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02-17-2014, 01:27 PM
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#1
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 13
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AUX BATT Toggle
Newbies in a 2008 38J. There's an AUX BATT switch by the door. We were told to turn this OFF when we store the coach so as not to run down the batteries. It turns everything off. The solar power red light is still on, so I guess that's good.
But what about when we plug in to shore power or run the gen? Should this switch be off or on?
Thanks
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02-17-2014, 01:40 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 340
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimaxp
Newbies in a 2008 38J. There's an AUX BATT switch by the door. We were told to turn this OFF when we store the coach so as not to run down the batteries. It turns everything off. The solar power red light is still on, so I guess that's good.
But what about when we plug in to shore power or run the gen? Should this switch be off or on?
Thanks
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jimaxp
I assume you mean the "house battery cut of switch", (often called the "salesman switch")?
I have never turned my saleman switch OFF, (except accidentally), during the 13 years I've owned this coach.
Mel
'96 Safari, 132k miles, (105k mine).
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02-17-2014, 01:46 PM
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#3
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 17
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That is the disconnect switch for your house batteries. We store ours with it on, but its always hooked to shore power. Our coach has an intelligent charger that will charge and maintain the batteries. If during storage you don't have shore power available, then I suggest turning the switch off and keep an eye on the batteries' water and charge level.
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USAF Veteran
2014 Forest River Georgetown 351DS
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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02-17-2014, 02:21 PM
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#4
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 25
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Also known as the "salesman switch".
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Mark Anderson - FMCA 351514 - Louisville, KY
2007 Sportscoach Pathfinder 377DS - Freightliner XC
2006 Jeep Commander
Cricket SW3 Personal Transporter
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02-17-2014, 02:32 PM
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#5
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 16
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Yes, if not parked long term with shore power, turn the switch off. That will stop most 12v. loads from draining your house batteries. Note ........ many rigs the LP detector will stay energized.
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George R. - Fulltiming since January '03
2007 Newmar Mountain Aire 3991
2012 Chevy Malibu LT1
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02-17-2014, 07:38 PM
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#6
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
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Nobody has answered the question yet.
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02-17-2014, 07:54 PM
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#7
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Surprise, AZ
Posts: 399
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IMHO - If you are plugged into shore power or running the generator, there is no reason to turn the AUX BATT switch off. The purpose of this switch is to save your battery power when the vehicle is not being used or charging the batteries.
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02-18-2014, 04:49 AM
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#8
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulc47
Nobody has answered the question yet.
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I think based on what has been posted the OP can make a decision on leaving it on or off while on shore power or generator.
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USAF Veteran
2014 Forest River Georgetown 351DS
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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02-18-2014, 09:29 AM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 340
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulc47
Nobody has answered the question yet.
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Paulc47
I disagree.
There have been may good answers posted.
IMO there's no definitive yes/no answer to the question, " Should this switch be off or on"?
To answer that question, the best anyone can do is describe what they do... why they do it ....and/or what works for them!
Mel
'96 Safari
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02-18-2014, 09:38 AM
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#10
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
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If one plugs in when the switch is off would that hurt anything? Would the converter charger work? I assume it would not. Just wondering if anything goes "around" that disconnect switch? On our 2014 Sightseer our chassis battery seems to drain down fairly quickly in storage even when the chassis switch is off.
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02-18-2014, 09:56 AM
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#11
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Arizona West RV Park, Yuma, Az
Posts: 94
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimaxp
But what about when we plug in to shore power or run the gen? Should this switch be off or on?
Thanks
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The short answer is leave it on. Or, if you are using the coach, leave it on.
If the coach is to be stored or not used, turn it off. In the case of storage with shore power, it doesn't really matter. The switch turns off all 12vdc power to the coach, which not only runs the lighting, but also the control systems for the fridge, furnace, water pump and A/C units. So if it is stored and you want to say keep food in the fridge, you want to leave it on. The only caveat to this is your batteries will soon go dead unless you are plugged into shore. The bottom line is the switch is there to save the batteries when the coach is not in use and no shore power is available.
__________________
John & Clare Lyon
2007 43.5' Monaco Dynasty Palace III (All Electric)
Towd: 2011 Chevy Equinox
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02-18-2014, 10:28 AM
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#12
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulc47
If one plugs in when the switch is off would that hurt anything? Would the converter charger work? I assume it would not. Just wondering if anything goes "around" that disconnect switch? On our 2014 Sightseer our chassis battery seems to drain down fairly quickly in storage even when the chassis switch is off.
