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Topic: Dash Rocker switch  (Read 662 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash Rocker switch

After almost 6 months of ownership and about 4100 miles I just realized that the rocker switches on the Alison panel and where the docking lights, retarder (that the only one that was lit up)  and other switches, --- wait for it --- LIGHT UP. If you have bulbs in them that is.    What a great idea Foretravel.  There all lit up now and I'm lovin it. Yes I'll drive at nite if it's straight or lit up. No curves or mountains or dark rainy stuff either.

  So now I'm getting greedy and would like the dash generator and or monitor switches to light up. I've hit the generator switch a time or two buy accident when going for the monitor switch. Are there any MOM switches out there that we could use with LEDs or convential bulbs, whichever.  Search on the forum and Amazon has turned up nothing.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #1 –

Momentary contact illuminated switches are out there, it takes some hunting and you need to know the mounting holes size.

Here are some panel mount indicator leds.
Amazon.com : Blue Sea Systems 12/24V DC LED, Red : Red And Blue Lamp :...
Amazon.com: Alpinetech 6mm 1/4" Blue 12V LED Metal Indicator Pilot Custom...

If you can do a 3/4" round hole these are very nice
Amazon.com: Silver Metal Stainless Steel Red LED Illuminated Momentary...
Many variations in light colors and finishes for these.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #2 –
Roger.
 Thanks much for the research and I did notice some of those when shopping on Amazon. I was trying to find a square one to fit the existing space but with no luck. Lots of mini rocker and momentary switches but none of a momentary mini rocker with LED.
 I did notice that one of the broken (daughter can't say how) rocker switches from the bath area is a 110 volt switch. That will open up some options. Lots more to choose from.    Picture of that switch.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #3 –
Robert, I have done the same thing, hitting the gen switch by accident. I had thought about putting an aircraft style "guarded" switch ( where you have to lift a cover before toggling the switch).
By the way, did you replace the bulbs in your switches, and where did you find them, how hard to install, etc?
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #4 –
Quote from: lenspeiser –
Robert, I have done the same thing, hitting the gen switch by accident. I had thought about putting an aircraft style "guarded" switch ( where you have to lift a cover before toggling the switch).
By the way, did you replace the bulbs in your switches, and where did you find them, how hard to install, etc?


I like the guarded idea, if I can't find a lit up one. Guarded may even be better.
, I'll rethink that.

 The rocker switch lights are available thru Amazon. I went with Wagner 17037 bulbs. They aren't LED but I'll cross that bridge later.

 To replace them, I pulled the whole panel. You can clean the Alison trans buttons while in there and I did some satilite re wiring too while acces was available. The light plugs are MUCH easier to get to from the bottom. Got 10 of them for 9.95.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #5 –
Bob, what is the cutout size for the current switch?  Illuminated, momentary miniature rocker switches are available but you need to know cut out size.  When you are going through catalogs they are generally designated as  SPST off-(on).  The ( ) indicates momentary. 

I kept hitting the gen start button in the bedroom above the bed in the dark. I replaced the single switch plate with a double plate and used an off-on switch and the original off-(on) switch in series.  Authority switch has to be on and momentary switch pushed to start the generator.  No more inadvertant starts. I am thinking about adding one of the BlueSea LED indicator lights to show when the authority switch is on.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #6 –
Bob, what is the cutout size for the current switch?  Illuminated, momentary miniature rocker switches are available but you need to know cut out size.  When you are going through catalogs they are generally designated as  SPST off-(on).  The ( ) indicates momentary. 


  Roger. Thanks. I did not know that part about SPST off-(on). Yet another detail to broaden the search with. The size of the  "momentary on rocker switch with the LED" cut out would be 1/2 by 1". The switch itself is a couple 32nd smaller than that.

 I have always started the geni from up front. Partly because I've been using the boost switch if needed. Do you turn it on at bedtime or part of the am routine ?
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #7 –
Almost never from the bedroom except by mistake. If we are in the coach we will leave the autostart on or start it on from the front when needed.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #8 –
Bob,

Thanks for this thread! Susan & I have wondered about the switch lights. Some of ours work, some don't — and we just assumed (duh) that Foretravel only illuminated the ones they thought were important.  Ha!  Learn something every time I read Forum posts.  Thanks again.
The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522

Re: Dash Rocker switch

Reply #9 –
Don't forget to light up the mirror adjustment switches while your in there. They are AWESOME when lit. It's the same bulb but different configuration on the socket. And not even possible to get to unless you remove the Allison key pad, then pop them out of the base.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR