Community Forums

Stuart W · 08-12-2018, 07:31 PM

I recently had Dutch Star Don and his wife Mary over to look at my MH, they wanted to see a few thing to help them with the ordering of their 19 DS. Don had pointed out one of the mods he had done to his 14 DS was to add an additional KIB switch to the lower cabinet left of the sink. I instantly knew I had to do this mod to mine as the original location of the KIB, over the sofa is a real PITA to get to especially while cooking.
I had noticed that above the Oasis register below the right of the kitchen sink there is a 5.75 x 5.75 inch square piece of wood that looks like a very small drawer. Further inspection found that it was held in place with two sided tape. This became my location to mount the additional KIB switch plate.
1)The wiring: removal of the original switch plate revealed a white plug to the KIB, from that plug 3 additional wires with female blade connectors were supplied.
The 3 wires are black 12v, white ground and Blue CAN BUS. I had previously needed to replace a HDMI cable to the upper AV cabinet so I had drilled a 1 inch hole in the paneling inside of the televator cabinet directly below the wall opening for the switch. I used this hole to pull 3 new wires up to the wall opening. I had also drilled 1 inch holes in the side of the televator cabinet close to the floor and also into the side of the kitchen cabinet. I ran the wires through these holes and fished them through the cabinet to the location of the new switch. Additional steps needed for the wiring: removal of the top Corian cover over the TV, this allows you to reach in to the Televator cabinet with the TV down. I also removed the 4 bolts holding the couch down to the slide so that the couch could be pulled out far enough for me to work behind it.

2) fabricate a new wood piece to accommodate the new KIB plate. I used a pice of scrap wood from the old overhead TV cabinet (story for another time[emoji51]) in the pictures you can see the old finish and the lite wood exposed from the router. The new piece will be held in place with double sided tape same as the original. I chose to make a new piece because I wanted to retain the original just Incase. I’m OCD[emoji6]
I will post a final picture when I receive the new switch.

Thanks again to DSD for the great mod idea, happy to answer any questions you all may have. Stuart W

Dutch Star Don · 08-12-2018, 08:21 PM

Very nice. I have a question......when you removed the piece of wood taped on by Newmar, was there a hole all the way through the cabinet face, or did you have to cut through like I did? If there was a hole, was it too big to be covered by the switch plate. I just couldn't tell by looking at the pictures.

Stuart W · 08-12-2018, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Very nice. I have a question......when you removed the piece of wood taped on by Newmar, was there a hole all the way through the cabinet face, or did you have to cut through like I did?

The hole was exactly as shown, no cutting required

Stuart W · 08-12-2018, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Very nice. I have a question......when you removed the piece of wood taped on by Newmar, was there a hole all the way through the cabinet face, or did you have to cut through like I did? If there was a hole, was it too big to be covered by the switch plate. I just couldn't tell by looking at the pictures.

I’m sorry just saw second part of your question, the hole is to large by about .75 inch horizontal and vertical. I thought about just filling it in, but chose the route I went, keeping All finish work to the shop.

Dutch Star Don · 08-12-2018, 09:13 PM

Great....thanks

Stuart W · 08-14-2018, 12:35 PM

On another thread someone had made a statement that Newmar would not install a second switch plate like I’m doing here. They elegantly said that they do not recommend it as if it would cause damage. I was pretty certain this was not true, but for the sake of knowledge I called and talked to the Newmar technical guy at KIB today. He said that there was no reason that this would not be ok, he recommend ordering the exact same switch plate so all of the functions would work where I want them. Also, I earlier said the switch was $212 I was wrong it was actually $201. Stuart

redbaron73 · 08-14-2018, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart W

On another thread someone had made a statement that Newmar would not install a second switch plate like I’m doing here. They elegantly said that they do not recommend it as if it would cause damage. I was pretty certain this was not true, but for the sake of knowledge I called and talked to the Newmar technical guy at KIB today. He said that there was no reason that this would not be ok, he recommend ordering the exact same switch plate so all of the functions would work where I want them. Also, I earlier said the switch was $212 I was wrong it was actually $201. Stuart

Was this ordered from KIB or newmar parts?

Stuart W · 08-14-2018, 04:22 PM

Newmar. KIB won’t sell to the public

Canuck53 · 08-14-2018, 06:13 PM

So the addition of this pad is in addition to the original or replaces the original?

Stuart W · 08-14-2018, 06:18 PM

Additional, the original serves a purpose for some functions while on the couch, plus keeps the hole in the wall full. My biggest beef with the original location: your cooking and decide the fan needs to be on or the counter lights, and the slide out island is out. You have to move to the couch and lean over the couch to operate the switch. Most will probably say that’s not a big deal, but I’m always looking for improvement. OCD[emoji6]

Canuck53 · 08-14-2018, 07:55 PM

So would you do the mod if the switch’s are where they are in the 2019? On the outside of the counter?

Stuart W · 08-14-2018, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck53

So would you do the mod if the switch’s are where they are in the 2019? On the outside of the counter?

It’s a little better but not great . With the pull out out you still need to walk around it. Yes I would

Dutch Star Don · 08-14-2018, 09:39 PM

"Canuck53"....To answer your question....

I did the same switch move on my 2014, but put it on the side of the sink near the drawer. Now with the new coach, I still think the switch is in a bad spot. It's good for someone sitting on the couch, but you still have to walk over to access it. I think I will be making this a project again on my new coach. I'm not going to worry about making it a special and just do it my self, pretty easy job.

We have the 4018 with the recliner and fireplace. There are no light switches near the recliner. I didn't do it on my current coach, but will look to add a dinette/wall and ceiling switch panel over by the recliner.