Forum Discussion

captpar's avatar
captpar
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013

Salesman switch 12 volt power on/off

The 12 volt power solenoid is acting up again,I replaced it once several years ago. Does it serve any purpose other to turn off the. 12 volt service to the coach? What I want to do is just bypass it by taking the red wire from the left side post of the solenoid and the the two red wires from the right posts and bolt them together and cover with electrical tape and not ever have to deal with it again. What do you think,BTY,I have a spare solenoid that I can install but really don't see the need if there isn't any negatives about bypassing it.
Class A
  • midasman's avatar
    midasman
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2013
    I should have added that my solenoid is in the left front storage compartment with all the other chassis fuses. Sorry.
  • midasman's avatar
    midasman
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2013
    I think we are misunderstanding Captpar's question. He is talking about the switch on the RF dashboard that turns ALL the overhead flourescent aisle lights on or off. The solenoids work better if replaced with a marine unit that is better sealed from moisture. However, I did put ALL the wires from the right post onto the left one and pulled the fuse in the solenoid. It's done fine for 4 years...No effect on battery charging.
  • captpar's avatar
    captpar
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    Today I just went ahead and installed the new switch that had carried for 4 years as a spare after the last one failed. Thanks all for the replies.
  • resqguy's avatar
    resqguy
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    I guess you guys are all full timers. I wouldn't dream of bypassing mine. I would be worried about having dead batteries when I go to use the coach. I also use it when I'm working on things, electrical or otherwise.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 25, 2013
    I use the Use/Store (Salesman) switch to turn off ALL 12 volt power and thus all the DSI appliances (Furnace/water heater/fridge) on the motor home when refilling the propane tank.

    Beyond that.. It's usefulness depends a lot on your converter.. Mine is a top of the list 3-stage Plus (Progressive Dynamics 9100 with wizard) so it's not much use. Other folks have low end single stage units and .. Well, see post about boiling batteries above.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 25, 2013
    you do know , It is Not a 'salesman' switch
    it is RV storage 'Battery Disconnect' switch

    the salesman uses it so he doesn't have to go around the RV and make sure everything is turned off
  • Mike_M2's avatar
    Mike_M2
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    From the Four Winds owners manual....

    There are three main uses of the battery disconnect:
    1. Prevent unwanted discharging during extended periods of storage.
    2. Prevent shorts or fire hazzard while working on the 12 volt electricl system.
    3. Prevent overcharging of batteries if the motorhome is attached to shoreline power for extended periods.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2013
    Yes....many do exactly what you're talking about.

    Mike M2....You probably don't want to hear that yours shouldn't work that way, but some are adjustable. Mine was adjusted wrong for years and was overcharging my batteries. Now mine works perfectly.
  • wilpower's avatar
    wilpower
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2013
    I know several people that have bypassed the solenoid, with no ill effects.

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