How to Install Dimmer Switches on Your RV Lights - Easy to Follow Guide (MORE SIZES NOW AVAILABLE)
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- čas přidán 25. 03. 2023
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* *UPDATE - WE NOW HAVE MORE PLATE SIZES AVAILABLE BELOW! **
This video will show you step by step how to install dimmer switches on your RV LED lights. Links to all products you will need to complete this popular RV modification are below. Thanks for watching! Subscribe or we sue! 🤣
✨⭐ PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO ⭐✨
🔹 12 Volt Dimmer Switch amzn.to/3Jl61Tu
🔹 Panel Plate Size 1/2" X 3/4" for Dimmer Switch (item no. 001) www.ebay.com/itm/195673736914
🔹*OTHER DIMMER SWITCH PLATE SIZES AVAILABLE*
1) Panel plate for holes that are 1/2" by 1-1/8" (item no. 002)
www.ebay.com/itm/195875261730
2) Nautilus P1 Front Cap Light Plate - 3/4" round (item 003)
www.ebay.com/itm/196099283413
3) Panel Plate for Front Cap Light in Pass Through Storage (item 004)
www.ebay.com/itm/196099356413
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I’d urge anyone who wants to install dimmer switches to watch this video. It’s one of the few that actually pulls out a multimeter and does the installation correctly. He mentions he’s not an electrician, but I have been for 15 years, this is spot on. The part about the water heater button is an example of how people should be forward thinking when modifying their RV.
Thanks Lake, glad to help.
I can’t give this video enough thumbs ups!!! Between the links to the 3D-printed switch blank and actual dimmer switches to his very clear instructions - it was all perfect. I unplugged the shore power to our Heritage Glen camper, killed the power disconnect under the bed where the LFP batteries are located, and used the WAGO connectors I had to install the switch in about 5 minutes. I kept the spade connectors w/wires connected to the original plug in case we decide to ever revert back to stock…but unlikely. Now we can use our awning light at the campsite without blinding everyone within 50 feet! Thanks again, RV Tips & Travels!!!
glad it helped, enjoy and thanks Chris!
Thank you Ross. Great video. We do however have the CompassConnect system so we'll be eagerly waiting for a video that highlights that panel. Cheers.
Come to PA and I’ll do it for you!
Ross, Thanks for the great video! I purchased all recommended supplies for my Grand Design camper, performed the voltage checks you recommended and wired the dimmer following the instructions included with the switch. Oops! Didn’t work! Checked your video again and followed YOUR wiring recommendations in the video, works perfectly! (The instructions included with the switch are slightly different).
If you are going to try this, pay attention to Ross carefully and follow his instructions! Thanks again Ross!
Glad to help my friend, the wiring diagrams are a bit confusing.
I literally just got my last switch in the mail today to finish my trailer. I ordered those same ones after I saw your other video and did my main living area, bunk room, and awning. Decided I needed to get a fourth switch and do the bedroom. Great little and easy mod. Thanks for the info!
Good project. Good job explaining the process
Been looking fwd to this video for awhile. Yes, its a straightforward process that most shadetree mechanics can handle, but its nice to see someone else walk through it step by step. Great video. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful bud, good to hear from you again.
About time someone used a multimeter! You’re detail never disappoints.
Hope it helped!
I followed the example in your video along with the parts in your description below, everything works just like your video. Thank you for sharing this improvement. I've got the filter material on order to dim the bright LED's next. Thanks again.
Glad it helped Nathan.
Thanks for making this Ross. Your tutorials are extremely helpful.
My pleasure!
Great video. The content and quality of your videos keeps getting better and better. Awesome work. Thank you for your contributions to the RV world.
That comment means a lot to me, thank you Rick.
Great video, as always. I have wanted to install dimmers, but there were so many on the market it was tough to decide. This is simple and straightforward. Thank You
Glad I could help Scott.
Great install Ross! Love the callouts about the water heater and the exposed back of the board. Also, that transition at the end to the end card was awesome. I might steal that editing trick! 😂
Steal away brother!
