Foot/Door light won't go out

[apollumi]

Can somebody tell me how the door light /foot light below works? I've ruined batteries because it just won't go out. Driving me nuts. How do I fix this thing?

[Lloydg]

You should probably state what kind and model number of RV you have. In any case, have you checked for any switches in your basement or any other compartments? Sometimes they put those switches up high so you have to really look good. Just my thoughts.

[apollumi]

Sorry, it's a Cherokee 25RR toy hauler. There is no basement. I've looked around and can't figure out how it works so that I can fix it. Took it to the dealer once and they said it was fixed. Problem came right back though. Has to be a switch or sensor some place but I can't find it.

[Narboza]

If it is a mechanical switch, the plunger should be visible. My door has a magnet that operates a reed switch on the hinge side frame, low. It is the same kind of switch used in home security systems.

[apollumi]

There is two plungers on the inside bottom of door but I think they give electricity to the keypad lock on the outside of the camper. It doesn't work unless the contacts are made.

[Narboza]

I should have been clearer. Look where the screen door seats, not the main door. Any magnet visible? May be built inside the door edge?

[apollumi]

It's a little magnet bottom of door and close to hinge. Even said "lamp" on it. I tried putting a thicker rubber spacer in there to get it closer. No dice. What now?

I also took the magnet off, laid it down on the door frame moved it around slowly in the area it should go over, still no dice.

[Narboza]

The reed switch the magnet operates likely needs to be replaced. It would be rare to have the magnet lose its magnetism. You could try with a different magnet. In the interim, disconnect the wire to the light strip. The reed switch would be very close (<1/8") from the magnet with the door in the closed position.

[comfun1]

I had this exact problem in my 21rr. I never could figure out how it worked. I took it back to the dealer while under warranty and they said they took it apart but couldn't find anything wrong with it. They put it back together and it worked and was still working when I sold it. I bought a new 27rr and it does not have that light. I added a battery cut off switch to the 19rr so it wouldn't drain the battery.

[Narboza]

You could try removing the threshold and see what is under there.

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by apollumi

It's a little magnet bottom of door and close to hinge. Even said "lamp" on it. I tried putting a thicker rubber spacer in there to get it closer. No dice. What now?

I also took the magnet off, laid it down on the door frame moved it around slowly in the area it should go over, still no dice.

Sounds like a stuck/bad reed switch or the wires going to the reed
switch are shorted together (bypassing the switch).
Remove the switch- disconnect the wires.
Lights go out. Done.
Return to dealer at your convenience and tell them what you've done
and they should fix it!

If you disconnect the reed switch and lights stay on you just have to
follow the wires to the lights. There's a short in there somewhere
very close to where you're looking!

Also- EVERYONE needs a battery disconnect switch!
There are sneaky devices in your trailer that will discharge your battery
when you aren't around. If you don't have one- get one.
They can be installed at the battery post or inside at the main power
center.

Good Luck!

[apollumi]

The magnet is still good. It clamped onto metal without problems.

Does the threshold actually come out?? I removed some screws and pried on it a bit yesterday but was afraid to go all in. I thought the door frame might be one piece? Didn't want to make the situation worse.

Thank you for helping.

[apollumi]

I have a battery disconnect switch. Marine grade even, best I could buy. I also have an RV surge protector that goes on the pole and every outlet that matters in the RV has surge protectors and computers, etc have UPS power. It's just that damn light drives me nuts. Every time I think about the problems I've had with this camper and the poor build quality a snarl forms on my face. Thanks FR for a bought PITA.

As far as taking it to the dealer I've done that once, and they kept it all summer pretty much until I went up and had a b**** fest. On top of that FR just had them patch the problems, like the door light I am trying to fix right now. The only thing the dealer got right is hail damage paid for by the insurance company, and they had to do it twice because it was a very bad job the first time.

Originally Posted by KyDan

Sounds like a stuck/bad reed switch or the wires going to the reed
switch are shorted together (bypassing the switch).
Remove the switch- disconnect the wires.
Lights go out. Done.
Return to dealer at your convenience and tell them what you've done
and they should fix it!

If you disconnect the reed switch and lights stay on you just have to
follow the wires to the lights. There's a short in there somewhere
very close to where you're looking!

Also- EVERYONE needs a battery disconnect switch!
There are sneaky devices in your trailer that will discharge your battery
when you aren't around. If you don't have one- get one.
They can be installed at the battery post or inside at the main power
center.

Good Luck!

[Narboza]

My trailer actually has a separate 3 amp fuse near the battery for power to the main door light. One 3 amp fuse for 2 LEDs.

[KyDan]

Sorry about your bad luck!
I'm just trying to help.

I suggested battery disconnect switch because you said you've ruined batteries.

Disconnect the reed switch and if the lights go OFF the switch is bad.
Beyond that, it's a shorted wire and you or they have to find it.
Good luck!