Changing out batteries - RV-Dreams Community Forum

crafter32034 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Changing out batteries

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

The simple answer is yes – but here’s how. There is (should be) a battery disconnect switch which literally “disconnects” the batteries from the 12 volt system and battery charger / inverter (if you have an inverter.) On many MS it is on the driver’s side by the landing gear legs / leveler control switches. However, who knows for sure on your particular trailer. There is always a battery disconnect switch if the trailer is wired properly.

Using the battery disconnect switch, disconnect the batteries, and then remove the negative wire off the batteries first – then the positive. Remove the batteries. Put in the new batteries, reconnect the positive first, then the negative then use the battery disconnect switch to reconnect the batteries. This is perfectly safe but you’re free to unplug the whole rig if you want. However, it is just not necessary. Done this way all the time to keep from shutting down the Refer and other 12 volt stuff. (Refers do need 12 volts regardless to run the computer and fans.)

Bill

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Tuesday 1st of May 2012 12:59:30 PM

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would play it safe and power everything down. I have no idea if you can do it safely otherwise but why take the chance?

Phil

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

All really depends on how things are wired up. Does your shore power go through your inverter/battery system? Or does it have it's own wiring that bypasses the battery bank?

But like Phil said above.. it's only an hour. Do you have anything that can't go without power for an hour?

- Cherie

crafter32034 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Technomadia wrote:
All really depends on how things are wired up. Does your shore power go through your inverter/battery system? Or does it have it's own wiring that bypasses the battery bank?

But like Phil said above.. it's only an hour. Do you have anything that can't go without power for an hour?

- Cherie

The only thing I really know about electricity is that it deserves a GREAT deal of respect. I think I'll just unplug shore power for the changeout. Thanks for the responses! Cherie and Phil.

crafter32034 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bill

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

As Bill said, negative first on removal, negative last on install. I just helped a friend who had his jury-rigged battery box set up so he had to do positive last on install. He had to deal with some sparking and be very careful. He knew better and screwed up the design when he increased his batteries from 3 to 5 batteries a few years back, but it is a done deal now.

crafter32034 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just replaced the batteries with 2 Interstate GC2-xhd's. HIt the battery disconnect, unwired the old batteries, installed the new ones, turned on the switch. Easy-peasy. Thanks to all who responded. This willingness to help is why this is my favorite forum.