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09-21-2013, 07:34 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
Golden Valley
, Minnesota
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 10
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Master kill switch
I have a 2005 International and want to know where the master kill switch is. Can't find it in owners manual. I have AGM batteries and normally pull them out over the winter - then I keep them in my garage and periodically throw them on my BatteryMinder charger. Someone suggested just using the master kill switch and leave the batteries in place over the winter but I have no idea where it's located.
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09-21-2013, 07:47 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
1993 21' Sovereign
Colfax
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,254
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Don't you have the switch by the door with the red LED and the "use/store" option? That's your switch, and it doesn't shut everything off.
__________________
Terry
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09-21-2013, 08:20 AM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Golden Valley
, Minnesota
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 10
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Yes, I do have that but like you said, it doesn't shut everything off - there's still a small amount of power coming thru. I am referring to the master kill switch which will kill ALL power. I understand it is a knob/handle type thing that you turn. I looked under the front couch to no avail.
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09-21-2013, 08:29 AM
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#4
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CLOUDSPLITTER "Tahawus"
2003 25' Classic
Zanadude Nebula
, Milky Way
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,814
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Way up North...
I'm not as far up as you....but I still take 'em out for Winter.  BSTS
Bob
__________________
“I’ve always thought that over planning was just a firewall against not being sure of what you really want to do.”
RLC
Tahawus
🌤
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09-21-2013, 08:53 AM
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#5
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Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,678
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HilaryStep
Yes, I do have that but like you said, it doesn't shut everything off - there's still a small amount of power coming thru. I am referring to the master kill switch which will kill ALL power. I understand it is a knob/handle type thing that you turn. I looked under the front couch to no avail.
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On the newer trailers the master kill will remove power from everything except the propane detector. I pull my batteries during winter storage otherwise they would be dead by spring.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500,'14 Honda CTX 700
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09-21-2013, 09:00 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member 
2004 34' Classic S/O
Stafford
, Virginia
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 266
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I do not pull mine anymore. Instead, I installed a solar battery charger. I checked my Lifeline AGM batteries several times over the winter last year, and never had less than a 13.6 charge.
__________________
Mike, Miho &
S/OS#069
TAC # TX-33
WBCCI #5702
"Eva" 2004 Classic Limited 34' S/O
"Wall-E" 2012 Ford F250 King Ranch
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09-22-2013, 08:21 AM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Golden Valley
, Minnesota
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 10
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Thanks for your replies but my main question is where is it located. People say it's kind of like a dial that you turn. Anybody got a picture?
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09-22-2013, 08:40 AM
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#8
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CLOUDSPLITTER "Tahawus"
2003 25' Classic
Zanadude Nebula
, Milky Way
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,814
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If you can find the converter the switch should be nearby....ours is under the the front couch, the switch is on the right, converter inside. 
FWIW....ours does not shut everything down, you will have to install your own "isolation" switch for that option.
Bob
__________________
“I’ve always thought that over planning was just a firewall against not being sure of what you really want to do.”
RLC
Tahawus
🌤
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09-22-2013, 08:46 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,716
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On late models, maybe yours, there is no master kill switch, just the "Use/Store" switch by the door. The "Store" position will leave only the propane detector working. (The trailer tongue jack is direct wired through its own fuse to the batteries.)
Do you have a factory solar system with your AGM batteries? If so you can leave the "Use/Store" in either position and it will keep the batteries up. If no solar, disconnect the batteries for long term storage.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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09-22-2013, 12:30 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,333
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From everything I've read Airstreams have a Use/Store switch OR Master Kill switch depending on year built, NOT both, unless another switch was added.
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09-22-2013, 12:44 PM
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#11
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Home of Vortex tuning
2013 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Spearfish
, South Dakota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 607
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The use/store switch is always hot, along with the propane detector, and front jack.
I pull the positive lead off the batteries, and add a dashboard style solar charger @ .85 watts. The constant fog in Morro Bay doesn't help much though.
__________________
"Chip Tank" is in Redcrest Ca.
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09-22-2013, 01:46 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
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See details describing the installation of a marine battery isolator switch at this link:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ml#post1350746
After installing this switch, turning it to OFF will completely disconnect both batteries from your Airstream and eliminate all parasitic drains.
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09-23-2013, 02:14 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Golden Valley
, Minnesota
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 10
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Was to -I think you hot it on the head - you either have a kill switch OR the "in use" / "store" button but not both. I'm in MN and will pull my AGM batteries. I store it inside so the solar won't help. Thank all of you for your remarks. Jack Canavera - I camped at Wagon Wheel Campground in Door County and met you in maybe 2003. Thanks for your great replies to folks, I always enjoy your answers!
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09-23-2013, 03:34 PM
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#14
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Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,678
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HilaryStep
Was to -I think you hot it on the head - you either have a kill switch OR the "in use" / "store" button but not both. I'm in MN and will pull my AGM batteries. I store it inside so the solar won't help. Thank all of you for your remarks. Jack Canavera - I camped at Wagon Wheel Campground in Door County and met you in maybe 2003. Thanks for your great replies to folks, I always enjoy your answers!
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I remember you! I have. picture of your trailer at the campground. Was up there last year in August. Still one of our favorite places to stay.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500,'14 Honda CTX 700
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09-23-2013, 08:13 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
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My 79 had the converter wired into a standard light switch to turn it (the converter) on or off. Is disconnecting the converter the same as the master kill switch? There is no other switch that I can find on mine...
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09-23-2013, 08:28 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KYAirstream
My 79 had the converter wired into a standard light switch to turn it (the converter) on or off. Is disconnecting the converter the same as the master kill switch? There is no other switch that I can find on mine...
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A master kill switch is one which disconnects the 12 volt batteries completely from the trailer. Not the same as a switch which turns off the converter/charger.
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09-24-2013, 06:24 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1995 30' Excella
Bowie
, Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,344
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KYAirstream
My 79 had the converter wired into a standard light switch to turn it (the converter) on or off. Is disconnecting the converter the same as the master kill switch? There is no other switch that I can find on mine...
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A lot of older ones didn't have a master kill switch. If you want one, the easiest thing to do probably is to install one on each battery. Slightly harder but more convenient is to install a master kill switch somewhere in the wiring between the batteries and the loads.
__________________
1995 Airstream Classic 30' Excella 1000
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with Cummins 6.7L Diesel
Sold but not forgotten: 1991 Airstream B190
Sold: 2006 F-250 6.0L Powerstroke Supercab
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09-24-2013, 07:09 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skater
A lot of older ones didn't have a master kill switch. If you want one, the easiest thing to do probably is to install one on each battery. Slightly harder but more convenient is to install a master kill switch somewhere in the wiring between the batteries and the loads.
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Good thought. Was having a brain lapse when I posted though.....all my fuses have been switched out with breakers, including main breakers for the entire 12 volt system, which I suppose in effect accomplishes the same thing as the kill switch.
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09-25-2013, 06:31 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1995 30' Excella
Bowie
, Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,344
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KYAirstream
Good thought. Was having a brain lapse when I posted though.....all my fuses have been switched out with breakers, including main breakers for the entire 12 volt system, which I suppose in effect accomplishes the same thing as the kill switch. |
Only if you shut them off every time. And keep in mind things like the jack might still be powered.
__________________
1995 Airstream Classic 30' Excella 1000
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with Cummins 6.7L Diesel
Sold but not forgotten: 1991 Airstream B190
Sold: 2006 F-250 6.0L Powerstroke Supercab
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