RV Battery Disconnect Switches- Everything You Need to Know
Batteries can be a good source of power, the amount of power needed determines the type and number of batteries needed. Sometimes, they are mostly meant to save you especially when there are no other reliable sources of power. There are batteries that will save you when you are in a place with no electricity.
When you are camping with your family in an RV then you will need to use the RV battery disconnect. This battery needs to take care of these sources of energy for them to serve for long. The switch allows you to disconnect from the main power source and allows you to save on a lot of energy.
It also makes sure the battery is in mint condition. The reason for switching is to maintain the life of the battery. If you do not the battery will spoil.
> You may also like:45 RV Accessory Must-Haves for Your Travel Trailer<<
How does the battery work?
There are two modes to the switch, the automatic and the manual mode. So whichever model is chosen, the switch essentially works the same. The main job is to stop or break the connection. This connection is between the battery and the 12-volt fuse that provides or gives power to the lights and other electrical appliances.
All devices rely on the said 12 volts battery to provide power. Whether is it a small device or a really big one? This is how it works, basically by the breaking connection between two sources of power.
The purpose
The purpose of the switch is to conserve your RV power. When you are working on our RV it is important to switch off the power in order to conserve the battery. It can also be used to increase the life of all other appliances connected to the RV’s main power source.
Any electronic device you will be using during this whole camping experience is connected to the switch. So to maintain them, you have to make the switch. These devices can be radios, televisions, phones, the hot shower, the fridge. Basically, anything that consumes power. No matter how small or big it is.
> You may also like:Worst 5th Wheel Brands to Avoid <<
Should the RV battery disconnect on or off?
It is important to leave the switch off when disconnecting. This allows the batteries to discharge slowly but surely. By doing this, the slow discharge will not destroy your battery.
Of course, it will take longer to discharge the batteries when off but the battery will remain very strong as compared to discharging it when off.
This is advised when you are in a hurry but when you have all the time in the world, disconnect the battery first to maintain the battery’s life for way longer and to still conserve all devices connected to it.
How to install it?
Installing largely depend on what type of battery you decide to purchase. This is because some batteries require modification while others do not. But all in all, the setup is very quick and simple.
- The first step is to transfer the negative cable from the RV battery to that one on the switches’ side. Then another one from the switch to the battery which is usually shorter.
- The next step is turning the switch to achieve the disconnection that is now possible because of the connection made by the two cables.
This is the process of making the switch, pretty simple.
Conclusion
Optimal maintenance of the batteries ensures they are reliable all the time when needed. This also ensures that the power needed is produced as per the capacity of the battery. All this switching will help in maintaining your battery.
The battery will be in good condition as well. You no longer have to pay for maintenance or buy a new battery entirely. This is why the switch is made. Also switching off the switch helps to achieve this. Cut down on any expenses incurred by taking care of the battery.
Taking care of the battery will consequently help the rest of the appliances to be in good condition. In the long run, the whole camping trip will be a success and you will not run out of any power. All appliances will be fully charged as long as the batteries are always well maintained.
You may also like: Least-Visited National Parks: Why They’re Worth a Look<<
Related Questions:
RV Battery Disconnect Switches
Would you like to know a quick and easy way to disconnect your battery from your RV? With a battery disconnect switch, you don’t have to remove the negative terminal from your battery. An RV battery disconnect will come in handy anytime you want to store your RV out of use for a long time. Disconnecting the switch will allow your battery to discharge more slowly, save a lot of energy and help maintain the life of your battery.
What is a Battery Disconnect Switch?
A battery disconnect switch is a device that helps to cut off power from your battery when you store your SV so that the battery discharges slowly. When you leave the battery disconnected, the lights and other appliances will consume power discharging your battery quickly. When you disconnect the switch, it saves a lot of energy and helps increase the battery life. You can store your SV for weeks without minding about a frozen or dead battery.
Video Overview: Disconnecting Your RV Battery When Not in Use
Where is the Battery Disconnect Switch on the RV?
When you buy a new RV, you don’t want to spend a lifetime trying to locate the battery disconnect switch. In most RVs, disconnect switches are located near the battery or a nearby bay. In some RVs, you’ll find the switch located in the cabinet area.
> You may also like:Gas vs Diesel For Towing a Fifth Wheel?<<
How do You Disconnect an RV Battery?
When you want to the hard way disconnecting your battery, you need to do it meticulously to avoid the chances of sparks and shorting it out. The best way to disconnect an RV battery is by removing the negative terminal connection first. In this way, the positive terminal won’t accidentally contact a grounded surface and short it out.
How do Battery Disconnect Switches Work?
Instead of disconnecting your battery manually by removing the negative cable, a battery disconnect switch makes your work easier. The negative battery cable that comes from the SV is connected to one side of the disconnect switch. A second shorter cable is then connected from the other side of the switch to the negative terminal of your battery. When you engage the switch, you cut off the power flowing from the battery to the SV.
Is it OK to Leave RV Plugged in all the Time?
You can leave your RV in all the time when it is in use. When hiring an RV for the short term, leaving your RV plugged will help keep everything running the way you want. However, it is always advisable to unplug your RV when storing it for a long time. Unless you are checking it regularly, the battery can discharge and reduce its lifetime.
You now know why you should use a battery disconnect switch in your SV. You will keep your battery in good condition and save yourself the time and money needed to buy and maintain a battery.
> You may also like:How To Insulate an RV Underbelly? In 5 Easy Steps.<<
