Battery knife switch install

[thebreezeman]

Has anyone found a knife switch or similar that can be easily installed on a new flying cloud to disconnect all battery drain while in storage

[idroba]

There are various battery switches which go on the battery terminals, used mostly by vintage car collectors. The problem with the Airstream battery box is that it has very little extra room inside it to accommodate such a switch. A second issue is that often the switches are not very high quality. And, hate to say it, but if you have the inverter option, you most likely have two sets of heavy cables going to your batteries, one for the normal coach loads and the other for the inverter. Both must be disconnected (usually on the negative side of the batteries).

I like the Perko brand marine battery switches, but they will not fit inside the battery box and even outside mounting is tricky and requires extending cable lengths.

On my FC 20' I put a pair of golf cart batteries in to replace the original #24's which required a lip to deepen the battery box. What I do to disconnect the batteries totally for storage is to remove the connecting cable between the batteries, as it is the easiest one to get to and only takes a couple of minutes and two nuts to be removed.

On my old Argosy, which has batteries inside the trailer, I use a Perko switch as there is a lot more room to work with.

Wish I had a good easy answer for you, but I have not found one.

[cwf]

Put a modern switch in your AS... look up 'Perko' .. PERKO Inc.

[mefly2]

Rotary switch that mounts between the battery post / terminal and the cable works well ... under $10 around here.

[Phoenix]

The link below contain details on the Perko marine battery isolator switch that I installed on our 19' Bambi. I did not have to lengthen any cables. However, our Bambi is not equipped with the factory-installed inverter that supplies 120 VAC power when boondocking.

Installation instructions for Marine Battery Isolator Switch

[idroba]

Phoenix: Any idea why the photos in your post will not show? I would really like to see them and all I get is a little blue box with a ? in it.

[emdubyadee]

I use a pair of these

Since my Airstream is in a storage facility, I remove the knobs and keep them in my truck for added security.

[55AS]

Originally Posted by emdubyadee

I use a pair of theseAttachment 233051

Since my Airstream is in a storage facility, I remove the knobs and keep them in my truck for added security.

I use these on my boat when in storage to prevent "phantom" battery drain. Works great and takes up virtually no extra space.

[aliner]

I use a MRTH Battery knife switch on my 2005 Safari. Fits in the battery box just fine. I use it to disengage the power to the solar panels when not in use. You can look at it on the Gemplers.com website or I can send you a picture on my installation.

Lynn