Author Topic: Battery disconnect switch not on coach  (Read 1874 times)

Jim Walker

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Battery disconnect switch not on coach
« on: September 18, 2020, 09:28:15 PM »
I have a 2002 Contessa that has no battery disconnect switch. I purchased the coach earlier this year and have since completed one 3500 mile trip with no electrical or mechanical issues. My previous fifth wheel had a disconnect switch that I would utilize for storage of the rig.
I have used the salesman switch in the same manner I used the disconnect switch on the previous rig. I reading posts on this forum I see opinions about not using the salesman switch for this purpose, some even saying to leave it on at all times. So far I have not experienced problems with the batteries. When I purchased the coach the house batteries were replaced with new but the chassis batteries were good enough to keep. Now to my question. Should I have a battery disconnect switch installed and if so, for just the house batteries or is one for the chassis batteries also a good idea? The coach has 110,000 miles and has functioned without a disconnect switch other than the salesman switch for all this time and miles. Your sage advise is most appreciated.
2002 Contessa Tuscany 40'
Cummins 370
Toad: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Fred Brooks

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Re: Battery disconnect switch not on coach
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2020, 10:38:57 PM »
    Hi Jim,
 I am pretty sure your coach has a chassis battery disconnect and a house battery disconnect. They are in the battery compartment mounted towards the very top just below the compartment door hinge on the left side. Hope this helps, Fred
Fred & Cindy Brooks
2000 Marquis, Jasper
C-12 Wild Cat (U of A)
2014 Honda CRV
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Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Battery disconnect switch not on coach
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2020, 11:08:08 PM »
Fred,
My 01 Contessa did not have disconnect switches either.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Jim Walker

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Re: Battery disconnect switch not on coach
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2020, 01:26:02 AM »
Thanks, Fred. I'll check again where you suggested. The coach is at an RV tech for some post trip minor repairs. When I took it in I asked them to look for a disconnect switch. They could not find one as well. Steve, did you ever add a switch or did you do what I have been doing with the salesman switch?
2002 Contessa Tuscany 40'
Cummins 370
Toad: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Battery disconnect switch not on coach
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2020, 02:50:08 AM »
Neither. I disconnected the appropriate battery cable.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp