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01-19-2017, 08:51 PM
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#1
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Journeyman
2016 25' International
Amherst
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
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Welding Connectors as Battery Disconnect?
Read online (somewhere) a "pro tip" that you could use welding wire connectors as a really nice and clean method to disconnecting/connecting RV batteries. Seemed like a VERY neat idea and I wonder if anyone has tried it?
They were talking about these things:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DCZR7...I1ZGEYOQUDIOXW
Anybody try it? Seems like a great idea!
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01-19-2017, 10:03 PM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 28
Fallon
, Nevada
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 45
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only if you use it on the ground terminal
It will work if you connect the negative battery terminal to the female and connect the ground wire to the male connector.
Don't even think about putting it on the hot side because the battery positive terminal is hot and the output of whatever you use to charge the battery also can be hot. You don't want them to short out to ground through the male plug.
Just like the rule, "always disconnect the ground side of the battery before doing any work."
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01-19-2017, 11:26 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Genoa
, Nevada
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,554
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Airstreams come with a quick disconnect, they aren't rated for quite so many amps as welding, but aren't they good enough?
__________________
I admit to being powerless over housecleaning and social niceities
Airforums 22655 and now, WBCCI 22655
NevadaGeo
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01-19-2017, 11:42 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1990 34' Limited
2013 27' FB International
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 208
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I say give it a shot. Sturdy and dependable. I Don't see any downside using them. I curious how they turn out.
Keep us informed
Thomas
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01-20-2017, 02:38 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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I would use only Anderson Power Products connectors. They've been used for decades on forklift batteries, everywhere.
They connect both the positive and negative sides with a single plug. They have arc absorbing, flat wiping, silver plated, spring loaded contacts.
Also, you might not need connectors rated for whatever these are rated for. It doesn't say what the rating is, or if these are approved by UL or any other agency. Unless you are running some really large loads like a big inverter you shouldn't need more than 50 or 60 amps through the connector. Depends on your individual setup, but 400(?) amp welding connectors may be larger than you need.
Finally, there are several negative reviews on the Amazon site you linked to. These don't appear to be quality merch.
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01-20-2017, 05:14 AM
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#6
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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They will work but they are very bulky compared to the typical RV disconnect plug, as a result much more cumbersome to work with. Rated at 250 amps.
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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01-20-2017, 05:20 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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I'm always amazed at some 'work arounds' when a clean, permanent solution already exists for a total battery disconnect. The simple addition of a Blue Sea Systems 'M-Series' marine disconnect switch to either the positive or negative battery cable will give you a simple, effective way to remove all loads from your batteries with an easy 1/4 turn of the switch.
Permanent, water proof and solid...... rated up to 300 amps continuous.....but I guess some MUST find their own path regardless......
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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01-20-2017, 05:37 AM
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#8
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NevadaGeo
Airstreams come with a quick disconnect, they aren't rated for quite so many amps as welding, but aren't they good enough?
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The newer trailers don't have those.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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01-20-2017, 06:07 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NevadaGeo
Airstreams come with a quick disconnect, they aren't rated for quite so many amps as welding, but aren't they good enough?
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I have never seen anything like that on an Airstream. Not on my 64 or 2006.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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01-20-2017, 06:56 AM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2013 23' FB Flying Cloud
Jericho
, Vermont
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 123
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We've used a simple battery disconnect for years, works fine for us.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Dan
__________________
Dan and Chris (and Lindy and Milo)
2013 Flying Cloud 23FB
2014 Tundra DC 5.7L / ProPride / Tekonsha P3
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01-20-2017, 10:37 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Genoa
, Nevada
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,554
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
The newer trailers don't have those.
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Well sorry, didn't know the new fangled things let a good product go. I found that picture from a quick search for Airstream battery quick connect.. Maybe somebody knows why Airstream went away from these?
https://www.google.com/search?q=airs...Fm-cXVjn7yM%3A
__________________
I admit to being powerless over housecleaning and social niceities
Airforums 22655 and now, WBCCI 22655
NevadaGeo
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01-20-2017, 01:05 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
1990 34' Limited
2013 27' FB International
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 208
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
I'm always amazed at some 'work arounds' when a clean, permanent solution already exists for a total battery disconnect. The simple addition of a Blue Sea Systems 'M-Series' marine disconnect switch to either the positive or negative battery cable will give you a simple, effective way to remove all loads from your batteries with an easy 1/4 turn of the switch.
