12 Volt Disconnect on Raptor 300

[ftm]

Because I am a newbee, have been using this quite a bit and it sure has been helpful. The 12 Volt disconnect switch inside the unit, when should it be diconnected. The owners manual leaves a lot to be desired. Thanks

[PARAPTOR]

Originally Posted by ftm

Because I am a newbee, have been using this quite a bit and it sure has been helpful. The 12 Volt disconnect switch inside the unit, when should it be diconnected. The owners manual leaves a lot to be desired. Thanks

GOOD Question, here is how I look at this crazy switch in our Raptor. It opens the circuit from the batteries to the 12 VDC power distribution panel/Converter. Therefore if you want to disable the majority of 12 VDC devices in the coach you use this switch. Remember when that key switch is turned to the label Battery Disconnect (Horizontal) position key will not come out and the battery is now connected to the power distribution panel. In the vertical removable position the battery is disconnected. This labeling makes no sense to me but that is what it is. Keep in mind even if this switch is in a position to disconnect the battery, there are devices that continue to have 12 VDC applied to them such as front landing gear, break away switch, CO, Propane, and fire Alarms, etc. Basically these devices are wired directly to the batteries and not feed from the power distribution panel. As stated in other posts using this switch to disconnect the battery will not prevent the battery from running down. One of these days I will walk around and see what is not disabled.

Now that being said, if you are connected to shore power and the switch is in a position to disconnect the batteries/Converter. Your converter will feed all 12 VDC devices BUT since the circuit open to batteries Converter will not charge them NOT GOOD

Not my favorite switch. Hope that helps in a few words

[hoffbrew]

So is it good to leave switch on when plugged in at camp grounds? I have been turning it off after all settled in. When at home plugged in, I have it on for a week, then unplug and turn switch off for a week, then again and again... Just an excuse to grab a beer and check on rig.

[canesfan]

Originally Posted by hoffbrew

So is it good to leave switch on when plugged in at camp grounds? I have been turning it off after all settled in. When at home plugged in, I have it on for a week, then unplug and turn switch off for a week, then again and again... Just an excuse to grab a beer and check on rig.

Mine stays in the backyard plugged in when not traveling. I have never had a reason to use a battery cutoff switch, but when storing it someplace with no electric it might be useful, but as PARAPTOR said, it does NOT shut off everything 12V, so you still have to disconnect the battery IMO. I'm not sure why you are turning the switch off while using the trailer though. I can find lots of excuses to grab a beer, there's always a supply in the fridge since it's always plugged in.

[hoffbrew]

When I looked at this switch I figured it shut off batteries, instead of disconnecting a battery. My old Raptor did not have this switch and if I did not disconnect a battery it would drain and fast. Why have this switch then? I was told by dealer I could turn off switch while plugged in and everything works and wont drain batteries?? Maybe I miss understood? Thats it.. I am selling it!!! lol

[canesfan]

I don't understand why they did what they did. It doesn't make sense to me to have a battery shutoff that doesn't shutoff the battery from EVERYTHING. Maybe somebody can come up with a good reason, I can't.

I think your dealer doesn't understand. The battery is charging while you are plugged in, why would you want to disconnect it???

[ftm]

Thanks PARAPTOR,
What you are saying makes me realize that maybe I need to leave it on even when it is hooked up to shore lines.