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Topic: Porch light (Read 601 times) previous topic - next topic

Porch light

I'm getting ready to change the porch light to LED, mainly because it isn't working properly. Sometimes it comes on properly with the switch. Other times it doesn't come on until the door is slammed. Still other times it doesn't come on at all. I haven't climbed up yet, but it looks like there is a switch on the bottom of the light. What might that switch be for?

Re: Porch light

Reply #1 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
... it looks like there is a switch on the bottom of the light. What might that switch be for?
That is another switch for the light. It is in series with the other switches. Our porch light didn't work when we bought the coach. I pulled the cover off the switch on the lamp, soaked it with WD-40, and exercised it. I cleaned up some other stuff also. I may have replaced the bulbs - I don't remember.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Porch light

Reply #2 –

Just a second way of controlling the light.  Switch inside the coach sends power to 2nd switch on the light base.  I was having the same problems with my inside switch.  I just finished replacing my OEM light with LED.  I'll go snap a few pics when it gets a little darker here.  I used 3 of these lights from Amazon:

Amazon.com: Gold Stars F3528009 RV LED Rectangle Porch Light Fixture w/ Clear &

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Porch light

Reply #3 –
Here's my mod.  I wanted more light outside the door so I could take our dog out at night without needing a flashlight.  The new LED lights are quite bright!  All 3 units are connected to the inside "porch light" switch.  By using the individual light switches, I can vary the amount of outside light according to need.  If I REALLY want max illumination, I can quickly swap the center yellow lens for a clear one.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Porch light

Reply #4 –
"That is another switch for the light. It is in series with the other switches." So what's the purpose? Maybe when I'm switching that one to the LEDs I ought to just bypass that switch. I just came in, and since it is starting to get dark I touched the handle (main switch is OFF) and the handle lit up, so I don't think I need that switch outside.

Re: Porch light

Reply #5 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
"That is another switch for the light. It is in series with the other switches." So what's the purpose?
I guess that the switch came on the fixture that Foretravel chose to install.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Porch light

Reply #6 –
We don't live around that many bugs so I replaced the amber lens with a clear one when I did the LED conversion. Very inexpensive. The light is sure glued on to the coach.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Porch light

Reply #7 –
Alton at FOT just cut out the switch at the light and butt spliced the black wires together. Worked fine.
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: Porch light

Reply #8 –
Thanks, Elliott, that's my plan for when the rains stop and it warms up again.