Permanent, water proof and solid...... rated up to 300 amps continuous.....but I guess some MUST find their own path regardless......
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Lew,
Do you have a picture of this type of disconnect switch installation?
Thanks
Thomas
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01-20-2017, 01:20 PM
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#13
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,836
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tbeck11931
Lew,
Do you have a picture of this type of disconnect switch installation?
Thanks
Thomas
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Google is your friend. Easy on a Mac - highlight the product description, right click and use 'search with google' "... Blue Sea Systems 'M-Series' marine disconnect switch"
__________________
Ray B.
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01-20-2017, 01:23 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Vintage Kin Owner
Sonoma Co.
, California
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 297
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VTSmitty,
FYI, you can buy that same switch at Harbor Freight for half the price of Amazon. Only drawback is you have to install it directly onto a battery post.
Like Lewster, I use a marine switch, this one by Hella.
Buy it at Westmarine.
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01-22-2017, 09:18 AM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
2013 23' FB Flying Cloud
Jericho
, Vermont
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 123
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USAtraveler
VTSmitty,
FYI, you can buy that same switch at Harbor Freight for half the price of Amazon. Only drawback is you have to install it directly onto a battery post.
Like Lewster, I use a marine switch, this one by Hella.
Buy it at Westmarine.
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Harbor Freight is cheaper, but the shipping costs erase the benefit. The Hella switch is a good one, we use that for our Solar system disconnect and it has held up well.
__________________
Dan and Chris (and Lindy and Milo)
2013 Flying Cloud 23FB
2014 Tundra DC 5.7L / ProPride / Tekonsha P3
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01-22-2017, 10:00 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
hartselle
, Alabama
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 582
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I would rather have a switch to disconnect the batteries versus the welding connectors (anderson connectors). I use the anderson connectors for a winch/Jumpstart port on all of my 4x4`s, they are straight forward and easy to use......
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01-22-2017, 10:58 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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I may have misunderstood the application recommended by the OP.
I recommended the Anderson connectors thinking that the OP was physically disconnecting his battery with the purpose being removal of the battery.
That's what I do every fall when I put the Airstream away for the winter.
Otherwise, if you only want to electrically disconnect the battery, a switch is obviously easier.
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01-22-2017, 11:03 AM
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#18
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Journeyman
2016 25' International
Amherst
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
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That's what I want: complete disconnection of the battery for removal. Welding connectors seems nice and compact for doing so.
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01-22-2017, 01:14 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
hartselle
, Alabama
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 582
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel
That's what I want: complete disconnection of the battery for removal. Welding connectors seems nice and compact for doing so.
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Anderson connectors will do the job you are looking for. For what it's worth I soldered the wires into the connectors on all of my trucks as I didn't have a crimper stout enough to crimp them.
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06-23-2017, 08:14 AM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
1962 22' Safari
1964 26' Overlander
1965 26' Overlander
Wenatchee
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
I'm always amazed at some 'work arounds' when a clean, permanent solution already exists for a total battery disconnect. The simple addition of a Blue Sea Systems 'M-Series' marine disconnect switch to either the positive or negative battery cable will give you a simple, effective way to remove all loads from your batteries with an easy 1/4 turn of the switch.
Permanent, water proof and solid...... rated up to 300 amps continuous.....but I guess some MUST find their own path regardless......
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Lew,
I always zero in when you reply to questions on the forum. I enjoyed listening to your advice at the Vintage Trailer Academy in NM. I wish those were still happening! I learned SO much!
I know it probably depends on which trailer but I was wondering if you could point me to a photo of the installation of the Blue Sea disconnect switch. Is normally installed inside the trailer? On the tongue?
Thanks for you help.
Laura
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