Can driver side controls be mistakenly activated while driving?

[sartor]

Another newbie question, for my 2019 Dutch Star: I was wondering about the various switches on the driver's left side, and whether or not one has to be concerned to not mistakenly hit one of them while driving. In particular, I'm thinking about the manual air bag dump switch, and also the R/N/D switch for the transmission. Is there any "automatic protection" that precludes those switches from being able to do anything damaging if one were to inadvertently hit one of them while driving down the highway? I certainly didn't want to "test the theory" while on my maiden voyage! :-) But at the same time I was pondering the danger if I were to do something like reach for the window switch or something and mistakenly hit the wrong button, especially in these "early days" while I'm still getting used to where everything is located.

Tom

[Flyer15015]

Tom,
While you get used to your new layout, you could tape a cardboard flap over the "scary switches" and label it with "Don't touch while moving".

Or install aircraft style switch covers..........

Mike in Colorado

[TOM GUY]

Supposedly the slides are interlocked. You can try that out by trying to move the slides while the engine is running.

The Manual dump "Might" work, but probably not for long; the control panel is set for "ride" while you are moving.

Just a thought........

Tom

[MikeyG]

Tom: No need to worry about the transmission as confirmed by FL during my virtual Camp Freightliner seminar earlier this year. Our presenter (Bobby Wayne) told us the computer knows when a shift button mistake has been made and will not shift into a dangerous state.
I'd say the only other switch to be careful of is the Tag Axle switch. Make sure you're in Auto mode. That would have the switch at the most forward position. The labeling can be somewhat confusing. I think there is a post from earlier this week on this site.
Enjoy your new to you coach.
We love our 2019 4018 DS.
Happy Thanksgiving.

[96 Wideglide]

My tag axle lift button will only work below something like 10mph. I'm sure Freightliner is similar. If you pushed it while traveling, it would just ignore the command.

[Gordon Dewald]

Transmission is supposed to be smart enough to not shift while on the highway.

Tag dump position does not matter as it automatically inflates at 8 mph with a straight tag and something like 20 if you have a passive steering setup.

Tag position should always be in auto position. On ours at start the tag does not dump in forward. I like to press the dump button forward, it returns to the auto position. In that state the tag always dumps in reverse and below 8 mph in forward. I like it to dump in forward as that is when I am doing the big cuts that the tag dump allows the tags to skid.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by sartor

Another newbie question, for my 2019 Dutch Star: I was wondering about the various switches on the driver's left side, and whether or not one has to be concerned to not mistakenly hit one of them while driving. In particular, I'm thinking about the manual air bag dump switch, and also the R/N/D switch for the transmission. Is there any "automatic protection" that precludes those switches from being able to do anything damaging if one were to inadvertently hit one of them while driving down the highway? I certainly didn't want to "test the theory" while on my maiden voyage! :-) But at the same time I was pondering the danger if I were to do something like reach for the window switch or something and mistakenly hit the wrong button, especially in these "early days" while I'm still getting used to where everything is located.

Tom

Many rocker type switches allow the top "cover" to be replaced. If yours are like that, you could order new tops in red. That way, it could help you to stay away from it with your peripheral vision. I just replaced some switches from the small skinny type Monaco used in 2003 for the interior lighting and water pump etc to these from Rocker Switch Pros. You can design your own top cover: https://rockerswitchpros.com/product...itch-actuator/. A couple of years ago, I changed the top cover of my engine brake rocker switch to red. I got it from these guys: Carling Technology V-Series Contura II: nwrvsupply.com

[Dutch Star Don]

On your 19, obviously you can upshift and downshift the transmission while driving and you can also put it in Neutral. The shifter design would make it pretty hard to press the Neutral button, unless you were aiming for it. Upshifting and downshifting are limited by Allison, according to engine speed.

On the 2019, the jacks will operate with the engine running, but probably not with the coach in Drive. I often retract my jacks while the coach is airing up. I've never tried, but you could put the coach in gear and then hit the deploy button on the jacks. As stated, the green light (travel mode) should be on when in gear and prevent the deployment.

[Mr. T]

I remember reading a story where a guy was hooking up his tow vehicle with the coach running, (my guess without the parking brake on) and his dog jumped on the drivers seat to look out the window and shifted the coach into drive. Eeks!

[Xmcdog]

Thanks to the OP for raising this question. Something I hadn't considered for my future purchase.

[ArtJoyce]

Not in ours.

You have to open a overhead compartment to operate the controls.

[Winepress]

Originally Posted by MikeyG

Tom: No need to worry about the transmission as confirmed by FL during my virtual Camp Freightliner seminar earlier this year. Our presenter (Bobby Wayne) told us the computer knows when a shift button mistake has been made and will not shift into a dangerous state.
I'd say the only other switch to be careful of is the Tag Axle switch. Make sure you're in Auto mode. That would have the switch at the most forward position. The labeling can be somewhat confusing. I think there is a post from earlier this week on this site.
Enjoy your new to you coach.
We love our 2019 4018 DS.
Happy Thanksgiving.

On mine the mid position is the auto. Dump is all the way forward. Might have changed since 2018.

[Tigerfan1]

Originally Posted by Winepress

On mine the mid position is the auto. Dump is all the way forward. Might have changed since 2018.
Attachment 309401

My 2016 is the same. Auto in mid position.

[Winepress]

Originally Posted by Tigerfan1

My 2016 is the same. Auto in mid position.

Oops, I take this back. Looking through the post and my notes, switch should be forward.