AH_AK
AK
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Why do the majority of RV manufacturers use a latching solenoid for the battery disconnect (storage) as opposed to a mechanical battery disconnect switch?
Is there some other function that the solenoid is performing that an appropriately sized manual SPST switch would not?
There has to be a reason for the added complexity and cost.
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SAR Tracker
Central Oregon
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Joined: 05/29/2003
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Convenience for the non-mechanically/electrically inclined. It's like why have an auto-switchover for propane?
Rusty & Cheryl
2011 F250 2WD 6.2L Gasser
2008 Weekend Warrior FB2100
"Common sense is in spite of, not the result of, education" - Victor Hugo (1802-1885)
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LittleBill
Scranton, PA USA
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because the switch can be placed in a much better place then a mechanical.
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Bobbo
Wherever I park
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LittleBill wrote:because the switch can be placed in a much better place then a mechanical.
This ^^^^^^^^^^^^.
With a manual disconnect switch, you have to place it between the battery and the electrical panel, making it very inconvenient to access. Using the solenoid lets you place it anywhere, and place its switch right by the door, where it is extremely convenient.
Bobbo and Lin
2017 F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab w/Max Tow Package 3.5l EcoBoost V6
2017 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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It is actually a Latching Relay!
As others said it is for ease of installation.
Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow
2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker
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2112
Texas
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And you can install multiple convenience switches throughout the rig. Similar to one pump switch in the kitchen and another in the restroom.
2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost SuperCab Max Tow, 2084# Payload, 11,300# Tow,
Timbrens, PullRite SuperGlide 2700 15K
2013 KZ Durango 2857
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AH_AK
AK
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That makes a lot of sense. I have a truck camper and the solenoid and switch are right over the battery compartment/generator. So for me, it’d be easy to use a switch, but for larger RV’s I can see the advantage.
Thanks for the info!
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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The solenoid for mine is not a latching relay. It is a continuous use design.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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2112
Texas
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PT, I'm surprised you didn't replace the continuous current draw disconnect relay with a latching type. You seem to be very efficiency minded.
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wa8yxm
Davison Michigan (East of Flint)
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The Solenoid, basiclly a big and I mean BIG relay. can easily pass 100 amps or more. The wires that run a great distance to the switch. just a couple amps.
You are asking why they use a fairly low cost remote switch with low cost 20-22 ga wires instead of oh say 50 feet of something between 4ga and 00ga.
Way cheaper. and way better electrically as well. (less voltage loss in the line).
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
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