Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 05-19-2021, 12:12 PM

I replaced the relay that is controlled by the salesman's switch just a few months ago, and now it is bad again. I just bypassed the relay since I never used that switch anyway. Any reason not to do this? Thanks!

okc.papa · 05-19-2021, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I replaced the relay that is controlled by the salesman's switch just a few months ago, and now it is bad again. I just bypassed the relay since I never used that switch anyway. Any reason not to do this? Thanks!

Thanks. I had not heard that term in my 40 some year RV experience. Now I learned something today. Time for my nap!

MSHappyCampers · 05-19-2021, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okc.papa

Thanks. I had not heard that term in my 40 some year RV experience. Now I learned something today. Time for my nap!

You need to check your hearing aids! Just kidding! Sleep tight!

windsorbill · 05-19-2021, 02:56 PM

Joe,

I bypassed that relay years ago. I've never had an issue and never wish I hadn't done it. Tape of the smaller wires (purple, I believe) after you bypass (connect) the larger wires. I know it's common to fail, but it only lasted a few months??

wolfe10 · 05-19-2021, 03:03 PM

No, there is no problem bypassing the relay/solenoid.

wamcneil · 05-19-2021, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

No, there is no problem bypassing the relay/solenoid.

X2. However I must be one of the minority that uses the switch semi-regularly to cut the lights leaving the MH. At least when the seasons permit also killing the A/C.
Cheers,
Walter

Outbound · 05-19-2021, 04:07 PM

Should not be a problem but as mentioned it is nice to be able to turn off lights when leaving on short trips, have you tried upping solenoid to a 100 or 125 amp or higher continuous duty, I think factory is approx. 80 amp., might be worth a try.

YC1 · 05-19-2021, 04:16 PM

They are bypassed all the time based on this forum. Mine has been bypassed for several years.

8.3Oilbuner · 05-19-2021, 04:27 PM

Hi Joe; As others here have mentioned, lots of owners have bypassed that relay. As Outbound mentioned, you need to make sure it is at least 100 amp continuous duty unit. Is yours a White Rodgers solenoid? If it is I have read about replacements failing very soon after replacement. I think it is a quality issue nowadays. Not sure where they are made, but don't think its USA built like in the old days. Also do you hear the CLUNK from the solenoid when you throw the switch in the front of the coach. The purple wire is just a ground connection through the switch. If you pull the switch out there should be 2 wires to the switch. One purple going to the solenoid and one white going to ground. I think the ground might terminate on the ground buss bar on the firewall in the gen. compartment, but not sure. I tightened all those grounds on that bus bar just to make sure. Also are you operating the solenoid with loads on it? This can pit the contacts in the solenoid and give it a very shot life. I make sure all loads are off when using that switch. Just some FYI. Bypassing seems the easiest thing to do.

MSHappyCampers · 05-19-2021, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8.3Oilbuner

Hi Joe; As others here have mentioned, lots of owners have bypassed that relay. As Outbound mentioned, you need to make sure it is at least 100 amp continuous duty unit. Is yours a White Rodgers solenoid? If it is I have read about replacements failing very soon after replacement. I think it is a quality issue nowadays. Not sure where they are made, but don't think its USA built like in the old days. Also do you hear the CLUNK from the solenoid when you throw the switch in the front of the coach. The purple wire is just a ground connection through the switch. If you pull the switch out there should be 2 wires to the switch. One purple going to the solenoid and one white going to ground. I think the ground might terminate on the ground buss bar on the firewall in the gen. compartment, but not sure. I tightened all those grounds on that bus bar just to make sure. Also are you operating the solenoid with loads on it? This can pit the contacts in the solenoid and give it a very shot life. I make sure all loads are off when using that switch. Just some FYI. Bypassing seems the easiest thing to do.

I never really used the switch at all, except when I accidentially pressed it!

MSHappyCampers · 05-19-2021, 04:58 PM

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I will just leave it bypassed!

LETMGROW · 05-19-2021, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I will just leave it bypassed!

Joe, I'm surprised to hear a relay would go bad so quickly if it was left on all the time. If it was switched off and on constantly, yes.

MSHappyCampers · 05-19-2021, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

Joe, I'm surprised to hear a relay would go bad so quickly if it was left on all the time. If it was switched off and on constantly, yes.

Yup, they obviously don't make them like they used to!

mlh2013 · 05-19-2021, 06:28 PM

I bypassed that switch right off after buying this coach...previous owner had a piece of tape over it said he would trip it often accidentally. I didn't like the looks of the tape.