In-line Kill Switch

[PattieAM]

Is it possible I've broken my inline kill switch - the one on the rear wall of my 06 Fleetwood Niagara?

On a prior camping trip, I set up and fully extended the rear bunk not realizing that contents had slid during transport, and the dish drain tray had gotten caught between the bar and the wall.  

It was almost dark at the time, and I didn't notice this - my 12-volt lights were working fine (had used shower light for a quick clean up of potty/shower and had the light by the rear bunk on while making the bed....then noticed the drain tray.  Rather than disassembling the bunk end and sliding it in an inch or two (bathroom wall would have prohibited further movement), I pulled the dratted tray out from between the bar/wall - instantly losing lights!  None of the 12-volt lights worked in the camper, nor the plug ins in the housings.  Water pump and outside lights work.

Next day I disassembled the bunk end and pushed it in so I could access the switch - pushed in the button and no lights....

Did I break it?  Can I fix it or do I need to replace it?

Any response will be appreciated...

[wavery]

Is it possible I've broken my inline kill switch - the one on the rear wall of my 06 Fleetwood Niagara?

On a prior camping trip, I set up and fully extended the rear bunk not realizing that contents had slid during transport, and the dish drain tray had gotten caught between the bar and the wall.  

It was almost dark at the time, and I didn't notice this - my 12-volt lights were working fine (had used shower light for a quick clean up of potty/shower and had the light by the rear bunk on while making the bed....then noticed the drain tray.  Rather than disassembling the bunk end and sliding it in an inch or two (bathroom wall would have prohibited further movement), I pulled the dratted tray out from between the bar/wall - instantly losing lights!  None of the 12-volt lights worked in the camper, nor the plug ins in the housings.  Water pump and outside lights work.

Next day I disassembled the bunk end and pushed it in so I could access the switch - pushed in the button and no lights....

Did I break it?  Can I fix it or do I need to replace it?

Any response will be appreciated...

You may have just knocked the wire connector off of the switch. You may have blown a fuse in your converter. Pull all of the little plastic fuses out and look at them. If the fuse is blown, it will be obvious by the, very visible, broken wire inside.

You can check the switch with a simple ohm meter or test light.

[PattieAM]

Thank you for your response - will soon check it out!

[PattieAM]

Results......the lower plug in wire had come loose from the switch....the lights now work!

While playing with the PUP, I did a check on the blade fuses (once I'd found a fuse puller)...and discovered the lights are the 3rd fuse down.  Think I will label this in just a moment.

I haven't a clue what the other 15-amp fuses are at this point - so if anyone knows, please pass this information on (06 Fleetwood Niagara), so I may label them accordingly.

Thanks again for your help!

[wavery]

Results......the lower plug in wire had come loose from the switch....the lights now work!

While playing with the PUP, I did a check on the blade fuses (once I'd found a fuse puller)...and discovered the lights are the 3rd fuse down.  Think I will label this in just a moment.

I haven't a clue what the other 15-amp fuses are at this point - so if anyone knows, please pass this information on (06 Fleetwood Niagara), so I may label them accordingly.

Thanks again for your help!

That's exactly what I figured. :sombraro:

It was a good exercise for you. Each time something like this happens, it helps you build confidence in your ability to repair faults in your own camper......

Job well done... :U

[PattieAM]

thanks.....

I don't know which was more frustrating...trying to get the screws out of the switch, or trying to fit the fuse puller between the fuses, or slide on from end - thankfully I had a little plastic fuse puller in the center console of my Durango as part of a kit.  (I've now got that baby in the PUP drawer - duct taped to the drawer)

My health issues (RA and the bum knee/leg) make me think twice about the everyday things I used to do....so unless I know I can get into a position to do whatever, and actually finish it without a zillion trips to get stuff....I won't tackle much of anything.  And, because of my bum leg, I carry my cell phone in a pouch around my neck - as I never know...

But, I had the attitude when I bought the Niagara...if I can't do the service myself...I better be prepared to pay....

My next needed service is to caulk the roof...and that has me semi-terrified as I won't do a ladder unless someone is here with me....it will be interesting to see how I manage this dreaded necessity.

I had a drip from my incoming water line to the toilet, and had gone so far as to buy a replacement water valve...downloaded a owners manual for the toilet and finally scooted my rumpus onto the shower pan and got to fiddling with the water line....it was loose at the screw connection, and I was able to hand tighten and stop the leak...really proud to have accomplished that.  6 trips later after road vibration, there is a drip again...hopefully it will be the same thing!

[mike4947]

Pattie I know exactly how you feel. Between my artheritis and other health issues some times getting down on the floor means calling in a mobile crane to get me back up again...LOL
 
As for the roof caulking, Might I recommend not caulking it at all. We've gone to using Eternabond tape on any application that requires caulk. It's a more permanent solution than caulk. We've got RV's that have been Ebonded for 15 years without touching it and no hint of leaks.
We found it years ago when a coach we worked on defied any attempts at sealing the front roof cap and leaks were destroying the interior. Once we covered the seams with Eternabond the leaks stopped and it's one of the 15 year RV's without a problem.

[PattieAM]

Thank you Mike....I will investigate the Eternabond further (assume one can get it at Lowes/Home Depot).  I also assume that I would put it over the center strip on my PUP's roof.  As to the corner pieces which are rather natily done when the roof was replaced (not smooth at all and now collecting dirt), I guess caulking would be the answer.  

The fancy molding strips on the outer corners/sides of the PUP are looking very unsealed and collect an amazing amount of dirt in travel.  I'm wondering if they too should have a bit of caulk to seal them.