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Topic: Coach Battery Disconnect? (Read 1374 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Coach Battery Disconnect?

Reply #25 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Jack, Since one of the members didn't want to spend much, I just found a switch at a cheap price. Not a recommendation, but a link.

We always had a Cole Hersee M750BP or matching CH on all of our apparatus. FYI: Cole Hersee has most of their products made in China or ROC now.
 Pierce

I get it.  I know you did not reccomendj the $15 disconnect.  I see your high quality items that you have chosen to use, some found at bargain prices, given the time and good fortune to find. I appreciate your budget finds such as the recent solar panels you posted, so please do not change.

I also know some may see the $15 disconnect as a recommendation and buy it. We all make choices based on our experience, budget, recommendations. and research.  Mine lead me to the following purchases, I recommend both.  They are both IP66 waterproof, ISO 8846 and meet ABYC requirements. 

My house disconnect is a Blue Sea 350 amp, with 3/8 terminals, I recommend for $25 more.  I have too much invested in other electronics such as a new  inverter/charger to use less.
Amazon.com : Blue Sea Systems e-Series On/Off Battery Switch : Boating...

If the above one is too many $$, here is one of good quality, a little less build quality and amp rating for only $28.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00445KFZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_boTXEbQQDDGJB

As far as the chassis batteries I use the $64 HD Blue Sea 600 amp with 1/2 inch terminals that I trust to not snap off, or increase the resistance to a circuit that draws amperage supplying items I concider critical, my engine and Cummins starter motor.
Amazon.com : Battery Switch HD ON/Off : Boating Battery Switches : Sports &...

Like someone else said, just disconnect the cable from the battery, this would be the least expensive method, just not my choice.  So what I am saying here is, this is my choice, it may not be yours, do your research, make your choices, it is your money, you are the only one that knows your budget, and requirements.

Picture of mine before, and just disconnected.
Shared album - John Lewis - Google Photos

The following is after.
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97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Coach Battery Disconnect?

Reply #26 –
I also have a blue sea systems battery on/off switch between my start batterys and the coach. Can't go wrong with blue sea systems or marine components in general. You'll pay more for them though, but for the amount of money that we have invested in these things it's worth the extra cash.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Coach Battery Disconnect?

Reply #27 –
has anyone installed a multiple battery charger system like those used on boats. Just plug it in to AC power and it charges battery till it is fully charged then goes into a trickle charge to maintain the battery charge,
 

2006 Phenix 442
2018 F150
Yellow Lab "Rascal"

Re: Coach Battery Disconnect?

Reply #28 –
Quote from: twdickson –
has anyone installed a multiple battery charger system like those used on boats. Just plug it in to AC power and it charges battery till it is fully charged then goes into a trickle charge to maintain the battery charge,

The previous owner of my 1997 U295 installed the following in a compartment near and connected to the house batteries.  He did it because he believed it had a better charge profile than the original Heart inverter/charger.  When I bought my FT, one of the first things I did was upgrade the inverter/charger to a similar, but different, to your Xantrex 3000 unit like your Phoenix has. Your rv is already equipped with a very capable unit. Your Xantrex unit has exemplary charging capabilities.  Most of the replacement inv/chrg units on this forum are either Victron, Magnum, or Xantrex and are often marine rated and used on boats.  I then removed his 9200 Series charger, sold it for $175 on Craigslist, as it would be redundant.

Are you trying to maintain your house batteries or your chassis batteries?  This will change recommendations from forum member.  Why are you wanting to add another system?  Do you still have the original Xantrex 3000 Foretravel factory installed inverter/charger?

Thru the search function on this forum, are many opinions from separate solar maintainers to other maintainers from house to chassis such as the Magnum unit.

Amazon.com: Magnum Energy ME-SBC Smart Battery Combiner, Auto-Detect 12 or...

If you install the above unit, I would recommend using the solenoid option in the install instructions.

I have removed from my previous  rv, used  and recommend the above Magnum unit.  I also chose a chassis battery shutoff as the best solution for my needs as in post #25 in this thread.

This add on charger was on my rv when I first bought it, and I've since removed it.
Amazon.com: RV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger 60 Amp Progressive...


As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan