Installing the Battery Cutoff Switch

Nerdy1

Got a battery switch, and before I get my new battery (yep did the first one in less than 3 months), I want to install the switch in the battery tongue box.  So my husband was asking me if he should install it on the positive or negative line from the trailer.  I said I thought it should be on the negative line, but when he asked me why, I really couldn't give him a logical answer.  So I have come to the experts.  I have looked in the forum, but I haven't found anything.

Nomad

Oh boy - Here we go again :-)
It's one of those topics that doesn't resolve into a firm answer. The general concensus (I think) is on the positive - the cutoff switches are red after all. BUT, there are many that insist it's the negative.
I personally would do the pos.

Verna

Negative side because it is safer. http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/1386/shopping-list#latest Read the next yo last entry from this afternoon.

Mouseketab

Mine's on the negative.

Nomad

Ok, two ta nothin. Where are all the pos peoples tonight :-)

irvingj

Nerdy, do a search for the "other" thread about installing a cut-off switch. Lots of pics there, too. I switched the positive cable +++  

ScottG

I may get lit up for saying this, but I think this whole argument gets way overplayed. Switching either side will work electrically. There are some safety concerns when it comes to disconnecting batteries, but they distill down to this:

If you are going to muck around with the positive terminal of your battery, make sure the negative terminal is disconnected first.

If you don't do this, and you accidentally "bridge" the positive terminal to some grounded piece of metal on the trailer, you will enjoy an impressive fireworks display, followed by a change of underwear. Damage to equipment and persons may also result.

So, if you are removing a battery, always disconnect the negative first (and reconnect it last). If you are using a cutoff method that requires exposing and accessing the battery directly, then I would switch off the negative post. Any time you are working near exposed battery terminals, you would do well to disconnect the negative cable.

If you are using a sealed switch removed from the battery--and the battery will remain enclosed in its plastic box--there is virtually no possibility of bridging. Put the switch wherever you want and camp on!

Photomom

A while back someone mentioned that the factory was sending out a technical note to dealers about how to wire the shutoff switch that is coming with new T@Bs. I think it would be a good idea to make that available to people who retrofit their T@Bs with a battery cutoff switch. Could @Verna or @Michigan_Mike ask if the technical note could be posted here?

jkjenn

When I disconnect a wire, whatever the reason, I wrap the terminal connector in electrical tape as an extra pre-caution and leave it taped until going back on the terminal. It might be overkill, but no one ever intends to cause a mishap.

Verna

Photomom said:

A while back someone mentioned that the factory was sending out a technical note to dealers about how to wire the shutoff switch that is coming with new T@Bs. I think it would be a good idea to make that available to people who retrofit their T@Bs with a battery cutoff switch. Could @Verna or @Michigan_Mike ask if the technical note could be posted here?

That technical note was to the dealers about where not to install the switch on the battery box, nothing more. There have been numerous photos of where the switches have been installed and the technical bulletin will not help. By the time everyone has installed their batteries, just about every installation is their own idea about how it should be. 

jkjenn

The argument about which side it should go on is really moot. If you are not accustomed to working with batteries, wiring, or electric, I recommend you go with he negative, because the likelihood of something going wrong is higher for you. If you understand enough about it to argue for the positive, than you are probably fine to wire it to the positive side of the battery.

Photomom

Verna said:

Photomom said:

A while back someone mentioned that the factory was sending out a technical note to dealers about how to wire the shutoff switch that is coming with new T@Bs. I think it would be a good idea to make that available to people who retrofit their T@Bs with a battery cutoff switch. Could @Verna or @Michigan_Mike ask if the technical note could be posted here?

That technical note was to the dealers about where not to install the switch on the battery box, nothing more. There have been numerous photos of where the switches have been installed and the technical bulletin will not help. By the time everyone has installed their batteries, just about every installation is their own idea about how it should be. 

Too bad. Would be nice to get some instruction from the people who actually designed the trailer. 

jkjenn

I did a lot of reading on the issue before I did my switch. There are legitimate safety reasons for both sides. You are free to disagree, but I strongly recommend people in doubt do a proper internet search and read for yourself, versus taking the opinions of a handful of people on one forum.

Nerdy1

I am on the road, so I had to wait to get to an airport to read all of your comments.  Wow, as PXLated hinted, I opened a can of worms.  Okay, as jkjenn said, I will continue my search and see what I find.  This discussion follows exactly what my husband and I have been going on about with each other, so maybe in the end, like Photomom says, I will call Little Guy (have a few other questions as well).