Kill Switch Question

[Dreamnair]

We've just taken delivery of a new-to-us '99 Excella (can't figure out whether it's 30' or 31'). We just noticed the kill switch behind the goucho, and it's in the "off" position. However, all the battery-operated equipment operates. Is this the way it's supposed to be?

John

[nate3172]

Any way to post a picture of it John? Specifically the back side of it where the wires are connected

[richinny]

if it's plugged in i think you're running off of the converter. in my unit, that switch diconnects the batteries.

[Dreamnair]

Nate, I'll try to get a picture tomorrow. The switch looks a bit like the key to a gas valve on a fireplace.

Richinny, I'm not plugged into the TV (if that's what you mean).

The manual says the kill switch should be "off" only when the trailer is in storage. Probably has something to do with minimizing battery drain. But I don't understand why I would still have 12v power in the trailer if the switch is off. (Actually I don't have much...I think my battery is almost drained, one way or the other.)

John

[jcanavera]

If that switch is turned the proper direction, it defiantly isolates the battery from powering any 12 volt device (other than the propane detector). In testing my '01 Safari with the switch on, the draw off the battery was .1 of an amp. I did the math and quickly understood the reason why my battery was dead after the trailer sitting several weeks in storage. With the switch off I found the draw at .01 of an amp (propane detector). Battery lasted much longer in storage.

Jack

[HiHoAgRV]

On my '91 34', the switch completely isolates the batteries from use. If plugged into 110V, the converter will still power the 12v stuff so you lights will work. I know this because I removed all of the stuff from the front of the trailer!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...oor-54952.html

I suspect the newer units like yours there might still be some safety stuff active like the CO/Propane detector.

[richinny]

Originally Posted by Dreamnair

Richinny, I'm not plugged into the TV (if that's what you mean).John

you must be plugged into 120v ac. i suspect that by now, everything is getting dim and your batteries are discharging. turn that switch to on and you might also now hear a louder hum if the batteries are now being charged.

[Dakota's Dad]

What Ricky is saying is, your shore power/umbilicle/exterior 120v plug... is it plugged in?

If it is, then your converter/charger is powering the 12v side, which is it's purpose, and of course to charge the battery to run 12v systems when not on shore power. A battery disconnect switch effectivly removes the battery from the system, so it can't overcharge when on shore power for extended periods, or for storage for extended periods. This is a good thing. But it also meens that if you are trying/need to charge the battery, it has to be in the "on" position to send or recieve power from the battery.

Battery maintenece and rodent control are probably the two hardest things about RVs.

[Dreamnair]

My trailer is not plugged into anything at this point--shore power or the TV. After using the front light for a few minutes and the jack stand, I just about drained all the power from the batteries. I just got a key to the compartments from the dealer yesterday, so wasn't even sure I had batteries. I suspect they are both old and may not hold a charge--that may be the crux of the problem.

Thanks for all the feedback...

John