Red Key

[DesertHiker]

My dealer installed a red key type battery disconnect on the chassis battery. When my RV is sitting in the driveway, the red key is sitting in the cab. When I am driving, the red key is turned and visible in the grill.

Now, I know this is basic, but ... when I am CAMPING, do I take the red key out, thereby disconnecting? And does it make any difference if I am connected to electric or boon-docking?

My brain keeps getting a little confused because of the double negative "disconnect" on or off!!

[Grit_dog]

So the solution to whatever parasitic draw you had (I remember some thread about battery going dead but not the details) is the dealer put a disconnect switch on the charging line from start to house batteries?
You should have your dealer explain what it does for you and how to use it. Or better yet , figure it out yourself. That way you’ll remember since your issue was recent, you should understand what the band aid was that was applied to it.
Need to have a bit of basic aptitude about the thing you’re trusting to get you in and out of the back country and live in.

[bobndot]

Put a hand-held volt meter on the battery to see what it's doing with the switch on or off then use it accordingly.

You can also buy an inexpensive $10 volt meter that plugs into a 12v outlet that will give you the voltage of a battery. The dash 12v outlet should show the chassis battery and a 12v camper outlet should show the coach battery voltage. This is what I use when I park my rv. It allows to monitor my chassis battery so I can charge it as needed.


Check both chassis and coach locations when you are parked, when you run the engine, when you're parked using the red switch on and off and also when you are plugged into shore power. Test that red switch then as well.

[cavie]

disconnect means off.No electric flow.

[MDKMDK]

I don't have one, but this video seems to imply that if you put the key in the socket, and turn it clockwise, the battery is connected. If you turn the key counter-clockwise and remove it, the battery is disconnected.
Like this, if this is what you have...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0CedAjJh7M
In this context, it's also a theft prevention device.

[DesertHiker]

Thanks! And the battery is disconnected when the key is NOT in it, right?

[MDKMDK]

If you want the chassis battery to stay charged while you're camping/parked, yes disconnect the battery using the key. Unless the self discharge rate is high, you should be OK for a few days, and still be able to "start your engine". Makes no difference if your're plugged in, or not.