[HoosierDaddy]

Todd , If your referring to the merge solenoid I got mine from Newell. Just disconnect the neg cable from the batts or turn the manual batt switch off.

[Chester Stone]

If there are only merge solenoids doing the duty in the classic coaches, they must be of a very high quality. I would buy the best I could find. I understand that the merge solenoids used in later models are not adequate to carry the loads and Newell suggests changing every year and to carry a spare.

[Flick]

Just bought one for $57. Since the one Tom found was only $17on the web I guess that means I got the greater quality one or I am the greater fool.

So when I swap this out tomorrow evening I can simply use the manual off switch for the house and Chassis batteries and not electrocute myself right?

[1997 n/corporate coach/ jerry]

Jerry here in KC Missouri...1997 Newell single slide...Merge switch on dash...My coach is parked and plugged into 50amp all of the time when not on the road...I keep my merge switch on when parked at home all the time...I only turn it off after I have started the engine...I normally
have the merge switch on in the up position...I do this to keep both engine and house batteries charged while plugged in and engine not running...I am a total newell newbie...I know nothing...please advise...

Thanks, Jerry

[Richard]

Jerry the only issue with that is if you lose power the engine batteries will also discharge powering the inverter. Probably not a big deal since it's at your house but could strand you on the road. By the way, as soon as the engine starts the merge switch is energized regardless of your merge switch position

[Fulltiming]

Todd, do NOT depend on turning off the battery switches. Remove the negative battery terminal from the ground to the engine battery and from the ground to the house battery.

[Flick]

Got it thanks Michael.

[Retro]

Whenever I dry camp I always turn the disconnect off for the engine batteries, gives me peace of mind I will for sure have full batteries to start the engine. Actually I do that even when im plugged in or whenever I am not using the engine. If the merge switch does get left on or something happens to the charger the engine batteries are isolated.

[folivier]

Here is a post similar to this: http://newellgurus.com/Thread-Battery-te...-batteries
I added a Triklstart to my coach. This takes a small amount of power from the house batteries to keep the engine batteries charged. Works great and don't have to worry about the engine batteries going down when I'm parked, or overcharging them.

[Chester Stone]

Below is a photo of a Echo-charge by Heart Interface that is similar to the one Forest posted about. It uses a small amount of current from the house batteries (which are charged when plugged in) to keep the chassis batteries charged (which are not charged when plugged in). Thus the merge switch being left on is avoided along with the limited risk of the house batteries dragging down the chassis batteries.