We have all seen the rv battery disconnect switch problems occur when they are plugged in to charge.
One of the biggest problems with RVs is the inability to stop the power to the batteries when they are not in use. Many of us have directly dealt with this issue. It can be very annoying when you plug in your RV and have the power switch on the outside of the RV suddenly go off.
The solution is to install an RV battery disconnect switch that you can turn off when your RV is parked. This article will help you troubleshoot your RV battery disconnect switch.
How Does a Battery Disconnect Work?
A battery disconnect switch is basically a circuit breaker that prevents the battery from being charged or discharged. It’s designed to disconnect the battery from your RV when it’s not in use. The disconnect typically consists of a switch and relay, which are part of the vehicle’s alternator.
When you turn off your vehicle, power is still being supplied by the engine (even if it isn’t running), so the relay opens up and “disconnects” itself from both sides of its power source (battery). This ensures that no current travels between these two points, making it impossible for your rig’s electrical system to be charged unless you engage them again by turning on your engine.
Common Causes Of RV Battery Disconnect Switch Problems
This issue typically arises from the following sources:
Faulty connections
Check the connection points on your RV battery disconnect switch to ensure they are clean and corrosion-free. Ensure all wires are securely fastened to their respective terminals and that none of the terminals have become loose or broken off. Do not hesitate to seek the help of a professional electrician if you detect trouble with any aspect of your electrical system.
Disconnected from the battery
If your battery disconnect switch is still connected to the battery but doesn’t work, the connection has likely become loose. In such case, give it another tightening and try it out. However, if the problem persists or continues to occur even after you’ve tightened up all of your connections, check them more thoroughly and replace any old parts that are no longer working correctly.
A broken wire or frayed insulation might be causing some short circuit in your system—and once this happens, there’s no telling how much damage could be done before you notice it.
If none of these solutions work for you and your RV battery disconnect switch continues to malfunction regularly despite having followed all of our advice above (or if you’re experiencing other problems with this device), then contact an expert before attempting any more repairs yourself—you don’t want to end up costing yourself more money than necessary by doing things wrong!
Incorrect switch location
A common mistake is placing the disconnect switch at the front of your vehicle, where it can easily be turned off in transit. It’s also easy for thieves to disable it this way, so keep yours hidden.
To avoid this rv battery disconnect switch location problem, mount your battery disconnect switch on the inside of a compartment door or hatch (or on an inconspicuous spot under a seat) and use a long extension cord if you need more room than they allow.
Overuse of the battery disconnect switch
The most common cause of a battery disconnect switch failure is overuse. These switches are designed to be used occasionally, not every time you turn off your RV. If you use the battery disconnect switch more than once per week, consider replacing it with a manual switch instead.
Corrosion
The other most common cause of failure is corrosion. Suppose you regularly leave your RV battery disconnected. In that instance, the switch can overload from the current. Corrosion can also cause the internal contacts to stick together, which prevents them from making a proper connection when you turn off your RV’s power supply.
How to solve RV Battery Disconnect Switch Problems?
Learn here how to fix the disconnect switch for your RV’s battery. There are several ways to troubleshoot an RV battery disconnect switch problem, depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing.
- Test a Battery Disconnect Switch
- Replace a Battery Disconnect Switch
- Install a Battery Disconnect Switch
FAQ
Can a battery disconnect switch go bad?
A battery disconnect switch has a limited lifespan, but it is not usually the reason for failure. Most battery disconnect switches last about 4-5 years. The lifespan of the switch depends on several things, such as the type of switch, the number of times it has been used, and the amount of charge left in it.
Does my rv have a battery disconnect switch?
Your RV has a battery disconnect switch if it is a Class A or B RV. If it’s a Class C RV, it is not required.
Should you disconnect your rv battery when not in use?
You should never disconnect the RV battery if it is not being used. This can lead to issues with the RV itself, as the battery gets depleted when disconnected, and can cause the RV to die.
Should rv battery disconnect on or off?
In most cases, it’s advisable to keep RV battery disconnecting while you’re away from your vehicle. However, if your RV has a full battery, then it is better to turn it off. This is because when the RV battery is disconnected, it will drain more quickly.
Conclusion
The RV battery disconnect switch is a pretty simple device. It is designed to protect your batteries from being drained by parasitic loads that may not be obvious to you. The only problem is that occasionally these switches can get stuck in the “on” position, which means they are no longer doing their job correctly. Thankfully, this issue has a few simple answers as well.