Battery Cutoff Switch (es)

I have a 2007 28RK. The batteries are located on either side of the trailer in front. They are routed seperately to a panel and then into the trailer. To effectively mount cutoff switches I would need to mount 2 switches, 1 for each battery on either side of the trailer. Does anyone know why they are not connected together in parallel then into the trailer?


[url=http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/javascript:emoticonp('')][/url]

must be something unique to west coast models ?

Seems like you could tie in a single switch after the panel you speak of .

I was hoping to hookup the batteries in parallel and then put a single cutoff switch before the panel. But wasn't sure if this would overload the breakers in the panel.

ribbs65 wrote:I was hoping to hookup the batteries in parallel and then put a single cutoff switch before the panel. But wasn't sure if this would overload the breakers in the panel.

I dont think I would hookup two 12 volts together in parallel it just doens't sound good to me. I think it would be safer to just put the cut off switch on each battery then you done.

I parallel my 12v no problem. Ground to ground, pos to pos, then run a wire from the a positive terminal and ground terminals to the respective places. Put one cutoff switch on the ground side. You get more battery life out of a paralleled set then 2 batteries connected 1 at a time.

Joel

ribbs65 wrote:I have a 2007 28RK. The batteries are located on either side of the trailer in front. They are routed seperately to a panel and then into the trailer. To effectively mount cutoff switches I would need to mount 2 switches, 1 for each battery on either side of the trailer. Does anyone know why they are not connected together in parallel then into the trailer?[url=http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/javascript:emoticonp('')][/url]

Your batteries are in parallel; the only other choice is series which would be 24V. You just need to put the switch on the output of the "panel", or reconfigure the wiring.

bsmall2800 wrote:I dont think I would hookup two 12 volts together in parallel it just doens't sound good to me.

If there is more than one 12V battery in a 12V system, the only way it can be done is by running them in parallel.

Well let us know how it works out for you.

As stated parrallel will increase your amp hour capacity while keeping the voltage the same. Just don't hook them in series since then you would have 24v. I only have one house battery on my 09 32QBBS and I am going to mount a perko marine battery on/off switch this week. If the trailer is left unplugged for more than a week the battery is almost completely drained. There must be some 12v loads that are a constant drain or I have a ground problem.

BayouDude wrote: There must be some 12v loads that are a constant drain or I have a ground problem.

You have the propane sniffer and the Concertone that constantly draws power. You can pull the fuses our for each, which will stop your battery from being discharged. Concertone fuse in in the fuse panel, propane sniffer should be up near the battery.

I always pull mine for the winter.

I mounted 2 switches next to the fuse box. One controls the Concertone and the other controls the sniffer and the furnace / A.C., I shut these off while camper is not in use and it took care of the draining battery problem. First chance I get I'll take pictures and detail which wires to reposition.

I solved this problem by removing all the screws on both battery boxes. They are not needed. The tops stay on without the screws. Then I remove the wing nuts on both negative posts, and remove the ground wires. Very fast and simple. I also use the Battery Tender when storing the WC. Check online for the best price and Summit will beat any online price. I will add some pictures tomorrow.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DTN-0220165DLWH/

I did it the simple way like maxtor a few times. then I had to order the new breakers and ordered the cut off switch also. Makes it easy for the wife to open up the camper if she needs to if I'm not there. The switch is worth the money.

Maxtor, thats the same charger I installed on my Cat. Works great I dont remove any terminals, just plug the charger in and leave it....not one problem yet batteries remain at 100%.

bsmall2800 wrote:Maxtor, thats the same charger I installed on my Cat. Works great I dont remove any terminals, just plug the charger in and leave it....not one problem yet batteries remain at 100%.

Hmmm... good idea. I did not know how the draw from WC would effect the charging cycle. If you have tried it, and it works, then that is a very good solution. The cutoff switch is also a good idea,,, both ways work.

I installed my perko battery disconnect on the wildcat last night. Only took about 15 min. Most of the time was moving my junk out of the pass through so that I could work. I used a piece of welding lead I had around the shop to go from the + terminal to the switch then brought up the house and landing gear motor + wires. Switch looks nice and clean sitting just above the battery and now my battery can be isolated between trips to prevent discharge. I will try to post some pics when I get a chance. Next mod I want to do is to add some molding around the laundry chute (hole in the floor). I find that they left the cut out too rough for my liking and the linoleum is lifting around the rough opening.

I leave my 09 qbbs plugged in year round. I have never had any battery over charge problems. This year it stayed plugged in for over 90 days straight b4 we too it out fly fishing for 5 days. But from about Nov 15 through May it stays pugged in to the 120v with no problems. The battery terminals are clean and no signs of bulging, leaking or gunk build up.

Albuquerque, huh? Just down the road from me :)

I don't know what converter you have, but mine is a parallax 7355 which is just a dumb single stage charger. This means that leaving it plugged in will eventually contribute to extreme water use, and left to it's own devices will destroy the battery over time. Typically, this isn't a problem so much in the winter here in Albuquerque, but in the summer can be bad. If your battery voltage is sitting at 13.6 or so all the time, that will ruin the battery eventually.

I suggest an popular resource that is more qualified to explain it then I.. 12 volt side of life More specifically, the Converters vs. Real battery chargers.

Now if your unit came with a WFCO, Iota DLS, or Intelli-power then this wouldn't be an issue because those are real battery chargers AND converters.

Joel

I do as rekop2500hd does, leave the trailer plugged in year around, replaced original battery after three years. Check water when ever I think about it, add some once in awhile, never very much.