cutoff switch - R-pod Owners Forum

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Hi-Line

Newbie

Joined: 11 Jun 2015
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Posts: 24

Topic: cutoff switch
Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 6:53pm

Thanks...good advice!

furpod

Moderator Group - pHp

Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128

Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 6:46pm

Just get the single mode switch. It will be fine. The either/or/and switches are handy for marine use, but not really needed for RV's.

WillThrill View Drop Down

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Joined: 04 Jul 2014
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Posts: 298

Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 6:14pm

The issue you run into with such switches is that lead acid batteries should not left off of a charger for an extended period of time, certainly no longer than a month. To maximize their lifespan, they should always be left on a 'smart', computer controlled, 3 stage charger. This can be done by either leaving your Pod connected to shore power when not in use so that the onboard charger will keep the batteries charged or by putting an external charger on the batteries while they are either still in the Pod or out of it. I always take the batteries out when we aren't using the Pod and leave them on a Battery Minder #1500 charger.

Remember that lead acid batteries self-discharge 3-5% per month, and the more discharged the battery is, the more harm is being done to it every day. Every day that a lead acid battery isn't on a charger is some amount of time off its lifespan. By far the #1 killer of lead acid batteries is not being charged sufficient/properly.

"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

2014 Hood River 177
2005 GMC Envoy XL

Hi-Line

Newbie

Joined: 11 Jun 2015
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 24

Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 5:49pm

I'm thinking about having a cutoff switch installed so I don't have to disconnect the two batteries when I'm not using my r.pod 179. The guy I talked with about installing the switch said he can get one that would allow me to switch off one battery at a time or both batteries, or I could get a slightly less expensive one that would switch off both batteries. I can't think of a reason why I might want to switch off only one battery, but maybe I'm overlooking something. Any thoughts?

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Hi-Line Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 24	Topic: cutoff switch Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 6:53pm
	Thanks...good advice!

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 6:46pm
	Just get the single mode switch. It will be fine. The either/or/and switches are handy for marine use, but not really needed for RV's.

WillThrill Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Jul 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 298	Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 6:14pm
	The issue you run into with such switches is that lead acid batteries should not left off of a charger for an extended period of time, certainly no longer than a month. To maximize their lifespan, they should always be left on a 'smart', computer controlled, 3 stage charger. This can be done by either leaving your Pod connected to shore power when not in use so that the onboard charger will keep the batteries charged or by putting an external charger on the batteries while they are either still in the Pod or out of it. I always take the batteries out when we aren't using the Pod and leave them on a Battery Minder #1500 charger. Remember that lead acid batteries self-discharge 3-5% per month, and the more discharged the battery is, the more harm is being done to it every day. Every day that a lead acid battery isn't on a charger is some amount of time off its lifespan. By far the #1 killer of lead acid batteries is not being charged sufficient/properly.
	"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL

Hi-Line Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 24	Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 5:49pm
	I'm thinking about having a cutoff switch installed so I don't have to disconnect the two batteries when I'm not using my r.pod 179. The guy I talked with about installing the switch said he can get one that would allow me to switch off one battery at a time or both batteries, or I could get a slightly less expensive one that would switch off both batteries. I can't think of a reason why I might want to switch off only one battery, but maybe I'm overlooking something. Any thoughts?