Great video. Thank you.
Just installed 4 dimmers in my RV. Thanks for making this video.
No problem 👍
I just did this with your 3D printed inserts. Thank you so much!
Glad I could help!
Great info, well presented, and very easy to follow your process. Thanks !
thank you Dan.
Another awesome, insightful video Ross.
Totally agree about heat shrinking crimp style connectors but I suggest one more step (mostly in exterior applications). I've used tubes of dielectric grease to squirt into both ends of a crimp connector prior to crimping. This 'nearly guarantees' a watertight connection after heat shrinking.
Safe travels sir. Giddy up.
Lee, agree with your comment. I usually solder with flux and heat shrink when connecting wires in outdoor applications. Appreciate you bud.
Just ordered switches and the plates. Can’t wait to do this.
Saw your order, they will ship in the morning!
Well done sir as always!
Thanks Jerry! Safe travels my friend.
I bought a pair of the plates from Ross and they fit perfectly. Installation was easy.
Thanks guys!
I cannot install a dimmer for the interior lights but I could for my awning lights though. Thanks for the content Ross and btw, I love using the Wago connectors.
They are very nice I agree. I be used them a lot.
Nice description thank you
Thank you too!
Bought a different dimmer switch and had nothing but issues. Installed this one and it's perfect. Will be ordering another one. Thanks
Great to hear!
We changed all our interior lights from incandescent bulbs to LED's last year and our lighting was nice and bright. Now we can install a dimmer on the lights to make them a little less bright. Thanks.
Thanks as always Warren!
Very helpful
Glad you think so!
I have same rv. I found that the end piece on refrigerator door easily comes out and the front door panels slide out easily so you can paint them and slide back in and return that edging back on.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Well done
Thanks Jake.
✨⭐ *PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO* ⭐✨
🔹 12 Volt Dimmer Switch amzn.to/3Jl61Tu
🔹 Panel Plate Size 1/2" X 3/4" for Dimmer Switch (item no. 001) www.ebay.com/itm/195673736914
🔹*NEW SIZE AVAILABLE* Panel Plate Size for holes that are 1/2" by 1-1/8" (item no. 002) www.ebay.com/itm/195875261730
📰 *Free RV Newsletter:* view.flodesk.com/pages/6497c6a9d1998fa8c7623e9f
Any chance you’ll be doing dimmer installation videos on other panels and stand alone bedroom switches?
Hoping to find some rvs that I can do more installs to, yes.
Any chance you can add a 12v outlet off the back of one of these panels? It would be nice to have one to run a 12v dvd player or something. The only outlet we have by our tv is 120v generator/shore power.
Love the videos and the links!!
I ordered one of these a long time ago to be able to just plug in my back up monitor in the RV while camping to keep an eye on the ebikes (even though they are locked up.) I just never got around to doing it. amzn.to/4bmDslc
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS that’s great!! I’ll give that a shot!!
Thanks for the video. I have a reflection and ordered the plate you showed. But when I went to do the install I found out my switches are smaller. Do you know if there is a smaller plate available?
what size?
Just recently purchased our first RV (KZ Connect Lite C211BH) , and have found your videos extremely helpful and easy to follow! Purchased a lot of the "essentials" items from your video as well. 😊 I am preparing to install a dimmer switch in our RV (our switches were actually larger, so I found someone on Etsy who was aware of the larger size and custom printed a couple for me), but I had a question. In your video, all the factory wires have those flat "plugs" that go onto the switch. Do you cut those ends off when connecting the dimmer wires? That part wasn't covered in the video. I'm assuming so, since you mentioned Wago connectors (which I have), but wanted to double check if there was a better way than snipping those ends off! Thanks!
Yes, cut and strip them. Then use the wago wire connectors. Easy peasy. I just did nine today.
thanks for helping.
cut them, use wago or heat shrink butt connectors.
