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Old 11-07-2017, 03:43 PM   #1
OldRetiredMSGT
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Angry Battery Disconnect

Got the trailer back from the shop again today and the disconnect switch was swinging from the wire cable. What position should the switch be in? Tried everything I can think of but nothing seems to make a difference. There is nothing in the Good Old Keystone Owners Manuel. Thanks Frank
 
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Old 11-07-2017, 04:31 PM   #2
Theunz
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Are you plugged into shore power? If so the 12 volt will be energized by your inverter, unplug from shore power and try. Also if plugged into your TV I think it will also bypass the disconnect.
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Old 11-07-2017, 04:50 PM   #3
dieselguy
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If you can pull the key out ... it's off
If you cannot pull the key out ... it's on
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Old 11-07-2017, 05:34 PM   #4
jfaberna
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With the key out, you still have load on your battery. The LevelUP and slides will still function without the disconnect Key installed. So you will have drain on the battery. If you have the RV plugged in to shore power, leave the battery connected. If the RV is stored without shore power, disconnect the negative lead of the battery to kill all drain on the battery. I got tired of that and put in one solar panel and controller to keep the battery charged.
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Old 11-07-2017, 06:35 PM   #5
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It's not just level-up and slides. The propane detector and many of the 12v controls will still be drawing juice and will kill your battery in a short time if you store it and don't pull the negative side.
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Old 11-07-2017, 07:17 PM   #6
coachgrowl
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Thanks I learned that but still keep battery connected because I am too lazy to disconnect the ground.
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Old 11-08-2017, 09:45 AM   #7
OldRetiredMSGT
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Battery Disconnect

Thanks to everyone that replied to my stupid question, but here goes another. About to embark on our migration to MacDill for the winter if we can keep this Montana out of the shop long enough.
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Old 11-08-2017, 03:47 PM   #8
bigred715
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I pull both batteries and store them in garage plus put the on charger every once in awhile.
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Old 11-09-2017, 09:51 AM   #9
AZ Traveler
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Does any of you understand why the Montana battery switch does not completely disconnect the 12 volt system? On my last rig nothing 12 volt worked without the battery turned on.

Also does the battery switch need to be on for the battery bank to be charged by your truck while towing?
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Old 11-09-2017, 12:54 PM   #10
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My rig is charged by truck no matter where the battery disconnect switch is.
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Old 11-10-2017, 05:54 AM   #11
psomers
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Install one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Graceme-Batte...connect+switch
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Old 11-15-2017, 05:21 PM   #12
beeje
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Very simple solution. I installed a battery cut off switch on the negative cable going from the battery/s to the frame of the camper. If I ever have to completely disconnect, its simply a turn of that switch ( as long as its not plugged into shore power) and there will be NO draw on the batteries.

The factory switch disconnects 12 volt power going to the panel in the camper. There are many items directly connected the battery that do not draw power from the panel box.
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Old 11-20-2017, 08:15 PM   #13
Phabask
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my disconnect switch didn't have any thing connected to it, the factory didn't wire it period, after a couple hours and some new wire, only the smoke detectors will stay on after the switch is turned off, I have discovered keystone couldn't wire a dog house correctly, I have replace a bunch of the wire the 12 volt system to fix the voltage line loss,
Know Im happy with the electrical system.
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Old 11-20-2017, 08:27 PM   #14
coachgrowl
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I also hooked a disconnect on the negative battery post. Now 1 switch turns everything off. No more dead batteries. I am still lazy at least my wife thinks so and she is usually right.
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Old 11-21-2017, 03:52 PM   #15
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Battery Disconnect

We recently purchased our 3791RD and I have a question on the battery disconnect switch(s). There's one in the front battery/generator compartment which doesn't appear to do much as when not connected to shore power or a generator I can still turn lights on in the unit? My thought is that the switch would halt all power supply to the unit? There's also a battery disconnect in the Utility closet on the side of the unit...does this disconnect power to the water heater? Lots of questions as the Owners Manual is devoid of sufficient information/diagrams, etc. Thanks
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Old 11-21-2017, 08:31 PM   #16
Carl n Susan
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The disconnect in the front compartment is solely used to disconnect the 12V power to the dedicated inverter which supplies your residential refrigerator. The disconnect in the convenience center disconnects the 12V power to MOST (not all) of the 12V devices. Notable exceptions include the hydraulic system and the propane detector.
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Old 11-22-2017, 04:12 AM   #17
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Thanks much for the prompt reply. Other than MOC, is there a recommended source to gain a more technical understanding of 5W's. Will keystone provide a wiring and or plumbing diagram of our specific 5W model if requested?
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Old 11-22-2017, 10:47 AM   #18
Carl n Susan
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The MOC is the best, if not the only, source of knowledge for all things Montana. Anything you likely need to know is here and that can't be said for any other RV forum that I am aware of.

You can ask Keystone for wiring and plumbing diagrams but all you will get is the response "they don't exist". This has been tried numerous times over the years with no success. Do a Search on "wiring diagram" and experience the frustration others have felt.
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Old 11-22-2017, 11:42 AM   #19
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Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Old 11-27-2017, 06:20 PM   #20
paulinbaja
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The items remaining on landing gear, slides are high current and connect to the battery because it is close to the items that have their own fuse large wire short run is important with DC.
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