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09-21-2013, 08:01 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Boise
Posts: 35
M.O.C. #13340
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Battery shut off switch
I noticed even when the main battery shut-off switch is in the off position on my Montana 5th wheel, I still get a spark when disconnecting the positive terminal cable from the battery. I thought the whole purpose of this switch was to completely isolate and preserve the batteries when not in use.
What's going on??
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09-21-2013, 08:14 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
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If your rig has a remote control, the board for the remote remains energized. If you don;t have a remote, then the legs are still energized. I believe the only way to completely isolate the rig from the battery is to either unhook it, or put your own switch in that is directly connected to the battery. I opted for the latter and installed a marine type battery isolator switch since I also added a second 12v battery.
Bingo
__________________
Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
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09-21-2013, 09:52 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Arroyo City
Posts: 3,110
M.O.C. #13395
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Bingo is correct. Some draw on battery even with switch off on mine
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09-21-2013, 02:53 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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I intend to install a battery isolator switch in the near future. I want to charge my batteries via solar panel this winter.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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09-21-2013, 07:12 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
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I thought the disconnect just turned off the power to the rig's interior. That is, the brakes, slides and landing gear still get juice. This is why there'd still be a spark at the batteries. I believe the main goal is to lessen the drain from the propane alarm or other things that might accidentally be left on and drain the battery.
I use a blade style battery disconnect at the battery terminal itself. Then I can't even operate the slides of the landing gear for sure.
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09-22-2013, 02:57 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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With my switch off, I can still raise and lower the legs, and open and close the slides.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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09-22-2013, 05:11 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 532
M.O.C. #10378
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The idea of the original switch is to turn off every draw inside the unit, radios, power to boards in appliances, lights etc. The rest is energized, landing gear, slides, stabilizers, and the like. It is a very simple matter to install a marine battery switch which when set to off, nothing is active. I did mine with a Perkins marine battery switch and a short battery cable from wally world. I just wanted everything off when I was sitting in storage mode.
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09-29-2013, 02:45 PM
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#8
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Boise
Posts: 35
M.O.C. #13340
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I appreciate all of your reviews and supportive ideas and experiences. I now have something to go on. My only other question is "why did the Montana factory put the toilet in the middle of the bathroom floor?"
My knees hit the wall when sitting down and I'm not that tall? My next project will be to move the toilet back where it belongs? Happy days and safe travels.....
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09-29-2013, 04:42 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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As for the toilet ... take a look under it in the storage area ... on mine, a floor beam just ended up in a bad place in reference to the plumbing.
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09-29-2013, 04:54 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
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Well... I was surprised the other day I turned off my battey disconnect and my basement (12v) light stayed ON... Next time I need to cut battery power - like when I am installing a new 12v chandilier inside my front door - the battery terminals will be empty! I guess I had been taking a chance all these years and didn't realize it? Also - just a thought - do those batt disconnect switches go bad???
Additional note ~ My shore power was disconnected and my main breaker switch was turned off at the time... and I do not have a remote control.
And on the toilet seat, my 2007 3400RL could have been moved back 3-4" and it would have made a world of difference. Some members on this forum a few years ago showed the mod to move the toliet back - in a 3400. Our problem was solved mostly when the service center was replumbing our black tank a few years ago during a Rally and they surprised us with a new, taller stool at no cost. Big improvement. Awesome people there...
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12-12-2013, 11:10 AM
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#11
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Boise
Posts: 35
M.O.C. #13340
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Regarding the framing being in the wrong place, that's exactly what happened and the factory guys were too lazy to make a frame structure change to occomodate the toilet so, I figured out where I wanted the toilet and built a new frame around the drain line. My Wife is a happy camper now that she (and I ) can sit down and get back up easier. I wounder how many other MOC members had the same issue?
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12-12-2013, 11:58 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
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I have and several MOCers have addressed this issue. Do a search.
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