Dimmer switch to replace OEM rocker

[Steve and MA]

The recent posts about adding lights to the rear and tongue reminded me to share this.  There had also been a few previous posts about the bright exterior lights, and some mentioned adding dimmers.  We've added these dimmers to ours. From what I've read, Oliver has changed the way the exterior lights are switched over the years so this modification may not work for everyone.  On our 2022 LE2, the four Porch lights on both sides of the trailer are on a single switch, as are the lower Courtesy lights.  The Porch lights are quite bright, which can be very annoying, especially to neighbors on the streetside. Though we can just use the awning light if we need to keep the streetside dark, sometimes we like less intense lighting.  These dimmers replace the rockers in the original control panel.  It's an easy modification, but requires enlarging the rocker hole slightly. We also added a dimmer to the Main Cabin lights.  (Note: the blue light ring in the picture doesn't indicate whether the light is on/off, it's always on or off depending on a separate setting.)

Steve

[Dean and Mary]

I’ve been looking for a quality dimming option for the three lights you mentioned, and I appreciate you sharing your results.

[topgun2]

The price for your dimmer switches at about $20 is sure a BUNCH cheaper than what I paid for my single dimmer switch some 10 years ago.  And, the finished product looks great too.

Bill

[CRM]

54 minutes ago, topgun2 said:

The price for your dimmer switches at about $20 is sure a BUNCH cheaper than what I paid for my single dimmer switch some 10 years ago.  And, the finished product looks great too.

Bill

I used the stainless steel version of these when I added LED strip lights under my awning a few years ago. Love them..

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9314-curbside-led-strip-lighting/?_rid=6801

[9905]

Thank you.  I just purchased one switch to try it out.  I love the idea of the courtesy lights.  They are fine at dusk, but once the sun is fully down, I feel like they are runway lights.  I am getting ready to try it out now.  Just pulled the panel, and was checking to see if you put the wiring diagram on this post before I reconnect my battery and use a volt meter.  

 

Thanks again.  

[jd1923]

6 hours ago, 9905 said:

once the sun is fully down, I feel like they are runway lights.

You must have a newer hull (signature?).

I noticed at the Texas Rally, our courtesy lights are about half the lumens as compared to newer hulls. I leave our Exterior Courtesy Lights on 24x7x365, at home and at campgrounds (unless boondocking where full dark is appropriate). They create a soft light surround and help keep critters away, especially our Arizona Pack Rats! 🤣

Love to see your dimmer install, pictures showing full vs. dimmed light. I might add a dimmer in place of our Entry Porch Lights switch.

[Steve and MA]

8 hours ago, 9905 said:

Just pulled the panel, and was checking to see if you put the wiring diagram on this post before I reconnect my battery and use a volt meter.

Both the rocker switch and dimmer to replace it have ground, 12v+ power supply and 12v+ load connections. The dimmer comes with a wiring diagram. The red wire on its pigtail was labeled "power", the ground wire was black and the yellow wire goes to load. The Oliver wires aren't labeled so you'll need your multimeter.  In our trailer there were two red (power and load) and one yellow (ground) connected to the rocker.  I had to supply crimp-on 4.8 mm spade connectors for the pigtail wires, and I used a 7/8" step drill to enlarge the hole. It was one of the easier mods I've done.