Solenoid as Battery Disconnect?

[Bipeflier]

Instead of a manual disconnect, can one use something like an older Ford starter solenoid as the disconnect? I have a single battery and typically do not boondock.

I would put a 12V key operated switch in the living area to control the solenoid.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[fj12ryder]

If it's hard to get to that sure makes sense. Work smarter, not harder.

[Bipeflier]

OP here. Thanks for all of the replies. I was looking for a way to drop the 12VDC without having to crawl into the storage area. Don't really have any other good place to install a manual disconnect. As for the key switch, it might stop accidental switching.

I will look into the latching relays and decide which way to go, solenoid or manual.

Thanks again.

[fj12ryder]

Just wondering why you want to add complexity? I mean, just wondering if there is some purpose, or you just like gadgetry? Or is the battery hard to get to? I like to keep things simple too, just one less thing to malfunction and/or repair.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

My 80 ampere Tyco draws eighty one milliamps.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

"Does not boondock" may be a clue...

[mike-s]

How many amps? Here's a 260 A latching relay. You energize one coil to close, the other coil to open. Draws no power when not changing state. You'd also need the mating connector and contacts (I think those are the right ones).

[MrWizard]

heavy duty relays/solenoids
are great for charge control/connection while driving the RV

not so good in a TT as a battery connect/disconnect relay
because they are a 'constant' power draw, when using the battery to power the TT

[fourthclassC]

While my 03 Winnebago Mini has the solenoid (upgraded to NAPA continuous duty as suggested by Mr. Wizzard many years ago) you might consider a solid state isolator

[YC_1]

Picture=137209718&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0]Picture

Rustycampercamps this is the KISS method.

Keep It Simple Silly.

Yep, solenoids are great fun and it will take you many hours to install one. If you are not up to speed it could cause more problems than it resolves.


The simple "knife switch" would get my vote all day.

[DavidP]

I just read Mr. Wizard and see he recommended the same. Agreed.

[DavidP]

An automotive solenoid will allow a slight parasitic draw while keeping the coil energized like others have mentioned. If you’re sold on installing a solenoid disconnect use a mechanically latching solenoid that is designed to be used as a battery disconnect. They are cheap and plentiful and will not draw any current through the coil when the circuit is open. If you want the disconnect inside the coach why not install a simple manual one inside. Less to go wrong and achieves the same result. Sometimes it is easy to over complicate things….I’m guilty.

[MrWizard]

go online and buy an RV/marine "latching relay" disconnect

the typical 'continuous' duty solenoid/relay will on 'using power' for the coil, the whole time you have the switch on camping

in other words a continuous parasitic DRAIN

not something you want to be happening

[Rustycamperpant]

I did a simple add to my battery box. I just installed a disconnect switch that I use only for storage. Not remote by any stretch, but it works and now I have no parasitc draw. Not sure if the pic links will work as I dont do this often....

http://s797.photobucket.com/user/Rustycampsalot/media/Disconnect%202_zpszeeyiuva.jpg.html?filters[user]=137209718&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0

http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy252/Rustycampsalot/Disconnect%201_zpskhsyjvel.jpg?t=1517723475

[time2roll]

I think you want a latching relay operated by a remote momentary switch.

https://pdxrvwholesale.com/products/rv-custom-battery-disconnect-latching-relay-rvc1002

https://www.prvparts.com/product-p/41968.htm