Will my battery still charge if I switch off the disconnect?

Welcome to another Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy, the largest hands-on RV training academy in America! Whether you’re here to expand your RV knowledge or solve a pressing issue, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some common questions about RV maintenance that Todd and Chris from Why Wait tackled in this session.

1. Gray Tank Leaks: Repair or Replace?

A question from Todd Wilson highlighted a common RV issue: gray tank leaks. He asked whether it’s possible to disconnect the tank using the valve connection instead of cutting into the ABS piping. Here’s what we discussed:

Inlets and Outlets: A gray tank has both an inlet (where water flows into the tank) and an outlet (where it exits). To remove the tank, you’ll need to disconnect both sides.
Cutting the Pipe: Unfortunately, there’s no way around it—you’ll need to cut into the ABS pipe. While it’s not the most glamorous job, it ensures the tank can be replaced or repaired properly.

Pro Tip: Make sure the tank is completely emptied before you start, and avoid using the system during the repair to keep things clean!

2. Retorquing Wheel Bearings: Is It Necessary?

Another viewer asked whether retorquing the wheel bearing is necessary after removing the dust cap. Short answer: Yes!

Castle Nut Tightening: When working on wheel bearings, it’s crucial to tighten the castle nut properly.
- Tighten hand-tight and then back it off about a quarter turn.
- Ensure the cotter pin fits securely into the hole to keep everything locked in place.

Failing to retorque can lead to the nut coming loose, potentially causing serious issues while traveling.

3. Battery Disconnect and Charging: Does It Still Charge?

A fascinating and slightly tricky question came in about RV batteries:
“If your RV is plugged into shore power and you turn the battery disconnect switch off, will the battery still charge?”

Here’s the breakdown:

The Common Setup: In most cases, turning off the battery disconnect switch will stop the charge. The battery disconnect is located between the converter and the battery. When the switch is off, power flow to and from the battery is cut.
Exceptions: Depending on the RV’s wiring, some setups may have the disconnect positioned after the charging system or on a bus bar. This could allow the battery to charge even if the disconnect is off.

How to Check:

Look for multiple red wires connected to your battery. These typically bypass the disconnect for powering heavy-duty components like landing gear or slides.

Additional Insights

Chris shared how learning these maintenance tips at the National RV Training Academy can help prevent common mistakes, extend the life of your RV components, and make your RVing experience smoother.

Takeaways and Preventative Tips

Tank Repairs: Be prepared to cut the ABS pipe for gray tank replacements.
Wheel Bearings: Always retorque your castle nut after maintenance for a safe and secure fit.
Battery Disconnect: Understand your RV’s wiring to determine whether the disconnect affects charging.

If you’re ever unsure, consult a professional RV technician or take a course to get hands-on experience.

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Happy RVing, and remember: A little maintenance now can save you from major headaches down the road. See you next Tech Tip Tuesday!