Let’s Talk About Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is a seemingly small, but absolutely critical component for many RV owners, especially those with Kwikee electric steps. Without it, those steps, a modern convenience we’ve all come to rely on, become stubbornly stationary. For just under $50, it’s a crucial investment in the ongoing usability of your RV.
My journey to finding this particular switch kit started with a frustrating problem. My RV steps were stubbornly refusing to deploy automatically, leaving me scrambling to manually extend them. This was definitely not ideal, especially after a long day on the road or when setting up camp in the dark.
Upon unboxing the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit, my initial thought was, “That’s it?” It’s a simple, unassuming little switch. However, the build quality seemed solid enough. The plastic housing felt durable and the wiring appeared well-insulated.
There are other door switches available, some even claiming universal compatibility. However, I chose the Lippert branded switch because I trust the brand. Lippert products are generally well-regarded in the RV community, and I wanted to ensure a direct, trouble-free replacement.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t blown away by its flashy features, but I was hopeful that this simple switch would solve my frustrating step problem. Hopefully, its modest appearance would translate to a reliable solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit came during a weekend camping trip to a state park known for its rugged terrain. The conditions were relatively dry, but the campsite was situated on a slightly uneven surface. This put the electric steps through their paces right away.
Installation was straightforward. The switch mounted easily to the door frame using the existing screw holes from the old switch. To my relief, the steps sprang to life as soon as I opened the door, exactly as they were designed.
There were no issues with the initial use. The steps retracted and extended smoothly with each opening and closing of the RV door. It was such a simple thing, but it made a huge difference in convenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including trips through dusty desert landscapes and rain-soaked forests, the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the switch housing. The wiring remains securely connected.
I have not had to perform any maintenance on the switch. This is a huge plus. I’ve only needed to occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime.
Compared to the finicky aftermarket switch I tried previously, the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit has been a revelation. It’s consistently reliable and requires absolutely no fiddling or adjustments. The switch has performed flawlessly every time.
Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit
Specifications
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is designed specifically for Kwikee electric step systems. It features a miniature rectangular magnetic-type switch. The kit includes a switch with two lead wires for easy connection to the existing wiring harness.
The switch mounts to the door frame using two screws. This ensures a secure and stable installation. The Lippert part number for this kit is 374198, making it easy to identify and order the correct replacement.
These specifications matter because they ensure compatibility with your Kwikee steps and a hassle-free installation. The correct dimensions and wiring configuration prevent the need for modifications or guesswork. This is critical for RV owners who want a simple, reliable fix.
Performance & Functionality
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit performs its job perfectly. The switch reliably detects when the RV door is opened or closed. This triggers the automatic extension and retraction of the Kwikee electric steps.
Its greatest strength is its consistent reliability. It eliminates the frustration of manually deploying and retracting steps. The primary weakness is that it is specifically designed for Kwikee systems and might not be compatible with other brands without modification.
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit exceeds my expectations. Its performance has been consistently reliable, exceeding what I expected from such a small and relatively inexpensive component. It has restored the convenience and ease-of-use of my RV steps.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is simple, yet effective. The plastic housing feels durable and the wiring is well-insulated. The switch is lightweight and unobtrusive.
The design is user-friendly. There is no learning curve. The switch functions automatically once installed.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit should last for several years with minimal maintenance. The durable construction and simple design contribute to its longevity. I anticipate only needing to occasionally clean it.
The switch is relatively easy to replace should it ever fail. The simple screw-mounted design makes it a quick and easy task. This is a big advantage for RV owners who prefer to handle their own repairs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone replacement part. There are no customization options for this particular component.
The switch is compatible with the existing wiring harness of Kwikee electric step systems. No additional accessories or modifications are typically required. This is a huge plus. It allows for a seamless and straightforward replacement.
Pros and Cons of Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit
Pros
- Simple Installation: The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is easily installed with just a screwdriver, making it a DIY-friendly repair. This saves on costly mechanic fees.
Cons
- Kwikee Specific: The switch is designed specifically for Kwikee systems and might not be compatible with other brands without modifications.
Reliable Performance: The switch consistently and reliably triggers the steps, eliminating frustrating manual operation. This brings peace of mind and ensures smooth functionality.
Direct Replacement: As a Lippert product, it’s a direct replacement for the original switch. It ensures perfect compatibility with Kwikee electric step systems.
Durable Construction: Despite its small size, the switch is made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of RV travel and outdoor conditions.
Affordable Solution: The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit offers an affordable fix for a common RV problem. It prevents you from needing to replace the entire step system.
Basic Functionality: It’s a simple switch. There are no advanced features or customization options.
Who Should Buy Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit?
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is perfect for RV owners with Kwikee electric steps experiencing issues with automatic deployment and retraction. It is also ideal for RVers who prefer DIY repairs and want a simple, reliable solution.
Those with non-Kwikee step systems should skip this product. This is unless they are willing to undertake significant modifications to make it work.
A must-have for this product is a basic screwdriver. A multimeter is also a good investment to ensure proper wiring connections.
Conclusion on Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit
The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is a simple, yet incredibly effective solution for restoring the functionality of your Kwikee electric steps. It offers reliable performance, easy installation, and durable construction, all at an affordable price. This offers a high level of performance for its cost.
The price is definitely justified given the convenience and reliability it provides. Paying under $50 beats manually extending my RV steps every time.
I would absolutely recommend the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit to any RV owner with Kwikee steps experiencing switch-related issues. Don’t let faulty steps ruin your camping experience. Invest in this simple solution and get back to enjoying the open road!