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Topic: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch (Read 438 times) previous topic - next topic
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Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
I've done this a few times.
This is what I do:

Unhook the ground.
Remove the wire that connects the 2 batteries.
Unhook the positive.

I reverse the order to install.

What I don't like is when I make that last ground connection on the install sometimes I get a small spark.
Is this a problem?
Can it be avoided?
Am I missing something?
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #1 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I reverse the order to install.
What I don't like is when I make that last ground connection on the install sometimes I get a small spark.
Is this a problem?
Can it be avoided?

If you have a battery switch, turn it off before starting. Turning it back on, after connecting all the cables will eliminate the spark.
Exploding battery packs are something to be avoided, BTDT.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
If you have a battery switch, turn it off before starting. Turning it back on, after connecting all the cables will eliminate the spark.
Exploding battery packs are something to be avoided, BTDT.

Larry




I will install one when I get home.
For now I don't have the luxury on the road.

Any brand you recommend?
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #3 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I will install one when I get home.
For now I don't have the luxury on the road.

Any brand you recommend?

I'd recommend a heavy duty marine switch like the Blue Sea Systems 3002.  You can run a battery cable from the chassis battery and have one switch position to connect the chassis and house batteries together for emergencies.  When in the off position the house batteries will be disconnected.


Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #4 –
Hi Ted. You have AGM batteries, they don't vent, so there is no Hydrogen gas to ignite.  The spark is harmless as long as it is between the proper connection you are hooking up. Be really careful with the metal wrench you are using to tighten the positive terminals with. Same for the wire between the batteries. Six volts will still weld a wrench to any available 'ground'. 
   I was given an LD shutoff switch by Kent (2015 RB) that he didn't need anymore because of his lithium battery/solar upgrade. Thanks Kent!  Because of my SG-200 install, I decided not to use the LD switch, and just rely on my previous disconnection technique, a 1/2" wrench.  Yours for the asking. (We live close to each other, I can drop it off when you are back from the trip.) I still want to evaluate the structure under your rig.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #5 –
A battery switch is a handy thing for working on the rig’s electrical or if something shorts out and you need to disconnect the power quickly.
Our rig has a 3-way marine baery switch that allow combining both the coach battery and starting battery, good for jumping a dead starting battery .
Completed electrical/propane compartment | Compartment now h… | Flickr

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ted. You have AGM batteries, they don't vent, so there is no Hydrogen gas to ignite.  The spark is harmless as long as it is between the proper connection you are hooking up. Be really careful with the metal wrench you are using to tighten the positive terminals with. Same for the wire between the batteries. Six volts will still weld a wrench to any available 'ground'. 
   I was given an LD shutoff switch by Kent (2015 RB) that he didn't need anymore because of his lithium battery/solar upgrade. Thanks Kent!  Because of my SG-200 install, I decided not to use the LD switch, and just rely on my previous disconnection technique, a 1/2" wrench.  Yours for the asking. (We live close to each other, I can drop it off when you are back from the trip.) I still want to evaluate the structure under your rig.   RonB
Thanks Ron.
We will be back home at the beginning of September. I'll contact you then.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #7 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Be really careful with the metal wrench you are using to tighten the positive terminals with. Same for the wire between the batteries. Six volts will still weld a wrench to any available 'ground'. 

Yes… metal wrenches are very dangerous when working on batteries.  Please heed Ron’s warning and be very careful.  When I was in the Army, one of the generator mechanics was tightening a positive battery connection and his wedding ring came in contact between the metal wrench and chassis ground.  The ring quickly superheated and if it wasn’t for the nearby oil drip bucket that he plunged his hand into he would have lost a finger.  The battery was 24v but 12v or 6v will generate plenty of amps to weld metal.  Wearing a ring when working on anything electrical is not a good idea but it’s easy to overlook.

- John


Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #8 –
West Marine in Oceanside is a good source for battery disconnect switches.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #9 –
Quote from: JohnR  - 
Yes… metal wrenches are very dangerous when working on batteries.  Please heed Ron’s warning and be very careful.  When I was in the Army, one of the generator mechanics was tightening a positive battery connection and his wedding ring came in contact between the metal wrench and chassis ground.  The ring quickly superheated and if it wasn’t for the nearby oil drip bucket that he plunged his hand into he would have lost a finger.  The battery was 24v but 12v or 6v will generate plenty of amps to weld metal.  Wearing a ring when working on anything electrical is not a good idea but it’s easy to overlook.

Years ago, I made the mistake of wearing a metal watchband at work, one day I accidentally shorted it out while working on a generator’s controls.  Before ripping the watch off, it burned a fashionable red ring around my wrist, I always wore a plastic watch after that and  gave up the watch habit when I retired from my real job.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #10 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ted. You have AGM batteries, they don't vent, so there is no Hydrogen gas to ignite.  The spark is harmless as long as it is between the proper connection you are hooking up. Be really careful with the metal wrench you are using to tighten the positive terminals with. Same for the wire between the batteries. Six volts will still weld a wrench to any available 'ground'. 
   I was given an LD shutoff switch by Kent (2015 RB) that he didn't need anymore because of his lithium battery/solar upgrade. Thanks Kent!  Because of my SG-200 install, I decided not to use the LD switch, and just rely on my previous disconnection technique, a 1/2" wrench.  Yours for the asking. (We live close to each other, I can drop it off when you are back from the trip.) I still want to evaluate the structure under your rig.   RonB
Love this LD family…always looking to share and help each other. Great advice too. You can buy an insulated wrench but they are expensive or one can just electrical tape a regular wrench.  But with the disconnect that would be a moot point. 

With AGM batteries there is really no need to take them out.  They can remain uncharged for about 3 months.  Also with no hydrogen gas to corrode the terminals those batteries are truly plug and play.  Please read the operating manual to see what the manufacture recommends for maintenance and care.  Follow that and your batteries will serve you for a very long time.

Ron
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
...

With AGM batteries there is really no need to take them out. 

...

Mine are defective so I don't have that option 
I'm on the road on the Oregon coast far from home.
This is a new LD.
Now the shipping of the new batteries has stalled and we are pretty much on our own and have been from the start. "Call the battery company".
  I won't get into it suffice to say we are upset and letdown by the Lazy Daze Factory and their lack of support or followup to check on us
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #12 –
It appears that in your situation, Lazy Daze should tell you to go get new batteries and send them the invoice and they will reimburse you for the expense.  That would be reasonable customer service.  It might cost them a few dollars more, but will buy them your continued support and good will.

When a company produces as few motorhomes per year as Lazy Daze does, product quality and customer service must be exemplary, or they won't stay in business.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
It appears that in your situation, Lazy Daze should tell you to go get new batteries and send them the invoice and they will reimburse you for the expense.  That would be reasonable customer service.  It might cost them a few dollars more, but will buy them your continued support and good will.

When a company produces as few motorhomes per year as Lazy Daze does, product quality and customer service must be exemplary, or they won't stay in business.

Harold

I'm near Coos Bay, OR.
Lifeline Batteries is covering the cost of the batteries and had to ship them to me while on the road as there are no dealers that carry these. 
I coordinated shipment to a battery shop here.  They were due Wednesday but now "no delivery date available" on the tracking.

What should have happened at the very least is LD should have coordinated all this, paid for 1 day shipping as priority, and made followup calls to us to check the progress. I have a bad back so I will most likely hire someone to install them.  But again,  this has all been on me after spending over $120K just weeks ago.
Maybe some here will think I'm being unreasonable but I don't think that I am.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #14 –
Lazy Daze has disappointingly fallen down in the job in this case, leaving Ted in a very awkward situation. Good customer service would have been for LD to have Lifeline ship the replacement batteries by the fastest route; locate a shop along Ted's planned route that could install them; and then follow up with Ted at least every couple of days until the problem is resolved. They apparently haven't done any of those things. I expect better of them.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Lazy Daze has disappointingly fallen down in the job in this case, leaving Ted in a very awkward situation. Good customer service would have been for LD to have Lifeline ship the replacement batteries by the fastest route; locate a shop along Ted's planned route that could install them; and then follow up with Ted at least every couple of days until the problem is resolved. They apparently haven't done any of those things. I expect better of them.

Thanks Andy. Not knowing when we will get the batteries is a big stresser.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #16 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
Thanks Andy. Not knowing when we will get the batteries is a big stresser.
I am sorry I thought the batteries were already installed.  Since your batteries are toast consider having any 12 volt batteries installed now (if that is possible) and trade them in when the new ones arrive.  Charge any of your costs to LD.  If you are concerned with LD not paying you could have 1-12 volt battery installed just to get you through until new batteries received.

This looks bad for LD.  Phoenix Cruiser or Coach House would have responded more appropriately I am sure. 

ROn
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Lazy Daze has disappointingly fallen down in the job in this case, leaving Ted in a very awkward situation. Good customer service would have been for LD to have Lifeline ship the replacement batteries by the fastest route; locate a shop along Ted's planned route that could install them; and then follow up with Ted at least every couple of days until the problem is resolved. They apparently haven't done any of those things. I expect better of them.

My past experience when Vince was there was that this would have been taken care of without even having to ask!!!!
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #18 –
Quote from: pdl2win  - 
My past experience when Vince was there was that this would have been taken care of without even having to ask!!!!

Just got a notification from FedEx for delivery Tuesday. They were shipped Friday the 11th from northern California to Southern Oregon.  :o


2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #19 –
I know that sounds ridiculous--you wonder whether they shipped via mule train--but I think I know what happened. I've run into situations where a freight truck runs a certain route once a week or so, and they wait until they fill it up before sending it out. It could be something like that.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
I know that sounds ridiculous--you wonder whether they shipped via mule train--but I think I know what happened. I've run into situations where a freight truck runs a certain route once a week or so, and they wait until they fill it up before sending it out. It could be something like that.

Here's the history so far:

2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #21 –
Well, that shoots my theory. :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #23 –
All is well now.
New Lifeline  AGM batteries installed on the 21st.

I gave the serial numbers of the defective batteries to Lifeline today as they requested. He mentioned they were made in Aug 2019. I told him one of them had slight swelling of its case. He said that's from sitting.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing batteries without a battery disconnect switch
Reply #24 –
Are the new ones holding a charge?

Jon
1994 MB