SUV Conversion Electrical Challenges

[BennyM2021]

2011 Ford Explorer XLT here. I'm getting ready to go cross-country (east to west coast). I'm in the process of converting the 2nd and 3rd seat + the cargo area into a small "van life" type camper.

Here's the lovely problem with the Ford Explorer. If have a door open or the rear liftgate open, the lights will stay on and no way to turn off. I've researched on the Ford website trying to find a way to turn off the stinking lights. I've had to replace a battery due to this lovely feature.

Is there a way or a kit that will allow either a battery disconnect or a way to disable the electrical when stopped (e.g. parked)? I would love to have a toggle switch that I could add that would allow me to break the circuit either to the lighting system or the battery completely.

Any ideas?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Just put a manual switch on the door ajar limit switches. That way you can run accessories with stuff open. You can also add a sealed deep cell battery and a contractor that isolates the other battery from the system.

 

[BennyM2021]

Just put a manual switch on the door ajar limit switches. That way you can run accessories with stuff open. You can also add a sealed deep cell battery and a contractor that isolates the other battery from the system.

Could pulling the fuse #4 (interior lighting fuse) be that easy?

 

[Mbrooks420]

There’s one way to find out.

 

[peterk9]

Could pulling the fuse #4 (interior lighting fuse) be that easy?

Welcome to the Forum Benny.
There are two fuses that affect the interior lights. #4 is for the Demand Lamps and #12 is for the Courtesy Lamps. The courtesy lamps come on when you open the doors. Demand lamps are when you turn ON the individual lights manually. In any case, all lights should get turned OFF after 10 minutes by the Battery Saver program and will remain OFF until you close and open a door and then the timer starts over.
FYI, check out this thread as well; Cargo area, 3rd row seat back cracks.
Are you looking at removing the 2nd and 3rd row seats?

Peter

 

[stuarto]

would allow me to break the circuit either to the lighting system or the battery completely.

Any ideas?

The way I would approach this is to see if they are all on a single fuse - I suspect they are. If I'm right, there is your answer to a central point to break the circuit and put in your own switch