battery disconnect switch

[RJ2]

Any hot tips on placement and wire lengths for a disconnect between the starter. Would like to mount on the floor in cab .

Thanks RJ

 

[illflem]

RJ, most all the safety disconnects I've seen look like a battery cable clamp with a stud on the other end for the stock clamp, attaches right to the battery. Problem with installing one in the interior is the heavy gauge wire needed, that stuff is hard to route around in a tight area. You might be able to come up with very high amp relay, but it would be expensive. Why not just use the starter solenoid, it's already there? If you are concerned about the solenoid sticking and burning out the starter just rebuild it before it happens. Might be cheaper. Your idea sort of reminded me of the real old trucks before electric solenoids (pre1950), they had a foot pedal to switch on power to the starter.

 

[redneckdr]

battery disconnect

rj:

i put battery disconnects on th' rollin redneck residence. it sits a lot between trips, and i wanted to disconnect the batteries to prevent drain down sitting. i went to NAPA and bought large levered battery disconnects that mounted through a hole in the floor. put them beside the seat. you should be able to do the same. as far as cable, you can get them made up at most "big truck parts " places. they can put whatever end on them that you need. use 0 or 00 cable, i think either would be heavy enough. i'd check the cable currently running from the battery to the starter solenoid, then go one or two sizes heavier, since you will have to run from the battery to the disconnect, then to the starter.

sorry this is long.....

 

[cap-n-cray]

Boat switch

I used a boat switch for the two batteries in my blazer. I can run with just one or both. I mounted it on the cab floor. Just don't turn the switch off when the engine is running, it can fry the alternator by running the alternator with out voltage. You can even get a boat switch that has a key lock on it. Redneckdr is right about the cables. I used welding cable.



Race cars also have a heavy duty switch to disconnect the battery. It has a removable plunger type key. I use that type on my Porsche's for anti-theft. I just take the key out, it is mounted in the trunk. I ran a positive 10 amp fused wire to the radio and clock, so they still get power. If someone tries to start the car nothing happens. Hopfully they will move on.



Cary