Hey Ross. This video was perfect. I installed the switches and they work great. One question, however. When the water pump goes on, the lights dim and flicker. Is there any way to prevent that?
Ive read about this a little, i get it once in a while. I dont have a good answer except from what I understand it might have something to do with the converter or the available power from battery. Does yours do it every time the water pump turns on?
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS yes... Every time. I took it out this last weekend and noticed it. The OEM switch had 3 wires attached to 3 terminals and the lights didn't flicker with that switch installed. I fiddled a little and tried to connect the white to white, red to red, etc. but it didn't work at all unless the white and red wires were together like you showed in your video.
i would try a new switch... flickering happens on occasion for me, and its only when the dial is in a very specific place, so i just turn it slightly and it stops. it could be your actual lights, it could be the converter... google search why dimmable led lights flicker and youll find a bunch of good articles. i dont think its the switch. thats a good company and not a cheap switch. try a new switch first, send the old one back. let me know.
I did this mod today. By all means, follow his instructions on the wiring as if you try to use those contained with the switches, it won’t work. I had 3 wires to my old switch so I tried using the instructions. Even used the volt meter so I was sure I had every wire inside the panel identified. Once I rewatched his video, I had it working in minutes. Also, save yourself some time and buy connectors that mimick your old switch connectors and connect them to the new dimmer switch. Just unplug the old one and install the new one. No splicing wires.
My ceiling switch also has 3 wires going to it. How did you wire yours up?
thanks for watching!
Im looking to buy a New battery for my RV, I was wondering which battery do you recommend? I just bought my RV and been using ur channel massively for help. Our 1st trip is in two weeks and our fridge is 12v and we only have 1 battery i want to make it two.
I have not even begun to research batteries/solar yet because we always have power. Battleborn is a very popular option though.
I have a 2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE. It has a one piece PCB with membrane switches inside the control panel. The modifications detailed in this video will not work on my unit just as you said. I would still like to dim the lights. Do you have any other suggestions or videos to help me out? If the hardware will accommodate it, this might be something already built into the hardware and controlled by the Compass Connect software if the GD guys were thinking ahead. What do you think?
I don’t have any videos on the compass connect just yet. Soon.
I have a 2022 Grand Design 5th wheel. I do have the Compass Connect. Do you have a video showing how to wire it to a dimmer?
not yet, need to find a trailer with this system so I can record the mod.
Kelly and I are new to the rv world. (Recently purchased a LG mini max)
Could you share your rv checklist with us?
Arrival to tear down to pull out.
Thanks,
Anthony
Checklist video coming this Sunday.
Would love a video for compass connect system.
Drive on up to PA and I'll do it on yours! seriously, I need one to work on. Already know how its done, but makes for a bad video without a demo.
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS would love to come up for that and the Hersey show. Can’t until next year. What dimmer would you use?
same dimmer, just needs to be wired differently.
Hi , I have the compass Connect system in my GD 17mke. But I’m lucky in that that my main cabin lights are 3-way. ( I have a separate switch for the lights by the door in addition to the button on my compass Connect panel. I assume I can simply replace my toggle switch by the door with an 12v 3-way rv dimmer switch ?
it sounds like that might work but id like to see the schematics on the compass connect before i confirm. i have yet to look at it.
I was hoping there would be a link to an STL file to 3d print the plate. I’m sure I can find one on thingiverse or just design my own.
thanks for watching!
Was so excited but I have the dam Bluetooth type ugh.
So I installed around 10 of the touch dimmers .
Grand Design what were you thinking?
Me too. 😣
I’m afraid automation systems are going to become standard more in new RV’s. More over complicated systems that are difficult to fix or modify. I wish they’d keep things simple.
I bought the dimmer switches and the new panel plates but the plates did not fit. Do you have any ideas of how to get a plate for the dimmer switch?
Did you get the plates from us?
I have a grand design as well but for some reason the awning light wasn’t dimming just a on (very dim) and off. Try hooking it up with and without ground. I may have a bad switch.
