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Old 03-10-2017, 08:10 PM   #1
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What is this switch in the dinette?

Okay, I've read the entire owner's manual front to back and I still can't figure out what this switch is for that's in the dinette area. There's mention of a battery cutoff switch (in the manual), but I don't know if this is it since there isn't a photo of what it looks like. It didn't come with any labels. I'm sure I was told during orientation, but it was too much to expect my brain to remember.

Thanks!
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Old 03-10-2017, 08:13 PM   #2
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Yep, battery cut off switch.
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Old 03-10-2017, 08:16 PM   #3
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That is the battery cutoff switch. Being on battery power and then turning off the switch will tell you in a hurry. Loren
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Old 03-10-2017, 08:40 PM   #4
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And don't forget that you need battery power to operate your refer even if it's running on propane. So if your refer won't start, check to make sure you haven't accidentally cut off your battery power.
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Old 03-10-2017, 08:45 PM   #5
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Thanks folks. Time to print another label out!

And, Karen, nice tip on the frig situation. Didn't know that about the propane.

I'm pretty sure it's in the Up position, so that means I've not cut off my battery supply. In the Down position I wouldn't be running off the trailer's battery, correct?

Do I need to flip this switch when I'm hooked to shore power? If not, when the heck do you use it?

I know there was mention of it in the manual, but I just looked and I couldn't find it. It's not listed in the Table of Contents nor did I find mention of it in the Electrical System section or the battery in the Care and Maintenance section.

Going nuts here trying to get last minute stuff figured out before Sunday! Ack!
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Old 03-10-2017, 08:52 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner View Post
Do I need to flip this switch when I'm hooked to shore power? If not, when the heck do you use it?
No. The only time it would be off is during long term storage of the trailer. Any time you are using the trailer, it should be on.
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Old 03-10-2017, 08:58 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdf-texas View Post
No. The only time it would be off is during long term storage of the trailer...
...and that is to eliminate any phantom load on your battery when the trailer is in storage.
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Old 03-10-2017, 09:10 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner View Post
Thanks folks. Time to print another label out!

And, Karen, nice tip on the frig situation. Didn't know that about the propane.

I'm pretty sure it's in the Up position, so that means I've not cut off my battery supply. In the Down position I wouldn't be running off the trailer's battery, correct?

Do I need to flip this switch when I'm hooked to shore power? If not, when the heck do you use it?

I know there was mention of it in the manual, but I just looked and I couldn't find it. It's not listed in the Table of Contents nor did I find mention of it in the Electrical System section or the battery in the Care and Maintenance section.

Going nuts here trying to get last minute stuff figured out before Sunday! Ack!
Yes, you want that battery switch on. Not everyone has "on" facing the same way. Our "on" is up. I hope that they are staying with that but some have had the opposite. The switch will turn off your propane detector. Anyone with solar, with the switch off, their solar should still work as it is bypassed. We turn the switch off for storage. Someone working on the trailer might need it off for some reason.
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Old 03-10-2017, 10:50 PM   #9
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Laura, As others have mentioned, the propane detector is a vital safety feature whenever you are using the camper, but it appears to also be a real power hog on the on-board battery(ies). We have the solar option and want to rely on it to keep our single 12V battery charged up while we're not using the camper. But just one overcast, rainy day, and our battery dropped a full bar on the little graphic display. Sure, it charged right back up when the sun came out. But if it was garaged with no sunshine, based on the above, the battery could be dead in less than a week. But flip that toggle switch to "OFF" - no drain on the battery. Just be absolutely sure to flip it back ON when you start using the camper again. It's pretty easy to remember, because nothing (not even the dome or captain's lights) will work when it is OFF. It should have been labeled. Something that important, I bet ETI would send you one of their standard labels (which it should have had in the first place) to post below the switch.
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Old 03-10-2017, 11:28 PM   #10
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Hello NW cat owner.
So sorry about your loss.We are so attached to our dogs and cats.
Now, that battery switch at the dinette.I ordered a cover for it so I wouldn't get it shut off by accident.
Found the cover on Amazon for a few dollars,Shipped from California.Comes in different colours.Ordered a blue one to match upholstery.
Take care.
Allan.
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Old 03-11-2017, 01:34 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by War Eagle View Post
Just be absolutely sure to flip it back ON when you start using the camper again. It's pretty easy to remember, because nothing (not even the dome or captain's lights) will work when it is OFF.
True that nothing inside the trailer should work, but it is important for owners to know that it does not kill everything 12V on the trailer. Brian B-P explained this best in a prior thread. Some things always have power if a battery is connected like the breakaway switch for brakes. This is good in case you forget to turn the switch on right away after pulling it out of storage it still keeps this safety mechanism intact.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...tml#post183859
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Old 03-11-2017, 09:01 AM   #12
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... Now, that battery switch at the dinette.I ordered a cover for it so I wouldn't get it shut off by accident. Found the cover on Amazon for a few dollars,....
Allan, Do you have an item name or part number I can use to search Amazon. I seem to be finding everything except what I think we need to protect that switch. Initially, I didn't think we would need to protect it, but after inadvertently hitting it a couple times with my leg, I now think it's a great idea before I break it. Dale
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Old 03-11-2017, 09:44 AM   #13
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Allan, Do you have an item name or part number I can use to search Amazon. I seem to be finding everything except what I think we need to protect that switch. Initially, I didn't think we would need to protect it, but after inadvertently hitting it a couple times with my leg, I now think it's a great idea before I break it. Dale
Hi: War Eagle... A plastic Wallo Mart custard cup with the proper size hole drilled in the bottom is enough to cuddle the switch and protect it from being shut off inadvertently. It doesn't hurt to have a close friend and 5.0TA owner who already did this mod either. Sorry no pic's as yet. Alf
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Old 03-11-2017, 10:22 AM   #14
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http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...itch-9420.html
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Old 03-11-2017, 10:26 AM   #15
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I haven't come to grips why the switch is that accessible. First chance I get, I will relocate it next to the battery under the seats and something else will fill in the hole.

The only times I could see that switch being used is for long term storage which in Texas, really doesn't happen. We travel all year long. If you are a full timer, it makes even less sense. So why install it right where it can easily be bumped?

Oh well, one more item on the list.
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Old 03-11-2017, 10:41 AM   #16
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I haven't come to grips why the switch is that accessible. First chance I get, I will relocate it next to the battery under the seats and something else will fill in the hole.
Maybe we are an exception, but in over 6 years with the 19, it never once got accidentally hit. I see some folks taking precautions, but how often has it been accidentally hit, and if so did it cause any big problems?

If it were located elsewhere, it would be better with an easier access than under a bench, though it would be best right near the DC supply, and that does not leave a lot of options.
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Old 03-11-2017, 10:54 AM   #17
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Hello Dale and all.
Regarding the switch.I have been purchasing most of my stuff from Amazon, but this one came trough EBay.com.Sorry my mistake.
Here it is:Look for switch guard cover.Scroll down to:Toggle switch safety guard or cover.
# on our blue is 665011.Comes in many different colours.Easy to install.
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Old 03-11-2017, 11:28 AM   #18
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Here is the direct link , Allan. Swtich Guard

Looks good.
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Old 03-11-2017, 11:28 AM   #19
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...but how often has it been accidentally hit, and if so did it cause any big problems?
Only once in four years. No big deal.
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Old 03-11-2017, 11:33 AM   #20
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Thanks Eric.
Perfect.
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