podmod: battery disconnect switch |
Post Reply | Page <123 |
Author | |
Phil H
Senior Member Joined: 27 Jul 2009 Location: Burlington, On Status: Offline Points: 239 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
That sounds like an ideal product. Do you have a link to the Walmart website (I couldn't find it) or product name/number or pic?
Thanks,
Phil
|
|
2010 R-pod 171 (sold)
2010 Surveyor SV251 towed by a 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche |
|
Outbound
Senior Member Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Status: Offline Points: 750 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Phil, I'm pretty sure that Gene is talking about the Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center. I bought one a couple of years ago for my trolling motor. Like Gene, I bought it at WalMart - I think that it cost about $60 CDN at the time. I've occasionally seen them at Canadian Tire too.
It is a nice product, no question. However, I would hesitate to use it on my trailer, simply because the power leads are exposed to the elements. Because it is such a nice product, I'd worry about it being stolen - which would mean fitting it with some sort of lock. I also would have thought that the box would be too wide for the r-pod's battery tray, but if Gene says it fits, then I'll take his word for it.
|
|
Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray
|
|
geneowens
Groupie Joined: 05 Jun 2009 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 99 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Guys, I have not put the new box on the Pod yet but I just carried it out to the Pod and it appears to be the same size as the battery box on my Pod. It also has a tester built in as well and two 12V outlets. It is made by Attwood. The Walmart item number is 002269790761 and the price was $44.96 USD. I purchased it on January 28, 2010. Perhaps a little electric grease would avoid any corrosion issues. It has a nice handle for carrying too. It would make the battery/box combo a more inviting target for thieves - have to concede that one!!!!
Gene |
|
sdpullen
Newbie Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Status: Offline Points: 6 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I bought a battery disconnect switch like the one in your photos but the switch instructions call for connecting one side of the switch to the negative side of the battery. Is there a better reason for connecting the switch to the positive side? Great photos of your mod!
Steve
|
|
Steve & Carolyn from Michigan
rpod 173 05 Chevy Trailblazer LS 6 cyl |
|
Sandpiper
Senior Member Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Location: IL Status: Offline Points: 763 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have installed a disconnect switch too and my instructions said to add the switch to the Positive cable (for a negative ground system) or the negative cable (for a RARE positive ground system). The R Pod wiring is a negative ground system therefore the switch should be installed in the Positive cable.
Here is my take on the why. If the negative cable is disconnected and you inadvertently ground a positive wire somewhere in the Pod you may apply all the power in the battery directly to ground with dire consequences. |
|
Sandpiper
Mrs.'Piper Ford 150-[Mini Lite 2104S] |
|
Outbound
Senior Member Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Status: Offline Points: 750 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The instructions that came with my switch clearly stated that the switch should be installed on the positive lead. However, electrically, it really doesn't matter. Undoubtedly, someone will bring up that automotive manufacturers generally state that when removing a vehicle battery, the negative lead must be removed first; they may then extrapolate that its the negative lead must be switched. I agree, it is wise advice to remove the negative lead first when removing an automotive battery:
But, as you know by looking at your r-pod's plastic battery box and positioning of all grounded metal around the battery, there's no danger of accidentally shorting the positive lead. But applying the vehicle-battery-removal-procedure to switching the r-pod's battery is nonsense anyway, because we're not removing the battery - we're simply adding a switch! Personally, I prefer to switch the positive side. This approach is consistent with the wiring in the rest of the trailer (e.g. the positive goes to the converter; the positive wires are fused; even the switch for the exterior light is installed on the positive side). But, make your own choice. In the end, it really doesn't matter.
|
|
Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray
|
|
gmandual
Senior Member Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Status: Offline Points: 470 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Different organizations with have different views on whether its better to have it on the positive or the negative cable on the battery. For example under NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) racing rules I had to have the battery disconnect on the positive leg of the battery when I raced my truck.
Other organizations recommend putting it on the negative connection. The reason being your are less likely to zap your self while installing it. If you are install the battery disconnect on the positive leg, and your wrench slips across to something while attatching cable or you touch something grounded, then you are in for a zap. If you are install a switch on the negative side, and your wrench slips and touches a ground nothing will happen. This is the same logic by which when you are removing a battery they say to disconnect the negative first, as a wrench slip is less likely to get you zapped.
Electrically it makes no difference on the POD, could do it either way. If you have a habit of fumbling with our wrenches the negative side is a better bet. :-)
|
|
Butterfly_Lee
Senior Member Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Status: Offline Points: 1131 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
TXboonedocker...
This should bring it back to the top, I only did the turn off, still want to add the 12volt.
Lee
|
|
Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/ |
|
Post Reply | Page <123 |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |