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Topic: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch? (Read 490 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Since we live out West with copious amounts of sunshine (& because I dislike hearing the noise of a generator), we anticipate doing a solar install once we finally receive our mid-bath.

We'd likely be removing/moving the existing 2 batteries and placing a larger bank of batteries & inverter under the forward dinette seat.

Wondering if we ought to get the factory installed battery disconnect switch or wait & have one put in as part of the solar install?

Any advice?
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #1 –
Wait.  Pick out the one you want with the upgrade.   It's a simple little device but you may find one you like better then the factory installed one.     Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #2 –
The factory model simply mounts on and disconnects the link between the 6V batteries, so would be useless if you add more.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #3 –
Do you think it's worth getting even if not doing an upgrade?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #4 –
"...we anticipate doing a solar install once we finally receive our mid-bath."

By that statement I have to presume the solar install will be done post-delivery and I am glad to hear that. Lazy Daze does not always locate the solar panels to best advantage and frankly I do not think they are all that adept on the proper application of solar systems.

I would highly recommend that you take your work to AM Solar in Springfield, OR (twin city of Eugene) and have them do an assessment based on your expected usage. You cannot find a more professional company to do that sort of work.

As to the battery cutoff (isolation) switch, I have one and find it convenient when I want to interrupt the flow of current for whatever reason. But then the same thing can be accomplished by lifting one of the battery cables.  ;)  
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #5 –
"Do you think it's worth getting even if not doing an upgrade?"

I wouldn't.  It might be useful if you are going to leave the RV for an extended period and are not confident in using a wrench to remove one of the battery cables, but I can't imagine what else.  I also see it as a point of failure, not to mention an additional point of added resistance to the 12 V system.

Rich - alumni - former 2000 MB - Birch Bay, WA
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"...we anticipate doing a solar install once we finally receive our mid-bath."
I would highly recommend that you take your work to AM Solar in Springfield, OR (twin city of Eugene) and have them do an assessment based on your expected usage. You cannot find a more professional company to do that sort of work.

We keep hearing good things about AM Solar and, when I checked their website, I did see they've worked on a few Lazy Daze rigs.
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #7 –
"I did see they've worked on a few Lazy Daze rigs."
----
I am pretty sure that it's more than a few over the years!  ;)  AM did all of my solar and battery installations; if I were ordering a new rig, I'd either have them do the installation on it, or schedule an appointment with Dan Reshatoff at Quality RV Solar. Fremont is closer to me than Springfield!

Quality RV Solar, LLC
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #8 –
AM Solar did my work too.  Five panels, 6 AGM batteries in the dinette bench and a whole house inverter.  It has been problem-free for 10 3/4 years now.  I agree with Joan's and others' assessment of them.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #9 –
I feel like someone needs to stick up for Lazy Daze. We paid for the second panel when we bought our TK from LD.  So far in 3 years of use, we have had zero issues. It just works. We did not get the battery disconnnect switch because we have solar power to keep the batteries charged and aren't worried about ever running them dead.

Now compare our Lazy Daze experience to our Roadtrek experience. We had to have the Roadtrak solar panels installed by the RV dealer because it was a perk if we bought the RV but the panels were out of stock.

The RV place installed 3 panels and the controllers. All was good until it started raining - can be rare here in Northern California. The roof started leaking then. And it turned out they had driven a screw through the panel mount in such a way to create the leak. They fixed the roof for us free. But later we had issues with the controller shutting off on its own and had to reboot the system a few times to get it working again - a pain because it meant screwdrivers and wires - no simple on/off switch.

So, from our point of view, Lazy Daze does a really nice job installing the panels compared to what happened with our other rig.  :)

Yay, it's almost the long weekend,
Jim & Deb
Santa Cruz, California

Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #10 –
However, isn’t it a good idea to have the Mothership install one panel and the accompanying hardware? I believe it’s standard equipment nowadays, anyways.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
However, isn’t it a good idea to have the Mothership install one panel and the accompanying hardware? I believe it’s standard equipment nowadays, anyways.

The 2019 price list shows as standard " 100 watt solar panel and MPPT current boosting 3 stage charger controller with digital LED read out display. Charger controller charges house batteries and chassis battery." Option to add a second panel for $850.
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Rich Gort  - 
"Do you think it's worth getting even if not doing an upgrade?"

I wouldn't.  It might be useful if you are going to leave the RV for an extended period and are not confident in using a wrench to remove one of the battery cables, but I can't imagine what else.  I also see it as a point of failure, not to mention an additional point of added resistance to the 12 V system.