Tito, not sure what’s happening, but sounds like the switch. Did you swap it to the one controlling your interior lights to check?
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS no I didn’t but it wasn’t controlling the living lights correctly either so figured it’s the switch. Thanks for a great video and a help
Any idea why the lights flicker when turned all the way up & the awning light is on? Currently on battery power reading 12.8 volts. I used the same dimmer switches and Wagu connectors on both ceiling and awning lights. Transcend 221RB, Thank you!
Russ, check out this article: www.instyleled.co.uk/blog/why-do-leds-flicker-and-how-to-stop-it-happening/
Nice mod Ross I not sure if the 1156 led replacement bulbs I installed are dimmable thanks
If they are, this switch will work on incandescents too.
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS right on thanks Ross I may get one just to do my awning lights i installed one a couple of years ago my trailer never came with one being 2006 👍
Corey, what's your email address?
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS Ross is this legit
Yes, or send me an email management@rvtipsandtravels.com
I’m trying to install dimmer switch in my RV. I have an issue as my switch does have a three prong switch. What I have is wires hooked to all three prongs. (White, Red, and Brown) what should I do with the Brown wire???
if you have 3 wires on your current switch, one is probably a ground to turn on the a light on the switch. simply meter the wires to find out which one is ground. disconnect it, and if the lights still work, you wont need it installed on the dimmer switch. dont go by colors, use a multimeter and test everything. all you need to know to use the dimmer switch in this video is the power in and the power out. its likely your lights are grounded elsewhere.
I have a back lit switch and three wires. One ground, one constant power and one to the light. How do I wire that one?
the ground is for the light, it wont be needed with the new switch. isolate the ground, tuck it away in the wall, and use the other 2 wires just as i did in this video.
Are the STL files available to print these ourselves?
unfortunately at this time I dont share my STL files.
Great video but those dimmers aren’t the best. I Installed the same ones and when not connected to shore power with the water pump running the lights would pulse and flicker. Ended up pulling them out.
Thanks John… There are many reasons why an LED lamp can flicker, but the most common cause is a lack of resistance in the lamp to allow the dimmer curve to work correctly. This is not a new issue; it’s been around for a long time, but is becoming more “noticeable” with the major increase in LED usage. So the issue can be at the light or the switch. These are pretty high quality switches, I’ve used them for other non-RV applications. They are rated for exactly this application so I wonder if the issue is the cheap lights they use in RVs.
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS I installed dimmer switches at other locations and don’t have any issues but they are a different type. I’ll try and do some research on the fixture type and maybe a more compatible dimmer switch. Thanks for the advice
Comes with wire nuts, strange!
the factory used crimping wire nuts. different than standard screw type wire nuts. they are better, but not what I would use or recommend.
Hands down soldering.. is not the best way as heat melt solder and any high loads can melt why we don't solder things in homes and factories😅 but it's a secure point until melting 😅
Mike, you should rewatch that part of the video because I was talking about 12 VOLT APPLICATIONS. That was very clearly stated. I clearly mentioned 12V electronics. I mentioned nothing about soldering in 110 volt AC applications. Soldering is the best way to connect wires in 12 volt applications. This is exactly what they teach in MECP certification training, I know because I went through the certification. Again, this has nothing to do with 110V AC. 12 volts DC and 110 volts AC are 2 different animals. There’s a training course at the end of the video that might help you understand DC voltage better and I would recommend you take a look at it. It is not as thorough as the MECP automotive certification on 12 volt systems but I think you’ll learn a lot. So again, please rewatch the video because I really hope it's clear, this video has nothing to do with electric wiring in “homes”, as you stated it does, because “homes” are not 12VDC.
Great videos, I haven't taken delivery of my new RV yet but I feel like a seasoned pro from watching all your vids! Any chance you would be willing to share the STL file of the filter plate for fellow 3D printer hobbyists to make themselves? Thanks and love the videos.
Thank you so much! Right now I am not sharing my files.
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS no prob at all, thanks!