Things in Battery Compartment

[1978Chieftain]

Sent: 3/17/2007 6:02 PM

What are these things in the battery compartment of my 1978 Chieftain; and what do I ask for to replace them?  They look old and the last wire on the wall has a broken connection pin.

[MSN Member]

Sent: 3/17/2007 6:56 PM

Hi Ron, those are 12 volt circuit breakers.  They each can have different amp ratings sometimes.

[1978Chieftain]

Sent: 3/17/2007 8:20 PM

Thanks, what about the silver can?

[pinballlarry1]

Sent: 3/17/2007 8:49 PM

Silver can is the solenoid that connects the engine battery and house aux battery when the "dual" "momentary" rocker switch on the dashboard is used.

[MSN Member]

Sent: 3/17/2007 10:11 PM

The battery solenoid dashboard switch receives power(when using the dual position) if the key is in the on position.  When using the momentary position the switch gets power from the house side of the solenoid.  It's the 2nd little wire coming off the right side of the solenoid.The other little wire feeds the circuit breaker and then goes to the house 12 volt fuses.

Ron,your motorhome has 4 12 volt circuit breakers.  One for the house glass fuse panel.One for a power step and the other two for some other add on power accessories. 

[Oz]

Sent: 3/18/2007 5:48 AM

The dual battery solenoid is actually a military spec item.  I got one to replace the old one in my first Winnie ('74), but this same solenoid was used for quite some time (as you can see).  If you want to replace it, you can get new ones from www.SandsRv.com in Ohio, exactly the same type or a newer version, same configuration. 

[Razee]

Sent: 5/18/2007 4:58 PM

Hi Everyone,
I want to clean up the rats nest in my 79's battery compartment. What I need to know is what is the recommended amperage for the aforementioned circuit breakers? The breakers are badly corroded and rusty. The stamping to id the breakers are long gone.
Please don't tell me to add up the amp draw of all the 12v. appliances, I just need to know what a stock system came with from the factory.

Thanks,
Ray

[pinballlarry1]

Sent: 5/18/2007 5:47 PM

I plan to use 20 amp rated circuit breakers on the 12 gauge wire and 15 amp rated breakers on the 14 gauge wire.  The wire is sized for the total amps of the loads, the breaker is sized to protect the wire from overheating.

[Razee]

Sent: 5/18/2007 6:07 PM

So the breaker matches up to the wire size just like an AC circuit in our houses and apartments.

Thanks for the info, that sure makes it easier.
I plan to get the type 2's and the nifty covers shown here http://www.wiringproducts.com/dept_60.html

[Oz]

Sent: 3/17/2007 6:56 PM

Hi Ron, those are 12 volt circuit breakers.  They each can have different amp ratings sometimes.