The use of the switch is mostly to be able to safely work on the 12V system, though a fuse to the solar controller, wind generator, or any other auxiliary source of 12V power must be removed too. It IS true that these switches have been known to eventually develop resistive contacts, causing all manner of confusing symptoms. A solution is to replace them with a higher quality marine-rated version, but the original should be useful for many years.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #13 –
"AM Solar did my work too.  Five panels, 6 AGM batteries in the dinette bench and a whole house inverter.  It has been problem-free for 10 3/4 years now.  I agree with Joan's and others' assessment of them."

Me, too!  Full up system in 2009.  Has always performed perfectly!!!  Four AGM's, 2000 whole house inverter, and all of the "stuff" that goes on the walls.  Probably a disconnect switch, too.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Platelet Celebration
           *********************

 
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #14 –
My take on the battery disconnect switch is to get it.

If you ever put a cover on your rig or have covered storage, it is a simple matter to turn off the batteries so they don't discharge (which they will when no light reaches the solar panels. Also makes it simple to safely work on 12volt stuff after pulling the solar fuse.

Someone mentioned removing a battery cable would do the same thing. My understanding is the new LDs no longer have battery slide out trays which makes removing a cable a bit more difficult.

This is probably the least expensive factory option there is. Why not get it?

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 

I would highly recommend that you take your work to AM Solar in Springfield, OR (twin city of Eugene) and have them do an assessment based on your expected usage. You cannot find a more professional company to do that sort of work.

X2.

AM Solar has installed solar on all of our RVs, including the Lazy Daze we owned.  They do excellent work!
Linda Hylton
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #16 –
Another plug for Quality Solar in Fremont CA.  Had I included a 2nd 100 watt panel in 2013,  I might not have upgraded. 100 W just wasn't enough at Quartzite.  Dan was going to replace the 100 W panel with 3 180W panels, but when he looked at the configuration, I ended up with 2 180 W panels,  kept the original 100W panel and added a 2nd 100W panel for 560 watts.  He also installed the EMS at the same time.   The rig lives under an Adco tarp if not moving for over 30 days.  Enough light gets thru to the panels to keep the battery topped up in Spring & Summer - will see it that stays true for Fall & Winter in N. Calif.
I had the Disconnect switch installed, use it rarely, and probable would do so again.
YMMV
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #17 –

If you don't expect to add more batteries, get the Factory switch, IMO, it's alway a good idea to have a quick and simple way to disconnect the battery.
In an electrical emergency, a battery switch may save your rig.

If planning on additional batteries or major electrical improvements, install a marine-grade battery switch during the upgrade.
A two-battery, marine switch can be wired to allow jumping a dead starting battery with the twist of the switch's handle.
Amazon.com : Blue Sea 9001E E-Series Battery Switch : Boating Battery...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #18 –
A side note, AM Solar seems to only want to work on bigger jobs (those that said they got it done talk about many solar panels,  upgraded batteries, etc. 

I called for a quote & design almost a year ago.  Never got it.  I had already upgraded the charger/converter in the power center and we didn't want new batteries.  I was looking for 2 panels and a solar charger that could handle a future expansion to 4 panels.  Plus all the small components that come with that install.
I am guessing they didn't want to bother with a smaller design.  I called back twice, once about 6 weeks after they took the original information.  I was told there was 12 people ahead of me and it would take some time.  I called again after another 3-4 months.  The request was still sitting with nobody having looked at it or made any steps to create a quote.  They have never called back and I am not waiting for a call.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #19 –
"I called for a quote & design almost a year ago."

While I do not understand why you have had to wait so long I know for a fact that they are 'very' busy people and it is no wonder that there's a waiting list.

Whenever I've had need of their service, no matter how small, they have scheduled me, kept their word and have, on at least three separate occasions, provided good workmanship and satisfactory results. I've had them add panels and also exchange panels to the point where I now have three panels and a new controller. They have facilities behind their shop and will gladly let you stay there (no charge) overnight should the job require it.   ;)   ;D 

As a side note; the present owners are the crew that worked for the original owners and who bought the business when the original couple retired.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
 
Re: Solar Install - Should We Get Factory Battery Disconnect Switch?
Reply #20 –
Steve,  I was intending to install myself.  Maybe that was mentioned (I don't remember) and maybe that is why I was not given attention.
Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.