Understanding the Rear Battery Disconnect Switch
This switch can also be referred to as Battery Isolation Switch, Battery Kill Switch, or Battery Cut-Off Switch.
Article Objective:
In this article, you will get to know the Rear Battery Disconnect Switch: What it accomplishes, how to use it, and other important details about how it interacts with the Vandoit electrical system.
Affected Units:
All vans with the Rear Battery Disconnect Switch included as an optional electrical system upgrade
Explanation:
This red switch is located on the electrical cabinet; it is in different locations on the MOOV, LIV, and DO (see photos below). During normal operation, the switch should be turned to "On" (green). This allows use and charging of the batteries in the electrical system. When switched to "Off" (red), the switch prevents any power from flowing to or from the batteries.
LIV:
DO:
MOOV:
It is important to note that when you are plugged into shore power or the vehicle engine is running, there will still be power to the electrical system. This means all devices powered by the Vandoit electrical system will continue to work when shore power is plugged in or the engine is running, despite the Rear Battery Disconnect Switch being in the "Off" (red) position.
In regard to solar, the above statement is also true. The one big difference, however, is that most vans do not have enough solar panels to fully power devices in the van. There can be enough input from solar power to show that the devices are powered, but once a draw is requested (i.e. a device is turned on), the system will power down because there isn't enough power to actually power the devices in (or plugged into) the Vandoit electrical system. As a result, the rocker switch back lights or dome lights may flicker and/or go out altogether.
To fully eliminate incoming power to the electrical system, turn the Rear Battery Disconnect Switch to "Off," make sure shore power is unplugged, the engine is turned off, and either cover the solar panels with a blanket or pull the solar fuse from the DC fuse block to prevent any incoming power. This approach may be helpful when putting the van into long-term storage.
If you have questions about the function of this switch, please contact the Customer Support team by submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing support@vandoit.com.
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