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Silver Streak Digest V1 #95


Silver Streak Digest      Monday, August 2 2004      Volume 01 : Number 095




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [SilverStreak] Regarding a battery shut-off switch
[SilverStreak] Thanks, Bill

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Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 06:41:34 -0700
From: "WILLIAM SCHMID" <5150-n-flipper@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [SilverStreak] Regarding a battery shut-off switch

Chris,

An alternative to a cut-off switch could be as simple as a solar charger.
This would keep the batteries charge up and be better for the batteries than
disconnecting them.

I found a small unit that simply plugs into a cigarette lighter type power
outlet for under $20.00 at Harbor Freight Tools. I plugged it in and set it in
the window channel. It does well at maintaining the state of charge as long as
direct sun hits the panel.

The power leads go to the power box where the converter is on my '74
Continental Supreme. If a cut-off was installed in manner you are explaining,
that would be the easiest point short of the battery box. However, to switch
power on or off you would still need to get outside the trailer and open the
panel door.

If you are adventurous and engineering, you could extend the leads from the
power box to a location inside the trailer and mount the switch as to access
from inside the trailer. I do recommend keeping such leads as short as
possible as DC power diminishes quickly with long runs of conductors. The
length of conductor would be double that of the distance from where you tie
into the circuit and where the switch is mounted.

I believe that the solar charger is simpler, cost effective and a better
option for the condition of the batteries over all.

Good luck, Bill
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: CHRIS H BROWER
  To: sslist
  Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 10:56 AM
  Subject: [SilverStreak] Regarding a battery shut-off switch


     Has anyone installed a battery shut-off switch in their Silver Streak?
I
  found  a type at Checker Auto that appeals to me  because it could be
  installed somewhere inside the trailer so you could disconnect the battery
  without getting outside in the battery box.  It would help I'm sure to keep
  the battery from being drained when sitting for longer periods of time.  As
it
  is now I  disconnect the wire from the battery terminal each time I want to
  disconnect the 12v power to the trailer.
      In looking at where the power enters the trailer (a 1972 Silver Streak
  Continental Deluxe Rocket) there appears to be a small panel screwed on the
  front/bottom of the belly pan. I have no idea where it goes after that.  I
  have not tried to take the panel off yet to see what's behind. (I'm a
little
  timid about messing with the belly pan). I would like to know if anyone
knows
  where the line would run after that or really any information about such an
  operation.
      I did buy a switch at Camping World that you can mount on the top of
the
  battery but it doesn't fit my batteries terminals which are bigger than
normal
  and it sticks up so far that you can't close the lid on the battery box,
plus
  it's still going outside to disconnect.  Any feedback would be appreciated.
  chrisb

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Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 13:20:28 -0600
From: "CHRIS H BROWER" <chrishbr@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [SilverStreak] Thanks, Bill

  Thanks, Bill, for your idea of the solar charger as an alternative to a shut
off switch for the batteries.  We have a Harbor Freight store in the area and
I think I'll go check it out.  Is that all you have to do, that is, plug it in
to one of the cigarette type 12 volt plug ins?  (and of course make sure it
faces the sun).  That would be great. As it is now I keep it disconnected to
avoid draining the batteries.
  chris

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End of Silver Streak Digest V1 #95
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