Battery Shut Off Switch

[Sopper]

All,

Based on input from this fabulous TM forum, I have invested in a Battery Doctor shut off switch to help preserve my battery over times of storage.

I have done some searches on the forum and have seen a few individuals who have installed one of these. I have a spare battery location (empty for the time being) that could be used as a shelter for this switch. However, I would like to see / hear where other TM owners have mounted such a switch. Your input, as always, is appreciated.

Attached it a picture of my new battery switch. You can also see this switch at Camping World (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...t-switch/69568).

Thanks, in advance, for your input

[Padgett]

Only issue I see about disconnecting the battery is that the radio will lose its mind & if you use Bluetooth (I keep about 5,000 songs on my cell phone), repairing will be required.

I connect a little 50 ma float charger to my batteries when left alone for a while. I suspect that would be enough to maintain for a long time.

Sopper - I did the battery disconnect with a switch that looks somewhat similar to the one in your picture (mine is not colorful). Comments:
1. Yes, the switch does stop battery drainage from items such as radios that drain the battery even when the TM is in storage, BUT you have to remember that with the switch turned OFF, your emergency brakes will not function - so, be sure to turn switch back ON before leaving home or storage.
2. My switch is located in the back bumper sewage hose storage area so I can get to it by unlatching the rear shell latches near the bumper without having to open the TM before each departure.
3. Hardest part of the task is determining the layout of where holes should be drilled in order to avoid the most obstructions when running the wires. Also, in the storage compartment where the battery is located, there is a lot of activity as various hoses, cables, etc., are put in and removed; so, you will want to channel the new wiring out of the way - I used electrical conduit and ties. Also, all wiring splices will need to be very secure.
4. Would I do it again, yes.

[Sopper]

Most newer, hard-sided campers have an internal battery kill-switch. This can stop the parasitic load / battery death that can happen due to the CO detector or the radio.

I would prefer not to run a fresh set of lines all the way back to the bumper as my battery is located in the front portion of the frame.

[Padgett]

Is that stock ? I thought the battery went in a recess in the compartment under the bed. Mine is.

[Sopper]

I have a 2010 and all the models newer than mine have the batteries on the front with the propane tanks.

[LoveToCamp]

I put my kill switch on the outside of my battery box. It sounds like you have an outside box, also. If you have room, you may want to put it on the battery box, but on the back side, so it is between the battery and the TM shell. That way, it is out of sight of nosy kids. Don't need one of them to mess with it.

With the kill switch outside, you can turn it on and turn on your exterior lights, if you want.

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by Padgett

Is that stock ? I thought the battery went in a recess in the compartment under the bed. Mine is.

Slideout (SL) models have the batteries in the back compartment under the bed. All the other models have them on the tongue.

Dave

[MarkoPolo]

My 2922KD has the battery under the slide out seat cushion curb side. The inside one half is the heater.

My 2001 3124KS has the battery in the kitchen counter on the driver's side. Behind the furnace and converter. Forward of the frig. So I guess they are different places on different years and models.