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Topic ClosedDead batteries

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JandL View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Dead batteries
    Posted: 24 Jun 2016 at 11:56pm
I am guessing you have the “HELLA 100A Rating Battery Master Switch” $18.00 from Amazon. For me I would be leery of a battery switch that goes for $16-18. On the Hella web site it says in reference to this switch “Note: Not suitable for areas exposed to water or moisture”. I am not sure it would fit but something like a Blue Sea Systems m-Series Mini Battery Switch would be something to look at.
JandL
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 12:40am
My guess is a bad switch. I see several similar looking switches, with similar looking key shapes, on Amazon for $7-$9. My guess is the switch got water inside and corroded so it neither isolates nor connects. That would explain the drained battery, the weak or flash reading on the gauge, and the lack of 12V operation. I agree on the $18 switch and that goes triple for a $7+ switch. 
Charlie
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 7:06am
Agreed also. Get a switch that is waterproof. Look at my mods for the one I use. It specifically says it is waterproof.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 7:16am
Ditto !
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 8:42am
Thanks guys I was wondering if the gauge wire I use on the jumper could be a problem too. It is very thick. The batteries on these definitely get wet, I had one that the case drain sat on the tongue so that it couldn't drain and I went out and the battery case was full of water. I was considering making some kind of rain awning. Anyway I will not be such a cheapskate on my next switch
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 9:57am
The gauge of the jumper isn't a problem. For that short run anything #8AWG or larger (smaller number AWG) is adequate. It's also standard Pod owner procedure to drill several 1/4" holes in the battery boxes to let rain water out. They will fill up. 
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JandL View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 10:02am
When dealing with battery's the larger the wire gauge the better, you will less voltage drop. Also drill some hole in the bottom of your battery box to allow the water that gets in to drain out.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 10:47am
Originally posted by JandL

When dealing with battery's the larger the wire gauge the better, you will less voltage drop. Also drill some hole in the bottom of your battery box to allow the water that gets in to drain out.


Yep that's what I did.
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