Where's the battery disconnect on Newmar?

[bpaikman]

When we store it, I've been clicking a red button just inside the door that says something about battery (sorry, I can't recall exactly what the label is). On our previous coach, the battery disconnect was at the back, and when that was turned off, even the power steps didn't work. But on the Newmar, the steps still work, and I figured it was some courtesy design....
But now, I've noticed twice, a "low battery" message when we come get her out of storage - one time it was less than 24 hours. We had the coach inspected before purchase, and batteries were tested as good.
We recently dropped it off for some minor mods, and asked about that. The service guy said he thought there might be another switch in an outside compartment - can't recall where - battery compartment maybe - and I didn't have a chance to go look before they took her off.
Does anyone know what could be draining our battery (no, I didn't leave the lights on ?).

 

[Neal]

The 12V disconnect is at the door. The chassis battery has a disconnect in its compartment. I’m not sure what engine you have but if Cummins diesel the low battery message is normal, wouldn’t worry about it. I had it this morning starting up after a month in storage on shore power, it’s just a high amp draw when starting that causes it.

 

[MapNerd]

House battery disconnect is a small switch on the passenger wall-side arm rest just inside the door.

Chassis battery disconnect is a red turn switch inside the chassis battery compartment

 

[redbaron]

Keep in mind--even when doing the house disconnect inside, and the chassis disconnect outside, you will still have phantom draws.

If you are going to be storing for a long time, then I would add your own positive wire disconnect on the house batteries.

(we use positive wire to avoid issues with the magnum inverter seeking a ground thru the aux devices, and creating a short)

 

[skychs]

When we store it, I've been clicking a red button just inside the door that says something about battery (sorry, I can't recall exactly what the label is). On our previous coach, the battery disconnect was at the back, and when that was turned off, even the power steps didn't work. But on the Newmar, the steps still work, and I figured it was some courtesy design....
But now, I've noticed twice, a "low battery" message when we come get her out of storage - one time it was less than 24 hours. We had the coach inspected before purchase, and batteries were tested as good.
We recently dropped it off for some minor mods, and asked about that. The service guy said he thought there might be another switch in an outside compartment - can't recall where - battery compartment maybe - and I didn't have a chance to go look before they took her off.
Does anyone know what could be draining our battery (no, I didn't leave the lights on ?).

On our 2015 VLE 3636 the battery disconnect switch is in the overhead panel by the front door. Its the switch with the red light in the photo.

 

[Neal]

On our 2015 VLE 3636 the battery disconnect switch is in the overhead panel by the front door. Its the switch with the red light in the photo.

That is house batteries (12V), different from Chassis. I think it was 2017 (maybe 2016) they put then at the entrance door for some reason.

 

[bpaikman]

The 12V disconnect is at the door. The chassis battery has a disconnect in its compartment. I’m not sure what engine you have but if Cummins diesel the low battery message is normal, wouldn’t worry about it. I had it this morning starting up after a month in storage on shore power, it’s just a high amp draw when starting that causes it.

Cummins, yes

 

[bpaikman]

House battery disconnect is a small switch on the passenger wall-side arm rest just inside the door.

Chassis battery disconnect is a red turn switch inside the chassis battery compartment

Yes, that's what I remember from previous mh.... a red turn switch .... When I get my baby back, I'll take a look around.

 

[bpaikman]

On our 2015 VLE 3636 the battery disconnect switch is in the overhead panel by the front door. Its the switch with the red light in the photo.

Yes we have a switch like that by the front door. That's the one I've been turning off.

 

[bpaikman]

Keep in mind--even when doing the house disconnect inside, and the chassis disconnect outside, you will still have phantom draws.

If you are going to be storing for a long time, then I would add your own positive wire disconnect on the house batteries.

(we use positive wire to avoid issues with the magnum inverter seeking a ground thru the aux devices, and creating a short)

interesting! But I don't plan to store it for long periods of time, going to be running it frequently! Define "a long time".

 

[redbaron]

interesting! But I don't plan to store it for long periods of time, going to be running it frequently! Define "a long time".

More than 2 weeks and my 2019 would drain itself. The 2013 would last a month

 

[bpaikman]

More than 2 weeks and my 2019 would drain itself. The 2013 would last a month

Ah ok 2 weeks can happen ....

 

[bpaikman]

Keep in mind--even when doing the house disconnect inside, and the chassis disconnect outside, you will still have phantom draws.

If you are going to be storing for a long time, then I would add your own positive wire disconnect on the house batteries.

(we use positive wire to avoid issues with the magnum inverter seeking a ground thru the aux devices, and creating a short)

And how does one do this? Got a how-to link? Or is it safer to hire an electrician?

 

[redbaron]

And how does one do this? Got a how-to link? Or is it safer to hire an electrician?

The main power leads would connect to the switch, and then another jumper from the switch to the battery. Very simple. Remember--this is the POSITIVE (RED) wire.

Here is a switch I use: https://tinyurl.com/84yptte3

Just make sure you mount it solid.

I would have one switch for the inverter lead, one for the alternator/bim lead, and another for the "extra" stuff lead. You have 3 positive leads.

Only the inverter lead needs to be this high powered, but it doesn't hurt to have all the same look.

 

[bpaikman]

The main power leads would connect to the switch, and then another jumper from the switch to the battery. Very simple. Remember--this is the POSITIVE (RED) wire.

Here is a switch I use: https://tinyurl.com/84yptte3

Just make sure you mount it solid.

I would have one switch for the inverter lead, one for the alternator/bim lead, and another for the "extra" stuff lead. You have 3 positive leads.

Only the inverter lead needs to be this high powered, but it doesn't hurt to have all the same look.

Photo of this setup? Electricity is probably my weakest subject.

 

[redbaron]

Photo of this setup? Electricity is probably my weakest subject.

I don't have my coach yet. I have several pics of my Jeep install, but thats too different.

I will post pics when I add this to the LA

 

[bpaikman]

Photo of this setup? Electricity is probably my weakest subject.

I think I'll take to electrian (obviously I can't even spel it correctly)

 

[Neal]

It may help if you open your chassis battery compartment and take a picture and attach it here.

 

[bpaikman]

My baby is in the shop in Houston - making some modifications. I'm anxious - it's been nearly 2 weeks.