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Topic ClosedBattery Disconnect Switch - Event Date: 16 Dec 2017
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wooleeman View Drop Down
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Joined: 01 Sep 2017
Location: Southeastern PA
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Battery Disconnect Switch
    Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 10:35am
I would like to install a battery disconnect switch on my RP-179.  I know how to place it if I install it at the battery box but I would like to install it right inside the door next to the power distribution center. Does anyone know how to identify the 12 volt input wire, if it would be difficult accessing this wire and if there are any drawbacks to this type of installation?

Any ideas would be appreciated.
2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 3:45pm
Interesting. Following the main 12V cable is not difficult, but I think most of us chose installing near the battery because it is easier. I started a firestorm on another forum on whether to place in the positive or negative side, so I won't rehash that. I take it you want it inside like some motor homes. It needs to go into a battery cable line, not any 12V wire, so you're choices are limited. Simply follow those cables into the power distribution. Good luck.
Mike Carter
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wooleeman View Drop Down
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 4:05pm
Thanks Mike. Yes,I wanted to put it inside like the big boys but if it becomes too much trouble I won't bother for now. I know some prefer to do negative, some positive.  I guess if I remove the distribution center and look for the main 12 volt input that would be the one.
2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 4:35pm
Disconnect from shore power and remove a battery lead from the battery(ies). Your choice, they both work to kill the circuit. I like "+".

Open the door of the power center. Remove the 2 screws that keep the front in place. Lift and remove front. On the right side/half is all the 12v circuits. Note the large 6/8 gauge wire coming from behind and going to the "+ Batt" terminal of the fuse panel. (it's the one attaching at the bottom of the panel) Do not confuse it with the wire coming from the converter.

Now, remove the 6-8 screws holding the entire power distribution box in place. Pull it forward/out. Disconnect battery feed wire. Figure out how much run you have in the wire coming from the battery. Drill a hole and mount the switch where you want it within that range, or add to the length if needed. Run a new piece of wire from the other side of the switch back to the "+ Batt" connection on the distribution board. Verify switch operation. Reinstall box and cover.

Enjoy celebratory beverage.
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wooleeman View Drop Down
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Dec 2017 at 5:01pm
Man I enjoy this forum. Thanks so much furpod. Snow is supposed to clear by Tuesday so I'll be unzipping the cover and hooking it up. Hope I'll be toasting you with that beverage.
2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)
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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Posts: 1014 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 9:44am
Nicely done Furpod!
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TEDDY View Drop Down
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Posts: 94 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 2:46pm
Speaking of power - there is no voltage on the USB charging ports on the wall below the TV in my 2017 178.  I bought a tester and it says there is no voltage, confirming the fact that our phones will not charge when plugged into them, and the lightning bolt does not appear in the battery location on the phone home screens.  This is true whether on shore, battery or both.

I pulled the USB fixture.  There is a red and a black wire sealed into the back of that fixture - so I cannot get at them without scraping off the insulation.

I checked all the fuses and breakers - all look OK.

Does anyone know where those two skinny wires are connected in the distribution box?
Teddy
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 6:06pm
I have never seen a wiring diagram for a Pod. Maybe Furpod knows different. You can use a ohmmeter and see if there is continuity from ports to distribution panel, but I think you will not see it. You may have to check and see where that wiring goes. I think the USB ports run off 12V, I could be wrong.
Mike Carter
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 7:31pm
Hate to say it.. no wiring diagram exists for any pod. The only good thing is nothing is very far apart in a Pod..

TEDDY, you will have to just manually trace the wires. I do not know which USB outlet FR is using now, but you should be able to back probe the connections with a DMM, behind the connector. You can also use a couple needles, and pierce the wires, and then probe them with a DMM if needed.

In all honesty, it may be better and easier to just run a new wire.

If you have any other plates/connections/hookups in that wall, open them and see if you can then see where the wires feeding the USB plate is cut into the wiring. It is probably a branch circuit, and not wired all the way back to the fuse panel.
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TEDDY View Drop Down
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Posts: 94 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 10:45pm
Thanks, folks - nothing is easy to see in that wall - there is nothing directly under the USB ports to enable easy tracking without cutting into the wall - frankly, that's a project I'd rather not tackle.  Perhaps I'll find an easier way after I have cogitated a while, and it's warmer!
Teddy
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