Deep cycle battery switch

[jaiman]

I only got about a year and a half out of my deep cycle batteries. (2) According to the guy at Napa one of the possible reasons they both died is that there might be a slow continuous drain on them. He suggested I install a disconnect switch. Makes sense to me. Questions: Which side pos or neg? He thought the possitive side but wasnt really sure. Has anyone else done this. I found a great spot in the belly storage locker right in front of the steps. There is a box riveted there to protect the positive cables that run through it. Any thoughts or pics from any one would be greatly appreciated.

Jai

[garry]

"They" say negitive side but I cut the positive.
This is a less expensive version of cutoff switches and works fine. I think its good for 100 amps. Key can be removed I have a tie on it to keep from loosing it.

I think the best source for cut off switches is any marine store if there is one near you.

Garry

[jaiman]

I just removed the protective cover for the cables in the trunk and find there is some sort of solenoid looking device that all the power is connected to. I assume this is the starter assist solenoid. I figure I can remove the deep cycle cable and attach it to one of the poles then take another new cable and attach it to the solenoid. This should enable me to mount the switch to the cover.

[Chaplain Kent]

Originally Posted by jaiman

I only got about a year and a half out of my deep cycle batteries. (2) According to the guy at Napa one of the possible reasons they both died is that there might be a slow continuous drain on them.

I was told to keep the batteries fully charged and then they will not be subject to premature failure. We use our Chummy every week during the summer and almost that often in the winter. I do have a trickle charger for marine batteries that I put on when we are not leaving for over a week.