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All coaches are wired differently. With that in mind, even if you turn the switch off, your batteries may be powering something (i.e. detectors, LEDs, etc.). The best thing to do is to for storage is to make sure they are fully charged, full of water, and keep an eye on them.
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USAF Veteran
2014 Forest River Georgetown 351DS
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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02-18-2014, 10:37 AM
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#13
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Arizona West RV Park, Yuma, Az
Posts: 94
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulc47
If one plugs in when the switch is off would that hurt anything?
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No
Quote:
Would the converter charger work? I assume it would not.
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Yes it would work, but with the switch off, you would not have 12v power to the coach. However, I have seen a few coaches when the switch is off, it won't charge the batteries. Easy enough to check yours though. Check the battery voltage without shore power. Should be 12 to 12.7v. Now turn the switch off and plug into shore. If voltage remains the same or in the 12v range, your switch cuts off battery charging. If voltage goes to 13.2 or higher, it does not.
Quote:
Just wondering if anything goes "around" that disconnect switch? On our 2014 Sightseer our chassis battery seems to drain down fairly quickly in storage even when the chassis switch is off.
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The disconnect switch we are discussing is for the coach/house. Many RVs keep the safety systems (CO2, Propane and Smoke detectors) powered with the switch off. This will drain the coach batteries in time if not on shore.
The Chassis disconnect is of course to disconnect the starting battery(s) from the chassis. This generally cuts all power to the chassis and it should last 3 months without a charge. Most newer coaches have a B.I.R.D system, this keeps the chassis batt charged when on shore power. This is a great feature for long term camping or storing when shore is available. For those that don't have a B.I.R.D, this is a great option:
Ultra TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer
__________________
John & Clare Lyon
2007 43.5' Monaco Dynasty Palace III (All Electric)
Towd: 2011 Chevy Equinox
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02-18-2014, 11:30 AM
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#14
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
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Clyon, thanks for the advice. I will try plugging in next time with the switches off and check battery voltage to see if they are charging.
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02-18-2014, 11:47 AM
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#15
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Palisade CO
Posts: 895
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My rig came with the less expensive Parallax 7400 converter/charger. My manual says to use the switch to disconnect the batteries when connected to shore power for extended periods.
If the AUX Bat switch is left on and you are connected to shore power you will need to check the battery water level at least once a month because the converter supplies a fixed voltage from 13.5 to 13.8 volts all the time and that will cause outgassing of water vapor.
After 11 years of 24/7 full timing use my converter started making strange sounds. I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics 9200 three stage converter. When the batteries are fully charged it goes into a float charge mode suppling 13.2 volts.
That will reduce the need to check the electrolyte to a bare minimum. I have had float chargers on orchard equipment stored all winter long with no water useage noted.
__________________
Clay WA5NMR - Ex Snowbird - 1 year, Ex Full timer for 11 years - 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N Workhorse chassis. Honda Accord toad.
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02-23-2014, 05:19 AM
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#16
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,080
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimaxp
Newbies in a 2008 38J. There's an AUX BATT switch by the door. We were told to turn this OFF when we store the coach so as not to run down the batteries. It turns everything off. The solar power red light is still on, so I guess that's good.
But what about when we plug in to shore power or run the gen? Should this switch be off or on?
Thanks
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The reason Winnebago recommends the batteries be disconnected during storage is to minimize the battery drain and to eliminate the water loss in the batteries. Most older Winnebago products don't have a smart charger. If left plugged in and unattended for long periods of time the battery water level will slowly diminish. It's possible you could run them dry and damage them.
The red light on the panel signals the solar panel is charging the house batteries. It charges the batteries regardless of the position of the switch. The standard solar panel only puts out 10 watts and it's only purpose is to maintain the battery charge level. It isn't powerful enough to recharge a dead battery.
As for leaving the house battery switch off when plugged in the best answer is to consult your owners manual. Our 2001 Adventurer had only a battery charger. All the 12 volt lights and accessories ran off the batteries. The charger kept them fully charged when plugged in or on the generator. If you have this system none of the lights or 12 volt accessories will work if the house battery switch is in the off position. The switch will need to be in the on position when plugged in or on generator power.
Some years later Winnebago switched to a power supply/battery charger. I'm not sure what year the change occurred but our 2013 Adventurer has this system. With this system the batteries do not have to be switched on to use the 12 volt lights and accessories. The power supply will run the lights and accessories even when the house battery switch is in the off position. The power supply does have some limitations. If you have a load beyond the power supply's capacity it will dim the lights to avoid overheating and burning out the power supply.
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Hikerdogs
2013 Adventurer 32H
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