What is the red switch

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What is the red switch

February 10, 2016, 12:01:20 pm

I THINK it's a switch to charge the coach batteries when running. It's always been off, am I right? $:-\$

Edited to put more descriptive title

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #1 – February 10, 2016, 12:44:51 pm

PERKO Inc.

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #2 – February 10, 2016, 12:59:15 pm

Mike based on Stumps response that looks like the switch to shut power off when coach is not in use so you don't drain your battery. Mine is a little different and it is located in the step well on the left as you enter. I turn it on when coach is in use and off when its not.

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #3 – February 10, 2016, 01:21:58 pm

"It's always been off" Hmm I wonder why? If it was me I would put a volt meter on the coach batteries with the engine running and see if the voltage rises when you turn it on. If so then its combines the batteries like the boost switch does. Normally off would then be it's proper position.

Keith

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #4 – February 10, 2016, 01:24:33 pm

Quote from: joeszeidel – February 10, 2016, 12:59:15 pm

Mine is a little different and it is located in the step well on the left as you enter. I turn it on when coach is in use and off when its not.

Does it look like this? If so, I believe it's called a "Salesman switch" and shuts off battery power to the coach only. If mine in the stern was a battery disconnect (since it's off right now), I'd shown no charging on my monitors. I'm getting confused

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #5 – February 10, 2016, 01:28:44 pm

Maybe it was to shut off the start batteries to prevent them from draining down.

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #6 – February 10, 2016, 01:45:40 pm

Quote from: John S – February 10, 2016, 01:28:44 pm

Maybe it was to shut off the start batteries to prevent them from draining down.

As we all spin in the wind....then WHY does the coach fire right up. I have a feeling Brett had something to do with this, if we could find him!

I find a "warning, shut engine down before switching off" notice (in small print) which leads me to believe "ON" gangs the coach batteries to the alternator, which would make sense if coming out of a dry camp and wanting to charge without the gen set.

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #7 – February 10, 2016, 02:27:48 pm

With that warning, I would think it is a battery disconnect switch. That would mean in the "off" position the batteries would be disconnected from the system and thus you could burn out the alternator if switched to the "off" position while the engine was running. Exactly as you just stated.

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #8 – February 10, 2016, 02:30:53 pm

Mike that is exactly what I have. When I'm plugged in my house batteries are being charged. I use a trickle charger to charge my engine batteries. I don't use the boost sw as others stated they do. as a matter of fact I don't believe I have ever used my boost sw. That salesmen sw. shuts off 12 volts inside the coach as you said. The sw in you original picture

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #9 – February 10, 2016, 02:39:00 pm

I think it's a switch Brett installed which basically replaces the isolator that came standard on the coach. It allows you to choose when you link all the batteries together, vs. just the alternator charging the engine batteries. If you'll search his posts using the keyword "isolator", I think you'll find a better answer.

Chris

On edit: IF that switch is at the foot of the bed, my comments are correct. If not - you're on your own :-)

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #10 – February 10, 2016, 02:54:05 pm

We have a after-market charging system that gets both our battery banks, so no worries on that level (I hope). The "red switch" issue is still on my pea brain. Let's see, it's about 1.00pm mst, temp in the eighties, I'm ready for a cold one!

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #11 – February 10, 2016, 02:58:50 pm

Quote from: bogeygolfer – February 10, 2016, 02:39:00 pm

I think it's a switch Brett installed which basically replaces the isolator that came standard on the coach. It allows you to choose when you link all the batteries together, vs. just the alternator charging the engine batteries. IF that switch is at the foot of the bed, my comments are correct.

If you're ever in town, I owe you one! Thanks, Chris

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #12 – February 10, 2016, 05:07:14 pm

Chris is correct-- he has seen it in our coach. You should have some paperwork showing the wiring. Absolutely not standard from Foretravel.

Yes, it replaces the diode-based isolator . Very KISS theory.

Two large lugs:

1. Alternator output (B+) and chassis battery
2. House battery

Switch off, chassis battery is charged with engine running, house battery is not (an excellent choice if you were plugged in last night and will be tonight-- no reason to use diesel to push the alternator to OVERcharge the house battery all day.

Switch on, both banks charged. Also excellent high amp mechanical battery combine switch.

But, as you noted your coach has a very high end smart charger that charges both battery banks automatically/independently.

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #13 – February 10, 2016, 05:30:15 pm

Haha, yes, I had a little inside information on that one. You have a great setup there!

Chris

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #14 – February 10, 2016, 07:16:48 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 10, 2016, 05:07:14 pm

Chris is correct-- he has seen it in our coach. But, as you noted your coach has a very high end smart charger that charges both battery banks automatically/independently

What I love about this forum! Thanks all.

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What is the red switch

February 10, 2016, 12:01:20 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #1 – February 10, 2016, 12:44:51 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #2 – February 10, 2016, 12:59:15 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #3 – February 10, 2016, 01:21:58 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #4 – February 10, 2016, 01:24:33 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #5 – February 10, 2016, 01:28:44 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #6 – February 10, 2016, 01:45:40 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #7 – February 10, 2016, 02:27:48 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #8 – February 10, 2016, 02:30:53 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #9 – February 10, 2016, 02:39:00 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #10 – February 10, 2016, 02:54:05 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #11 – February 10, 2016, 02:58:50 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #12 – February 10, 2016, 05:07:14 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #13 – February 10, 2016, 05:30:15 pm

Re: What is the red switch

Reply #14 – February 10, 2016, 07:16:48 pm

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