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Topic ClosedWhat stays "hot" during shut-down?
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: What stays "hot" during shut-down?
    Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 9:10am
With our RP 177 in shut-down mode between outings, something pulled the battery down to nothing.
 
I know this is not good for the battery, and I know the fix is cheap and easy, but I just wondered if I have overlooked anything in my shutdown procedure.  All the obvious stuff is turned off.  Does something like the electric brake module stay hot if not disconnected at the battery?
 
Thanks for any thoughts on this matter!
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Location: Owosso MI
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Posts: 704 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 9:37am
How long were you between outings? 

I'm pretty sure the only thing that stays on is the propane leak detector. Some folks have left their television antenna amplifier turned on by accident and I suppose that may cause some problems if you were in shutdown mode for a relatively long time.

The electric brakes shouldn't be an issue unless you accidentally pull the safety lanyard out. Then the brakes are energized and could easily drain your battery. It's also not good for the brakes.
.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :.
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 1:13pm
Thanks-  Not the brakes, but could very well be the antenna amp.

What is the downside, if any, of installing a quick disconnect at the battery?
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Joined: 13 Aug 2012
Location: Spokane, WA
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Posts: 454 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 1:25pm
Originally posted by coopercdrkey

What is the downside, if any, of installing a quick disconnect at the battery?
I don't think there is any downside to doing this, and have read many posts here from those that have done it ... one of the very first mod's I plan on making when I pick up mine in a couple weeks!
P & M ... and Comet too!
2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod
2018 Ram 2500
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coopercdrkey View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 2:18pm
I think I agree.  Unless a more experienced 'Podder can chime in with a dissenting opinion, I will be installing a battery cut off prior to the next shutdown period.
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 2:48pm
A battery cutoff is a must-do mod.  Coleman used to install them from the factory on their popups, I don't know why any camper manufacturer wouldn't.  The LP detector will kill a battery in about 2 weeks without one.  My solution was to add a 30 amp fuse just outside of the battery box.  I pull the fuse between trips.
 
Remember that you must hook the battery up again and charge it overnight once a month in the warmer months.  Over the winter where it gets cold (not FL) you can get away with 2-3 months between charges.  Lead acid batteries have a natural self-discharge which will drain them too low within a month.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 10:25pm
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2012 HRE 177
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 10:29pm
I simply remove the negative cable from my battery.  I replaced the nut on the battery terminal clamp with a stainless wingnut.  It cost me about a buck.  It's elegant in its simplicity and has been working great all this last summer. 

My two bits....
Rob
2012 HRE 177
2010 Toyota Tacoma
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 9:38am
One more question, just to expose my total ignorance-

When taking the battery out of the system, is there any difference in, or advantage to, lifting the positive lead vs. the negative?  I suspect not, but when "jumping" a dead battery, there is a sequence suggested.  Positive terminal to positive terminal-  negative terminal to chassis ground.  Not sure any of this applies, and I am most likely over-thinking this. Embarrassed
 
 
 
(edit)-  I wanted to say thanks to everyone and "tech" in particular.  My 'thanks' post
 wrapped around onto a new page, and might be overlooked, so I'm posting it here via 'edit'-  Thanks!
Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 2:53pm
I believe positive is standard for battery cutoffs.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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