Battery running down too quick?
My trailer has been parked for three weeks but the battery was pretty much full when I parked it. When I went back yesterday to load it up for our trip, the battery was totally dead.
battery cut off switch
I installed a battery cut off switch so I could disconnect the battery from the camper electrical system.
If left connected, the gas detector, among other things, will still be drawing power (not much, but some). Eventually (within a month is what I found), this will run the battery down.
Re: battery cut off switch
I have the same problem. I own a 357-05 and love it, but when I get the camper out of storage the battery is always dead. I have considered installing a battery cut off. I think thats the way to go.
Re: battery cut off switch
I found the sole culprit to be the Gas Detector. I installed a locking switch on the detector that I could turn it off during storage. Now the battery never goes dead in storage. The switch locks and requires a special way of pulling it out before you filp it. Sorta child proof. The switch can't accidently be flipped just by bumping it or a child playing with it. You have to know how to pull it out beofe you flip it or it will not operate.
The smoke detector in your unit probably has a 9 volt battery in it. So the Gas Detector is probably the only thing that is running your battery down.
PS. Gas detectors are rated to last so many hours of use. Yes, the gas detector in your unit will not work correctly forever. They are more sensitive (and up to specs) when new, and they get worse the more the sensor is operated/powered. Therefore, by putting a switch on the Gas Detector will allow you to get the most life out of the unit by only using it (powering it) when you really need protection from it.
Hope this helps,
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Dead Battery
I installed a 30 amp toggel switch to the negative battery cable and mounted it in the top of the battery box. It works like a charm. Only cost me about $10.00 and 20 mins worth of work and no more dead battery while in storage. I have used it a number of times over the past few months and it works great.
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