Finding the battery disconnect button for a motorhome is one of the fundamental things that every RVer should be aware of.
The majority of more recent RVs are fitted with a battery disconnect switch, but if yours is missing, you may have one added.
In particular, if you keep your motorhome in storage for a lengthy period of time, your RV disconnect switch is of utmost importance.
Although you may put this switch in a number of places, many RVers are unaware of its position.
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What Is A Battery Disconnect Switch For A Motorhome?
Before we explain what a motorhome battery disconnect is specifically, let’s first have a look at what a battery disconnect switch is.
In essence, a battery disconnect switch enables someone to simply turn off the electricity supplied to a circuit for a while.
In a similar manner, an RV battery disconnect switch operates.
By flipping a disconnect button, you may quickly and simply stop your battery from supplying electricity to your motorhome’s main circuits.
You don’t need to physically disconnect your RV battery bank when you’re ready to store it if you have this switch installed.
Related Also: Do I Need A Battery for My Travel Trailer?
What Are The Seven Places To Look In Your RV To Look For A Battery Disconnect Switch?
We may now explore the seven locations in which you could discover an RV battery disconnect switch placed in your vehicle:
#1. The Area Under A Non-Motorized RV’s Tongue
Check behind the tongue of your RV if you have a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or toy hauler.
If you possess a non-motorized RV, the RV disconnect switch is often located beneath the tongue; thus, here is the ideal area to start your search.
Typically, Forest River will place a battery switch here.
#2. Behind Propane Tanks
The battery disconnect switches have been installed below propane tanks by several motorhome builders recently, and it’s safer than you may believe.
For instance, the driver’s side of many Forest River RVs has an RV battery disconnect button either below a propane tank or behind a propane tank rack.
You should have no trouble finding it since it isn’t difficult to find.
#3. Close To The Engine
Perhaps one of the most typical places to put an RV battery disconnect switch is next to the engine.
This is so that RVers may quickly reach it and because it is close to a motorhome’s batteries.
Locate your engine, then scan the area for a switch.
You can either switch it off in an emergency and completely disconnect your battery, or you may turn it off and leave your battery attached and ready to go.
If your battery disconnect switch is located here, it’s usually recommended to get in touch with the motorhome’s manufacturer so you can learn whether to completely disconnect or just turn off.
#4. Close To The Front Door
If your motorhome is more recent, start your search for a battery disconnect switch near the front door.
Because it turns the electricity on and off for the motorhome, making it simple to turn on or off outlets and appliances while entering and exiting an RV, this switch has been known as the “salesman switch” in recent years.
The battery disconnect switches are often rocker switches that are simple to toggle while entering and exiting, and they are located close to the entry door most of the time.
#5. Behind The Wheel
Rarely but sometimes, an RV battery disconnect switch may be found underneath the driver’s side seat on older RVs.
Look inside the cab on the door side below your driver’s seat to check if you can spot a little round recognized if you have an older motorhome.
Usually, the battery disconnect switch is located on this knob.
#6. In the Control Panel
Unsurprisingly, the motorhome battery disconnect switch is often located on the control panel.
For instance, several owners of Fleetwood motorhomes have reported that the battery disconnect switch is housed within a control panel with rocker switches and LED lights that indicate whether a switch is on or off.
If you own a Fleetwood, you should check the control panel for a switch marked “Aux Battery,” since this is probably the one you need to flick when you need to turn off the electricity in your RV.
It’s important to keep in mind that some motorhomes include a separate battery disconnect button specifically for the slides, which is often located in the control panel.
#7. Within A Pass-Through Storage Space
In a pass-through storage compartment is one of the first places you should look if you have purchased a used motorhome to discover an RV battery disconnect switch.
Because it’s simpler to turn everything off while storing a motorhome, many RVers install a battery disconnect switch inside a front pass-through storage space.
People further like this place since it is shielded from the elements and obscured from view.
This ensures that nobody—not even a criminal—can meddle with it while you’re on the road.
Suggestion reading: How To Keep RV Battery Charged In Storage?
How Does the Battery Disconnect Switch on Your RV Operate?
Knowing how your motorhome’s battery disconnect switch works can let you know if there is a problem.
First off, the disconnect switch for your RV will be positioned in a thoughtful location between a cable and the negative battery terminal.
A battery disconnect switch will halt the supply of power going via the negative battery line to your RV.
It essentially breaks the electrical link between the 12-volt fuses placed throughout your motorhome’s amenities, outlets, and appliances.
By turning the switch on your battery disconnect switch, you may stop the flow of energy from your RV to all of your 12-volt circuits.
Your battery will last longer as a result of preventing drain.
Recommended reading: Can I Jump An RV Battery With My Car?
Why Is A RV Battery Disconnect Switch Necessary?
You may be wondering why you even need to know where the battery disconnect switch is in your RV now that you know where to look.
Well, there are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to get familiar with this switch.
The main reason you should be aware of where your battery disconnect switch is in your house is as a safety measure.
You may quickly shut off the power in your RV with this switch.
In essence, this implies that when attempting to diagnose different motorhome issues, you may do it securely and will be shielded from electrical shocks.
The battery disconnect switch in your RV also serves a crucial function, so you should be aware of its location.
By turning off your battery and stopping the current flow, you can halt the battery from draining.
Due to the many outlets and appliances in your motorhome, an RV battery linked to a circuit can deplete very quickly.
In the end, this passive power loss from your outlets and appliances may cause your motorhome’s battery to fail early, leaving you stranded or necessitating the purchase of a new one when you pull your RV out of storage.
Utilizing the disconnect switch will stop all of this from occurring.
Therefore, if you plan to leave your RV unattended for more than a few days at a period, it’s essential to make sure you remember to turn the switch.
Your battery will deplete more slowly and be less likely to sustain harm from passive pulls from your RV when the switch is switched on.
