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Old 07-31-2021, 05:31 AM   #1
Mcsarge8
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New and Love this Forum

New to this forum and it is fantastic! Just upgraded from TT to Montana 3113MS!! We love it!!! I have not figured out the two Batt switches (front bay and convenience center) and what they do yet- it is a head scratcher- but I am sure someone has had the question here and I will start searching!!!
 
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Old 07-31-2021, 05:52 AM   #2
DadsHemi
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I believe those are a 12v power disconnect, shuts power off for the entire RV. I only have one in our convenience center.
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Old 07-31-2021, 06:42 AM   #3
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Thanks! Just can’t figure out why 6 plugs and full size fridge don’t work- I can turn both Batteries switches on and the plugs work- I noticed the one batt switch in front at the batteries is wired to the inverter- trying to figure out should I leave both on while plugged in to shore or cut both off- but if both are off then this plugs and fridge don’t work? Confusing!!
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Old 07-31-2021, 07:30 AM   #4
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I take it you have a Residential Fridge so the switch in the back of the Battery compartment shuts power off to the inverter which runs the fridge while traveling. You should be able to leave that switch on all the time unless you need to work on the inverter.
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Old 07-31-2021, 07:53 AM   #5
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Ok, just figured that out- now I am trying to figure out the batt switch in the convenience center- also I just figured out the batt switch for the inverter also operates the 6 various plugs inside the camper- real head scratcher for a novice electrician like me!!
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Old 07-31-2021, 08:46 AM   #6
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McSarge8, the battery switch in the convenience center is confusing. It turns off coach power to SOME 12v systems. In is not a true disconnect. It does not shut off power to your landing gear or CO detector among other things. If you can pull the key out, the battery power to the coach is off. If it won’t come out, you have 12v power inside the coach. Hope this helps.
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Old 07-31-2021, 09:03 AM   #7
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Perfect and thank you for the help! I think I am going to go through and document what each Batt Switch controls- I just tested the DC Batteries again after two days while hooked up to shore power, both batt switches on, and I am showing 13.8 which I am now figuring the batteries are being maintained. Does that sound about right?
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Old 07-31-2021, 09:10 AM   #8
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Welcome to the forum! Yes, your converter is maintaining your batteries taking 110 and making 12v from it. I don't use the convienence center shut off for anything because if you use that as a disconnect the things still drawing power will kill your batteries in just a few days. I pull the negative ground on my batteries if I'm away from the camper and not plugged in.
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Old 07-31-2021, 09:16 AM   #9
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Yes, the voltage is correct. However, true battery monitoring is done using a shunted meter such as the Victron or Bogart style battery monitor. It will depend on how you use your Montana. Things like how many batteries, what type (wet cell, lithium AGM), how many ah of battery, do you boondock or strictly from park to park will determine your needs. With a residential fridge, I would recommend a minimum of two 12v or 6v batteries even for park to park. Just my personal opinion. If you boondock, watch TV and brew a pot of coffee, your needs will go up. Then I would recommend a battery monitor as well. Good luck with the new Montana. And safe travels.
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Old 07-31-2021, 11:57 AM   #10
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Thank you for the information I will be looking into a battery monitor! now I am moving on to figuring out the best TV set up in order to view two separate TVs
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Old 07-31-2021, 03:19 PM   #11
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McSarge8-
I assume you are referring to satellite. If you are referring to over the air, you need to run auto scan on each TV separately. If you are referring to satellite, and can swing it, I highly recommend the Winegard Travl’r. It will power multiple TV’s. If you get one of the portables, it is a little more challenging (or can be). Good luck.
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Old 07-31-2021, 03:21 PM   #12
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By the way, come to the rally and learn all of your trailer systems from the experts. Couldn’t think of a better way to learn.
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Old 08-01-2021, 05:54 AM   #13
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Thanks all!! This forum is tremendous!! I just hope I can add value they way you all have!! Very much appreciated!!
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Old 08-03-2021, 01:00 AM   #14
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Welcome to the forum!
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Old 08-19-2021, 06:03 AM   #15
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Welcome to the forum from NY.
You've received good advice. I had the same experience as you. I learned to just leave both shut-offs on all the time. I added a disconnect to the negative side of the battery for when I store it without shore power or it's at the dealer and the battery will stay up for a long time.

You've come to a great place as the help you will get here is priceless.
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Old 08-21-2021, 08:26 PM   #16
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Thank you! Great advice! I am now trying to figure out how to empty fresh water tank before towing ha! Travel trailers are so much easier! But so glad I converted to Montana!
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Old 08-21-2021, 08:48 PM   #17
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my 3931fb has a hose that has a white cap underneath in the rear to drain fresh water. is there a reason you want to drain it to tow? just wondering. we always have some fresh on board to use the restroom and wash our hands when traveling. as for the satelite system i have a brand new winegard traveler for sale if interested in az
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Old 08-22-2021, 06:49 AM   #18
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I will keep a few gallons in tank just a preference not to tow with a full tank- adds weight etc…. Good luck selling your satellite- I have Pathway x2 and really like it!!
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