battery disconnect

[Astrodokk]

I just could not find info on this in search. I'm looking to install a battery disconnect of some sort in my '81 moho so that my batts don't die so quickly, especially the crank one. Before I take a trip, I have to charge the batts with charger overnight.
My Vintage Corvette buddies use different types, since they don't drive their babies every day. Some have a green knob, which many dislike. Some have a metal bar or handle that they can "switch" on and off. Others have a "battery brain" that does it for them. I don't mind doing it manually since I'm already in the moho and it's convenient to open the compartment (unlike a car hood). Any suggestions as to what is used in these motorhomes? Thanks.

[str8strm]

the pot metal they make them out of is soo cheap, we had one break off while waiting to cross the border in Mexicali!! and its replacement broke on the freeway in San Luis Obispo. Both times we lost all power to the Moho because the alternator could not keep up when we tried to start the genny for AC. We were able to trace down all the draws on the battery and have not needed one for 2 years. ON our 85 we have a switch that allows us to shut off the coach/house batteries but have not needed it either because we traced the draws. The switch is in the battery drawer near the door on our coach. We just got a mini solar panel for our tow vehicle that plugs into a cigarette lighter---that might help you keep them charged while sitting.

[Astrodokk]

I saw a picture of the lever type somewhere...I think I may want to use one of those.
The reason I need one is not because my batts draw current so fast, it's because I don't take the Airstream out much anymore because my kids are now grown and they have other interests. Sad but true. I may be selling soon, but for now, I use it occassionally for myself. Next month my family is visiting from WA and I will be picking them up in my Airstream in style!
So, since it just sits, I want to disconnect it and perhaps it doesn't have to go thru so many charges. Thanks.

[Astrodokk]

I found it. I think the knife (or Frankenstein) swith is what I will do. Is the green knob the one you say is pot metal?

[bkahler]

Here is the type of disconnect switch that I prefer. Our 1984 310 motorhome has one like this mounted to the inside back of the drawer.

eBay Motors: Longacre 45761 Battery Disconnect Panel Switch IMCA (item 330246579914 end time Jun-29-08 19:57:39 PDT)

Brad

[richinny]

do you have a gasser or a diesel? you'll need a switch with an amps rating to match.

[bkahler]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the disconnect switch on our motorhome ONLY disconnects the coach batteries from the coach. It does NOT disconnect the engine battery.

An engine battery disconnect is something I've been thinking about adding but just haven't had the time to do it.

Ricky is correct you want to make sure the switch is rated for the load you're pushing through it. For a coach battery disconnect the one I posted is more than adequate. For the the engine battery disconnect you need to determine your current draw when cranking the starter before selecting a switch.

Brad

[Excella CM]

These items from Cole-Hersee should do nicely. I use one of the big round ones and they also come with a key lock to lock all systems off.

[Astrodokk]

Oh thank you guys. I have a gasser (454). That's some good info. Indeed, I was talking about the engine battery. That's the one I always charge to get it started after several weeks of non use. I have a solar trickle charger that I bought to keep it charged, but I was told that at night it drains the battery again since no sun. So I never used it.
Isn't the current draw when cranking the battery the same for all vehicles? It's a 12V system, yes? Just like in cars. Why does one have to find out the amp load rating. I don't know how to do that! Won't one size fit all?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Astrodokk

I have a solar trickle charger that I bought to keep it charged, but I was told that at night it drains the battery again since no sun. So I never used it.

Not true. The battery will not discharge if you leave the solar trickle charger hooked up over night. We used to use one on our motorhome until it went bad and it worked great.

Isn't the current draw when cranking the battery the same for all vehicles? It's a 12V system, yes? Just like in cars. Why does one have to find out the amp load rating. I don't know how to do that! Won't one size fit all?

We use one similar to the one I posted on my wife's race car with no issues although its only a 1300 cc engine compared to your 454. My guess is the one I posted will work fine for a 454.

Also the one Excella CM posted would probably work nicely as well.

Brad

[richinny]

Originally Posted by Astrodokk

Isn't the current draw when cranking the battery the same for all vehicles? It's a 12V system, yes? Just like in cars. Why does one have to find out the amp load rating. I don't know how to do that! Won't one size fit all?

diesels, because of the high compression, draw more, MUCH more. those switches look ok. item descriptions online might give amp ratings.

[Excella CM]

The round black switches are 300 A continuous and 500 A intermittant (starting). They have switches up to 1200 amps. Dual battery switches allow yu to use both batteries for starting, to select a single battery, or to shut off all power. There is no momentary disconnect while switching and they are designed for marine use. They are the cat's p.j.'s

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Excella CM

The round black switches are 300 A continuous and 500 A intermittant (starting). They have switches up to 1200 amps. Dual battery switches allow yu to use both batteries for starting, to select a single battery, or to shut off all power. There is no momentary disconnect while switching and they are designed for marine use. They are the cat's p.j.'s

I just realized the switch you're talking about looks a lot like the one in our 1974 20' Argosy motorhome as shown in the picture below. I have no idea if its original to the motorhome or if some previous owner installed it.



You can ignore the sticker on the dash, it wash there when we bought the motorhome and we haven't had time to work on it as yet (although the sticker might be appropriate ).

Brad

[malconium]

Here is one that might do the trick.

Battery Disconnect

Malcolm