Where do you suggest I install my battery disconnect? - Dutchmen Owners
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Old 03-19-2019, 08:38 PM   #1
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Where do you suggest I install my battery disconnect?

I’m tired of my battery being completely drained every week while in storage so I bought a disconnect. Should I mount it inside the frame rail next to the battery or does it need to go inside the front storage on my 299BHSL?
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Old 03-19-2019, 09:06 PM   #2
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Mine was mounted to the frame rail from the factory, no problems after 4 years.
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Old 03-19-2019, 10:03 PM   #3
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I am getting ready to mount my battery switch as close to the 2 batteries as possible. Just make sure yours is water/resistant proof. Or install it in a "box"
Good luck!
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Old 03-19-2019, 10:40 PM   #4
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Where you mount your battery cut off switch depends on its design. Is it weatherproof? Is it resistant to road salt and dirt? Is it explosionproof? Flooded cell batteries emit hydrogen gas when they are charged. Any unsealed switches should not be mounted in the battery compartment. Only sealed switches are likely to last long mounted outside on the front A frame.

Electrically it does matter. Of course your TT battery supplies house 12 volt power, but it also supplies emergency break power if your TT becomes detached from your tow vehicle.

If you never make mistakes, connect it close to the battery positive terminal. Otherwise insert it after the emergency break tap and before all other taps.
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Old 03-20-2019, 03:29 AM   #5
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I installed mine right to the inside of the A-frame next to the batteries right after the self-resetting circuit breaker.
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Old 03-20-2019, 04:05 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Occupant5143 View Post
I installed mine right to the inside of the A-frame next to the batteries right after the self-resetting circuit breaker.
A good spot for a sealed switch!
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Old 03-23-2019, 04:25 PM   #7
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I put mine on the side of the Battery box ...cables inside drilled hole for switch to be outside
I put switch on negative cable ...to interrupt completion of circuit ..
switch on positive side will promote corrosion on switch .. from what I learned years ago in the Machinery industry
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Old 03-24-2019, 03:53 AM   #8
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I'm with Mongo. Mounted my switch on the top of one of the battery case covers. Easy. I bought 2 6 volt batts, bought 2 battery cases. Cut the case top and handles on one side each so they would fit really close together. Wired them in series and put the switch on the positive cable (sorry Mongo) with the output of the switch going to the factory hot lead to the trailer.
To mitigate corrosion, I coated the terminals with liquid electrical tape that some hate. I like it. Regardless, the system works for me very well...and the switch is right there for me to turn on/off. With the handle coming out and being stored in the trailer. I store a second switch handle in my truck.
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Old 03-25-2019, 04:00 PM   #9
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Just finishing up my second battery and switch install. This switch is a cut off and can switch between battery one and two. Installed in a box with the "short stop breaker". Keeping it out of the elements



Just need to clean up the cables and get some thumbscrews for the cover. And gook up the holes on the bottom of box.
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Old 03-26-2019, 01:20 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by ArmyVeteran View Post
Just finishing up my second battery and switch install. This switch is a cut off and can switch between battery one and two. Installed in a box with the "short stop breaker". Keeping it out of the elements



Just need to clean up the cables and get some thumbscrews for the cover. And gook up the holes on the bottom of box.
Very nice work!

What boxes do you recommend to protect from the elements, but still provide easy access?
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Old 03-26-2019, 05:03 AM   #11
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Very nice work!

What boxes do you recommend to protect from the elements, but still provide easy access?

Thanks.


I used this box:


https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-Gray...on-Box/3127463


I will replace the fastening screws with thumb screws for easier access. Takes a little modification.
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Old 03-26-2019, 04:29 PM   #12
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Thanks.


I used this box:


https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-Gray...on-Box/3127463


I will replace the fastening screws with thumb screws for easier access. Takes a little modification.

Also will paint the box black. Fastened on side of frame. Will post a final picture when all done.
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