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Old 09-05-2017, 09:59 AM   #1
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Battery draw when not using

What do most people do when not using camper for say a month or more, and not plugged into 110 shore power. I know there is a draw on the battery because of things like the radio light and perhaps there are other things using battery power. Another clue is a spark at the battery when I reconnect the battery cable. Do most just undo the battery cable or is there another method at the converter or better method. Still learning the ropes to having a trailer. Model is a 2011 ST25RB Sunset Trail.
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Old 09-05-2017, 11:28 AM   #2
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Most everybody who can't plug in, have installed a battery disconnect.

https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-.../dp/B001N729FS
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Old 09-05-2017, 11:35 AM   #3
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Thank lloyd. That's kinda the answer I was looking for. Disconnect the battery is the key, by whatever means possible.
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Old 09-05-2017, 12:32 PM   #4
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I really like this brand from camping world. Probably can get it on eBay also.
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Old 09-05-2017, 03:14 PM   #5
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I like that switch also Papa T, I agree adding a switch is the answer. Just went out to trailer to surmise where I might add it and just opening up the battery box again with that strap, location, and the pain in the a$$ it is, makes this an easy sell and smart solution.
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Old 09-05-2017, 04:21 PM   #6
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I used the same type of switch. Mounted it right above the battery box in the front end of my 5th wheel.

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Old 09-05-2017, 05:06 PM   #7
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Thanks again PAPA-T, I just ordered that same switch. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...0?ie=UTF8&psc=
Thanks 55wed55 for that pic, like that mounting spot, but for me I'll have to weld myself up a neat little bracket for right beside the battery box that should give me my best option and handy comfort.
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Old 09-05-2017, 05:42 PM   #8
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On mine the battery is in the large front storage on the right side of the storage. So on mine I have another storage compartment on the drivers side of 5er which is adjacent to the large storage where the battery is. So I drilled two 1" holes from the large storage into the other compartment. I ran the heavy wires from the battery through the two 1" holes (also put the wires through a 3/4 rubber hose which protects the wires going through the holes I drilled. So, when I want to turn off the disconnect switch I don't have to lean in the large compartment to turn the switch on or off. I simply open the side storage door and the switch is mounted there, (no leaning in to reach the switch).
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Old 09-05-2017, 06:00 PM   #9
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PAPA-T, Yea I have to admit I like the ideal of getting the switch out of the elements, I might have to take a more detailed look to making that happen. Would you happen to know what gauge wire the battery cables are made of? Just incase I go that route I can then make up my cables to the right length. I recall someone saying in another thread or somewhere that they used #6 but I couldn't find any writing on my cables to tell me there gauge, Thanks again.
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Old 09-05-2017, 06:11 PM   #10
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I would use #2 gauge wire
I don't know if you have a 5ver bit sounds like a TT.
If this is the case mount the switch near the front in a weather proof box
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Old 09-05-2017, 06:11 PM   #11
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The switch needs to be inside a storage compartment for sure. The reason I moved mine from the large storage to the side storage was simply easy access. Not sure. I went to an auto supply parts store and got the heaviest gauge they had for trucks.
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Old 09-05-2017, 06:36 PM   #12
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I mounted my switch to the outside of the battery box. No problems with it being exposed to the weather.
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Old 09-06-2017, 08:10 AM   #13
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On a previous travel trailer we had I was able to mount the switch next to the power center/converter which was located near the entry door. I just unhooked the positive wire that came in from the battery and hooked it to one side of the switch and then just used another short length of 6ga. wire to connect from the other side of switch back to the power center/converter.

As for the wire size, every RV we have had has always been 6ga..
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Old 09-06-2017, 09:14 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by campingcpl View Post

As for the wire size, every RV we have had has always been 6ga..
Same here, but when I added the solar panel and went to two 6V golf cart batteries, I rewired stuff and went to #4 for the battery cables.
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Old 09-11-2017, 07:47 PM   #15
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Installed my switch today. I went with the WirthCo 20387.
Disconnect Switches | Disconnect Switches | 2-Position Single Battery Disconnect Switch. I would have liked to install it into the through and through, but opted to make myself a box sealed on 5 sides with a hinged door opening. In order to make room I moved the battery-box over a few inches, then bolted my switch box to the frame cross members that supports the battery box. So built the box, painted it 3 times, got the switch from Amazon, and also a 18 inch 4 ga battery cable, some odds and ends hardware, probably cost $75.00 Canadian total. Cleaned up any wires that hung below the frame and things look clean as a whip now, just like it should be.. Incase any are wondering why I built my own switch box is because I could not find anything online that best suited this install.
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Old 09-12-2017, 09:29 AM   #16
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I would recommend you make sure the break away switch for the trailer brakes is on the battery side of the disconnect switch.

Second the battery drain may not be as much as you think because of the spark you get when connecting the battery. The converter has a fairly large capacitor on the input and the spark was probably from charging the capacitor.

Don't get me wrong a disconnect switch is a good deal for trailers stored without a shore power connection.
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Old 09-12-2017, 04:31 PM   #17
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Rcflyer, whenever this trailer moves the battery switch will be in the (on current) position. Just our way as we always stock the fridge the night before our travels. The main purpose for the switch to me is to eliminate having to wrestle with the batterybox while the trailer is parked on its bonnet for the few weeks between travels. Granted the natural draw on the battery wouldn't be 50% in a few weeks no plugged into shore power but it allows peace of mind that the battery is always full charged and eliminates the possibility of electrical fire and what other unimaginable, unforeseen issues that we all only ever hear about. This trailer is usually plugged into shore power for a day or 2 when we get home, and again a day or 2 before it's next travel to restock kinda thing. Otherwise all is dead, and if anything needs to be done, just turn on the switch. Easy easy.
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Old 09-14-2017, 06:51 PM   #18
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New to this forum. I have Sunset 250RB. It is a pain to get battery box cover off
due to location under front cap. What would be a good switch to mount on box?
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Old 09-14-2017, 07:04 PM   #19
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Quote:
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New to this forum. I have Sunset 250RB. It is a pain to get battery box cover off
due to location under front cap. What would be a good switch to mount on box?
I mounted this type on the side of the battery box.
ParkPower Contour Battery Master Switch-701CHRV - The Home Depot
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Old 09-14-2017, 07:08 PM   #20
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I used the WirthCo 20387, because I just liked it.
https://www.amazon.ca/WirthCo-20387-.../dp/B0058SGFLM
After receiving my online purchase was very pleased. But I did see another that is water and dust proof that might be an easier install. Here's a link/look.
Cole Hersee-Cole Hersee Switch Master Disconnect - 75920-75920
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