result. If it is an exposed knife switch then I would be more inclined to go to the negative terminal to avoid accidental short circuit issues.

[g4sbrg]

can I add a question, on some other threads folks have talked about two or three bats inline, and also stated don't hook up an old battery to a new, I have a spare battery and was thinking of putting in my 5th wheel and installing a switch over from one bat to the other, charge one on the shore line before I go and the other on the road with the truck?? any comments ??

[2oldman]

gdweb wrote:
im installing it so i can keep my battery from being overcharged while on shore power.

I'd prefer you replace your converter with one that doesn't do that.

[B_O__Plenty]

The only reason to install a battery cut off switch is to shut the power off when in storage so the battery doesn't go dead from parasitic draws such as LP detectors, radio memory etc. The convertor in the trailer will automatically shut down before the battery is overcharged. If there was going to be a problem with overcharging the manufacturer would have already installed a switch. That being said, if you still want to install one it won't really matter which side you connect it to as once the battery connection is opened the battery is out of the circuit. It has to have both terminals connected to function. I installed mine on the positive side but it really doesn't matter.

B.O.

[ScottG]

Disconnecting either side isolates the battery from the charger.
I have my switch in the POS. side - works fine.

[Dakota98]

Your batteries will not receive a charge unless a complete circuit exists. You have a newer RV & the converter will not overcharge the batteries while connected to shore power. Make sure the batteries have adequate water levels. The disconnect, keeps the batteries from being discharged while in storage & shore power is not available.