Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch Review

My Journey with the Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch

As someone who spends significant time tinkering with recreational vehicles and ensuring every system is functioning optimally, I’ve come to rely on a robust set of tools and replacement parts. My RV, a seasoned traveler with over a decade of adventures under its belt, recently started exhibiting a minor but persistent annoyance: the entryway step occasionally failed to retract when the door was closed. This wasn’t a catastrophic failure, but it was enough to warrant immediate attention, especially given the potential for damage if the step was partially extended while driving. After a bit of diagnosis, the culprit became clear: the magnetic door switch, a seemingly simple component, was the likely source of the intermittent malfunction. This led me to the Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch, a part specifically designed to integrate with Kwikee step systems.

My first impression upon receiving the unit was one of practical functionality. It’s a no-frills, rectangular unit, clearly designed for a specific purpose rather than aesthetic appeal. The housing feels like a durable, standard plastic, and the magnet within is surprisingly strong to the touch. I considered generic magnetic sensors, but the specificity of this unit for Kwikee steps made it the more reliable choice for a seamless integration. There was an immediate sense of relief, a feeling that a simple, affordable replacement might just solve a nagging issue that had been impacting the convenience of my RV.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing environment was the driveway of my home workshop, where I performed the replacement. The installation process itself was straightforward, involving disconnecting the old switch and wiring in the new Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch. I immediately tested its functionality by opening and closing the RV door multiple times. The step retracted and extended precisely as it should with each actuation of the door.

I then took the RV for a test drive, intentionally stopping a few times to check the step’s behavior. Under normal driving conditions, with the usual vibrations and minor jolts, the switch performed flawlessly. It consistently registered the door’s closed position, ensuring the step remained securely retracted.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past several weeks, this magnetic door switch has seen daily use. My RV is parked at a campsite currently, meaning the door is opened and closed multiple times a day by family and visitors. It has handled this consistent operation without any faltering.

Durability seems to be a strong suit; there are no visible signs of wear, such as cracks or degradation of the plastic housing. The magnetic contact remains strong, and the electrical connection feels secure. Maintenance is virtually non-existent for this type of component. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s ever needed, and I haven’t encountered any issues with dust or moisture affecting its operation within the protected door frame. Compared to the previous switch, which began its descent into unreliability after about five years of service, this replacement unit feels robust and built to last.

Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch

Specifications

The Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch is a large, rectangular surface-mount switch. Its primary design specification is its compatibility with Kwikee step products, serving as an essential replacement part or accessory. The unit features a powerful magnetic contact, which is crucial for reliably signaling the position of the RV door to the step’s control module.

This straightforward design is its greatest asset; there are no complex electronics or moving parts beyond the magnetic interaction itself. The surface-mount design simplifies installation, requiring only a few screws and electrical connections. For RV owners with Kwikee steps, this specific design ensures a direct fit and function, minimizing the guesswork involved in selecting a compatible part.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this magnetic door switch is to reliably tell the RV’s electric steps when the door is closed. In this regard, it performs its function with commendable consistency. The magnetic connection is strong and responsive, ensuring that as soon as the door is shut, the signal is sent to retract the steps.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and direct application for its intended purpose. There are no superfluous features to complicate operation or introduce potential failure points. The main weakness, if one can call it that, is its reliance on the door and frame having a suitable surface for mounting and a corresponding magnetic plate on the door for proper alignment. However, this is inherent to most magnetic switch systems. It comfortably meets, and in my experience, exceeds the basic expectations for a replacement component of this nature.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this door switch is purely utilitarian. It’s a robust rectangular unit with a somewhat understated appearance, which is perfectly acceptable for its hidden location within an RV door frame. The plastic housing feels solid, providing a good degree of protection for the internal magnetic components.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for installation, not for frequent human interaction. Once mounted, its form factor means it’s out of the way and unobtrusive. The clear polarity markings on the electrical leads, while small, are helpful during installation. The surface-mount aspect means it sits slightly proud of the mounting surface, which can be a consideration in very tight spaces, but for most RV door frames, it’s a non-issue.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its intended use and typical placement, the Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch is built for a long service life. As a sealed unit, it’s designed to withstand the typical environmental challenges found on an RV, including temperature fluctuations and occasional dust. It’s designed to be a set-and-forget component, meaning once installed correctly, it should provide reliable service for many years.

Maintenance is essentially zero. There are no parts to lubricate or adjust. Cleaning is limited to wiping down the exterior if it becomes visibly dirty. Potential failure points would likely stem from physical damage during installation or extreme environmental exposure beyond its design parameters, neither of which I’ve encountered.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a singular component, and as such, it doesn’t come with additional accessories. Its role is to integrate directly into the existing Kwikee step system. While some aftermarket wiring harnesses or connectors might be available for general RV electrical work, this switch itself is designed to be a direct replacement.

There are no direct customization options for the switch itself. Its functionality is entirely dependent on its magnetic pairing and electrical connection to the step controller. For those looking to enhance their RV’s door and step system, focusing on ensuring proper alignment of the magnet and strike plate on the door is the primary “customization” to consider for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch

Who Should Buy Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch?

This magnetic door switch is an excellent choice for any RV owner who has a Kwikee brand electric step system and is experiencing issues with the steps not retracting or extending correctly when the door is opened or closed. If you’ve diagnosed a faulty door switch as the culprit, this is your go-to replacement part. It’s ideal for DIY enthusiasts who are comfortable with basic electrical wiring and working on their RV.

Anyone with a different brand of RV steps should look elsewhere, as this unit is specifically engineered for Lippert’s Kwikee products. Those who prefer a fully automated, voice-activated step system might find this basic magnetic switch too rudimentary, but for its intended function, it’s hard to beat. For optimal performance, ensuring you have the correct magnetic strike plate installed on your door is essential, though this is typically already part of the original Kwikee setup.

Conclusion on Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch

The Lippert Kwikee Rectangular Magnetic Door Switch is a testament to how a simple, well-executed component can be crucial to the overall functionality of a complex system. It performs its singular job with admirable reliability, addressing a common point of failure in Kwikee step mechanisms. For its $65.99 price point, it offers exceptional value, delivering peace of mind and restoring the convenience of a properly working RV entryway.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this switch to any RV owner facing issues with their Kwikee steps that point to a faulty door sensor. It’s a straightforward, effective, and budget-friendly solution that gets the job done right. If your Kwikee steps are acting up, don’t hesitate to consider this replacement part; it’s likely the fix you need.