The battery cover is necessary to collect hydrogen gas created when charging the battery and to connect to the vent pipe which takes this combustible gas safely upward out of the front compartment. Without this, the hydrogen gas (which is lighter than air) could collect at the top of the front storage compartment where there are any number of relays and motors that are not "ignition protected" and could create the spark to ignite this gas.

There are many discussions on this forum about how the "disconnect switch" does not disconnect many parasitic loads on the battery. The negative battery cable should be disconnected (or a full disconnect switch installed) if the RV is stored for more than a few days.

Rob

George Burn Welcome to the family and the forum!

I'm sorry I can't directly address the cover question. Your battery disconnect doesn't turn of the parasitic loads such as your CO alarm and maybe the clock on your audio receiver. You will need either to disconnect the cable or put a disconnect on the negative side of the battery to avoid this in the future.
As you are a new member, the moderators have taken the time and effort to create a Welcome Letter for the new members to help navigate the forum and get the most out of your time here. You can find it at Welcome Letter to New Members - Grand Design Owners Forums

I added a separate battery disconnect and also replaced the battery box with 4 - 6volt batteries in my 310GK. Now I can switch off the disconnect and cut ALL parasitic draw (Jacks, CO detector, e-brake) and the batteries will stay charged for weeks. Just dont leave it off when you tow or the emergency brake switch won't work. And with the new battery box the lid comes off easily for battery service but stays vented which is a must for safety.

JFoust (Jim)--noted that was your first post. I hope you'll take a moment and review the Welcome Letter to New Members https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members

If your post is any indication, you'll fit right in with this forum. Glad you joined us.

Howard

Thanks Howard! I am happy to be here. I have gained a lot of knowledge off here so far, and hopefully I'll be able to share some as well.