Electric Cut-Off Switch

[StewNTexas]

I do not fully understand the cut-off switch mounted just inside the entry door on my motorhome.

When leaving it for a few days, and it IS connected to 110v shore power, which way should this switch be left.

I do want to keep the house batteries fully charged, but do not know if switching to OFF will keep the built-in charger active for charging the house batteries, and do not know if this will also keep the starting battery fully charged.

Is there a hard and fast rule for this?

Thanks....

[RickO]

IMO the switch should be left "on"... meaning that your house batteries will still be supplying power and receiving a charge. I see no benefit of turning off the switch when connected to shore power.

You'll have to check your manual, but I believe that you have a trickle charger which keeps your chassis batteries also charged when connected to shore power... so long as the chassis battery cut off switch is left on as well.

Best of luck

Rick

[BFlinn181]

That switch is used only for long time storage when not on shore power. Turning it off while connected to 120 v serves no purpose unless you don't care about battery life. Also, according to how your unit is wired, turning off that switch might also deactivate CO and LP detectors, the trickle charger for the chassis batteries, etc. As long as batteries are checked for water levels, there's no harm leaving it plugged in.

[amanda_h]

Unless the previous owner installed a Trik-L-Start or an Echo Charge, I don't believe the 2005 Sightseer came from the factory with a built-in trickle charger for the chassis batteries.

So, if you are living in the unit and parked on a pad somewhere (or storing it) plugged into shore power, your chassis batteries will probably lose their charge within about three or four weeks if the engine isn't started.

To avoid a dead chassis battery, what we like is the new Amp-L-Start which is the upgrade to the popular Trik-L-Start made by LSL. The Amp-L-Start is comparable to the Xantrex Echo Charge but for half the price. It's easy to install and works like a charm. I just helped a guy put his in and he loves it. Their technical support is also excellent.

Trik-L-Start

Amp-L-Start


-harry

[srt20]

On my 2000 winne, the house batteries charge whether the switch is on or off when plugged in. It never charges the starting battery unless the battery boost switch is pushed.

[Clay L]

The manual for my 2004 Sightseer says to use the battery disconnect switch when connected to shore power for extended periods of time. If you don't want to do that you need to check the battery electrolyte level at least once a month.
That's what I do.

I installed a BatteryMinder Plus to keep my chassis battery charged.

[Dave78Chief]

Based on the wiring diagrams for your rig (Table of Contents) turning the Battery Disconnect OFF will isolate your converter from the coach battery. To maintain a coach battery charge on shore power, you must have the Battery Disconnect ON. However, be aware that that model of converter has a high float level voltage that is known to boil batteries dry. You should monitor the battery water monthly to avoid boiling the battery dry when using the converter to maintain battery charge.

Dave