Battery bypass switch

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

If I had the disconnect switch, I'd have to remember which way is off and which is on.

There are labels for that.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

...If I had the disconnect switch, I'd have to remember which way is off and which is on.

If it is not off, then it must be on.

[santacruzer]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Why? If the two batteries are in series (as two 6V batteries would be), it is only necessary to disconnect a single cable.

Duh....right you are!

[thoer]

When I hookup up my external trickle charger on my dual 6v, I use the bypass switch to disconnect the batteries. I have alway wondered it if it necessary to do that?

[float5]

I think you should do what you are doing. But who knows?

[padlin]

I can't imagine it does any harm either way. I use my disconnect switch to trickle charge periodically in winter storage as I leave the batteries disconnected when it's not going to be used for a while. Saves any of the small draws, like the LP detector, from draining them. Used to pull the cables for the winter before I installed the switch.

[blugene]

The main battery switch should be turned off most of the time the trailer is in storage - because the propane detector is on all the time, thus will gradually drain the batteries. Even if the Escape is connected to AC, turn off the DC. But note: Do turn it on for a day or two from time to time, while hooked to AC, to re-charge the batteries.
2nd note: I tried to run my fridge on DC while I drove down the road, and it nearly emptied the batteries. Apparently my truck wiring does not carry enough current to replace the fridge drain on the batteries. I switched to using ice in the fridge while driving, it works fine.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by blugene

Apparently my truck wiring does not carry enough current to replace the fridge drain on the batteries. I switched to using ice in the fridge while driving, it works fine.

Or, it could be the alternator in the tug. Ice works tho. I guess you didn't want to run down the road on propane...

[Parker]

Originally Posted by blugene

Even if the Escape is connected to AC, turn off the DC. But note: Do turn it on for a day or two from time to time, while hooked to AC, to re-charge the batteries.

I'm curious to know why you feel it's important to turn off the battery switch if connected to AC while in storage. Why wouldn't I want to leave the battery connected so it's maintained at some sort of float charge without me remembering to switch it on occasionally to be recharged?

[cpaharley2008]

Sometimes, if batteries are constantly plugged in there is a possibility of "boiling" and you can lose some of your liquid. It is always a good habit to check your battery liquid once a year and add distilled water if need be. Other than that consequence, there is no need to turn "off" the battery. I have solar and every once in awhile I'll turn my switch off for 2 weeks and let the solar do it's job. Solar charging is more gentle on the battery.

[floorpanel]

I was under the impression that the dual 6 volt batteries were located under the dining area but have seen pictures that had them outside strapped to the back. Where are they located in the 21'?
Thanks

[cpaharley2008]

Each trailer model has them differently, on the 17' they are outside,on the rear bumper, on the 19' either in the front storage box or inside under front dinette, in the 21' they are located in rear, inside under the dinette.

[Parker]

Sure. I'm aware of the need to keep the battery topped up. When sitting connected through 120V, I seldom see it above about 13.2 volts, at least in cold weather, so I don't think I'm cooking the battery (just serviced it a few days ago). The first time I saw the solar panel take it up to 14.1 volts temporarily, I was a bit shocked until learning that's part of the charging schedule. Thanks.

[PAB4]

Ok. So now i'm confused. On my build sheet i have the solar panel. The primary reason for the Solar is to keep my battery charged. Will that not be efficent? I have ordered 1 95 watt panel

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by PAB4

Ok. So now i'm confused. On my build sheet i have the solar panel. The primary reason for the Solar is to keep my battery charged. Will that not be efficent? I have ordered 1 95 watt panel

The Escape supplied optional solar panel works great to charge your batteries, and allows you to stay for extended (potentially indefinite) time periods in unserviced campsites. With the solar panels, your durations of stay will be limited by your food, water, and waste rather than your power requirements.

[cpaharley2008]

In effect you have 2 charging systems, one solar and one 120v, both of which work together to keep your batteries charged for the times you do not have 120v available. You can turn off the switch and just let the solar keep the batteries happy, it just gives you more options, like a second pair of shoes.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Sometimes, if batteries are constantly plugged in there is a possibility of "boiling" and you can lose some of your liquid. It is always a good habit to check your battery liquid once a year and add distilled water if need be. Other than that consequence, there is no need to turn "off" the battery.

I agree. A suitable maintenance charger (or maintenance mode on a multi-purpose charger or converter/charger) shouldn't cause problems with over-charging or "boiling".