Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Modifications and Upgrades
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-17-2018, 06:55 PM   #21
FF/PM
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Eagle
Posts: 25
I have the Suburban with the outside switch. I'm going to add a 12v switch on my control panel to control the 120v element. I see 2 options. 1 is to figure out how to access the 12v switch wires from inside the trailer then spend hours fishing the wires across the roof to the control panel. 2nd is to add a 120v relay triggered by a 12v lighted switch. I'd add this relay at the power distribution center directly below the convenience center.

Number 2 seems like he easiest solution, but this will be my first serious mod to a trailer. Maybe I'm making it too complicated?

Is there any source for 12v better than another? I have the inverter right there, I can take any.

All input and experience is appreciated!
FF/PM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2018, 05:08 PM   #22
Brentw
Senior Member
 
Brentw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Chetwynd, BC
Posts: 378
Been thinking of doing this myself.
So.
Install a 120 v switch at panel, will require cutting feed to HWT, installing a junction box and carrying a 2 wire to the switch.
Or
Install a 12 v switch at panel and install a relay in the feed to the HWT.

Not sure which to do.

There is 12 DC available in the switch panel, so that is not an issue. The 120 v switch at HWT has already failed so I am bit concerned about the ability of those small rocker switches to be carrying that ampacity.
__________________
Brent W
2019 Duramax dually
2015 Fuzion 325
2008 Goldwing
Brentw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2018, 05:18 PM   #23
66joej
Senior Member
 
66joej's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: radium hot springs bc
Posts: 2,007
Quote:
Originally Posted by FF/PM View Post
I have the Suburban with the outside switch. I'm going to add a 12v switch on my control panel to control the 120v element. I see 2 options. 1 is to figure out how to access the 12v switch wires from inside the trailer then spend hours fishing the wires across the roof to the control panel. 2nd is to add a 120v relay triggered by a 12v lighted switch. I'd add this relay at the power distribution center directly below the convenience center.

Number 2 seems like he easiest solution, but this will be my first serious mod to a trailer. Maybe I'm making it too complicated?

Is there any source for 12v better than another? I have the inverter right there, I can take any.

All input and experience is appreciated!
Not really sure what you are trying to do. I just use the 120v breaker in the electrical panel to control the off/on for the HWH.
__________________

2018 Ram 3500 6.4 Harvest Edition
2018 Cougar 27RESWE
66joej is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2018, 05:49 PM   #24
tech740
Senior Member
 
tech740's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hemlock
Posts: 816
Quote:
Originally Posted by 66joej View Post
Not really sure what you are trying to do. I just use the 120v breaker in the electrical panel to control the off/on for the HWH.
Probably should admit this publicly, but that just blew my mind. LOL. I will be looking to see if that is all that is on that circuit in my rig. I was just saying that I didn't like how the switch was outside the other day.
__________________
R.J. and Ginger

2019 Ram 3500 6.7 HO, Aisin Trans 3:73
Reese Goosebox
2019 Sandpiper 379FLOK
tech740 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2018, 06:16 PM   #25
Triple GGG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Lenoir City
Posts: 108
Quote:
Originally Posted by 66joej View Post
Not really sure what you are trying to do. I just use the 120v breaker in the electrical panel to control the off/on for the HWH.
Just got our TT but this is what I'm doing. I cannot find a switch anywhere.
__________________
Greg, Gina and Ginger the rescue dog
2014 Keystone Sprinter 302RLS
Triple GGG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2018, 06:58 PM   #26
Brentw
Senior Member
 
Brentw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Chetwynd, BC
Posts: 378
When my rig is at home I am normally plugged into 15 amp power to keep batteries up and precool the fridge. The breaker panel is on the floor and awkward to get to. Just my luck to forget it and either trip the breaker or run the heater for weeks ( risk burning it out or running HWT dry).The outside switch is easier to get to. That said, there should have been a switch in the control panel.
__________________
Brent W
2019 Duramax dually
2015 Fuzion 325
2008 Goldwing
Brentw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2018, 02:14 PM   #27
amsoiltek
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Phelan
Posts: 19
I just use the CB to turn it off, and yes a CB is not meant to be used as a switch but heck a CB is cheap so I carry a spare and it takes maybe 5 minutes to replace it.
__________________
Rory N6OIL
08' Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax LMM ClubCab, PullRite SuperGlide
08' Cougar 289BHS traded it.
2019 Cougar 362RKS
amsoiltek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2018, 09:48 PM   #28
FF/PM
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Eagle
Posts: 25
On my Cougar I used an open 12v switch, pulled power from the awning switch. That switch powers a 110v relay that I put right behind the breaker. All of this wiring was on the same wall. I only had to run 3 feet of 12v wire to the relay, and a few inches of 110v from the breaker to the relay. Now I can power up the heater from inside, and when I winterize I can use the outside switch. Relay and lighted switch cost me about $20 and took about an hour.
FF/PM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2018, 03:38 AM   #29
kksfish
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Rincon
Posts: 192
I just use the breaker....... yes I read all the arguments about a breakerfailing ot not intended to be used that many times BUT if you are concerned go to an electric supply house and purchase a breaker that is SWITCH RATED and is designed to be used for that purpose!
__________________
2017 Ram 3500 CC Cummins
2011 Keystone Laredo 266 RL
kksfish is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
heat, heater, hot water heater, water, water heater

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:16 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.