Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit Review

Going All In on the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit

My recreational vehicle, a trusty older rig, recently decided to throw a little curveball into my otherwise smooth weekend getaways. The electric steps, a marvel of convenience that I’d come to rely on more than I cared to admit, suddenly stopped deploying. After a bit of electrical tracing and some head-scratching, I pinpointed the culprit: the door switch. Specifically, the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit had given up the ghost. This wasn’t a critical failure, but the inconvenience of climbing into the RV like a commando, or worse, having to deploy the manual steps every single time, was more than I wanted to deal with. This kit, designed to work with Kwikee electric steps, is essentially the brain that tells those steps when to extend and retract based on door position. My initial impression upon unpacking the small, unassuming package was one of practical simplicity. It looked like a standard, no-frills replacement part, and for $49.99, I wasn’t expecting any unnecessary bells and whistles. I had considered a universal magnetic door sensor, but sticking with the OEM part felt like the safest bet for guaranteed compatibility with my Kwikee system. My first thought was a quiet sigh of relief; at least the problem was identifiable and, hopefully, easily fixable.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed this miniature switch kit in my RV garage, the typical environment for any component related to my mobile abode. The testing was straightforward: opening and closing the RV door repeatedly, observing the electric steps’ reaction. I specifically looked for any lag or misfires that would indicate a faulty connection or sensor. The initial setup was remarkably intuitive; the switch mounts directly to the door frame with just two screws, and the sensor unit attaches to the door itself. There was no complex wiring or calibration needed, a welcome change from some other RV components I’ve had to wrestle with. The only slight surprise was how small the unit was in person; it’s truly miniature, which is both a pro for discreet mounting and a minor concern for potential accidental damage if not installed carefully.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, primarily during pre-trip checks and post-trip cleanings of the RV, the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit has performed flawlessly. I’ve opened and closed the RV door countless times, simulating daily in-and-out activity, and the steps have deployed and retracted with consistent reliability. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the switch housing or the lead wires, which feel robust enough for their intended purpose. Maintenance has been non-existent, beyond a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any garage dust. Compared to the original switch that likely served for many years, this replacement seems to be holding up well, and certainly outperforms the generic, unbranded sensors I’ve encountered in the past which often fail prematurely due to inferior construction.

Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit

Specifications

The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is designed to be a direct replacement for specific Kwikee electric step systems that utilize a miniature, rectangular, magnetic-type door switch. Its primary components are a switch unit that mounts to the door frame and a sensor that attaches to the door itself. The mounting mechanism requires just two screws for the frame-mounted switch, which is a straightforward installation process. The kit includes a sensor with two lead wires, providing the necessary connection to the RV’s electric step control module. The compact, rectangular form factor of the switch and sensor is a key design element, allowing for discreet placement without impeding door operation.

These specifications are critical because they ensure compatibility and ease of installation for owners of compatible Kwikee electric steps. The two-screw mounting system means most users can perform the replacement without specialized tools or extensive modifications. The two-lead wire design simplifies electrical connections, reducing the chance of wiring errors. Its miniature size is a significant advantage, especially in RVs where space can be at a premium, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with door seals or other frame components.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is to reliably signal when the RV door is opened or closed, thereby controlling the operation of the electric steps. In my testing, it performs this function with admirable precision. Upon opening the door, the steps deploy immediately and smoothly. Closing the door triggers the retraction of the steps without any hesitation. It functions exactly as advertised, providing that crucial link between door position and step actuation.

Its primary strength lies in its unwavering reliability once properly installed. There’s no guesswork; the magnetic interface is sensitive enough to register the door’s position accurately, and the connection to the step module is solid. A minor weakness, if one can call it that, is its lack of adjustability once mounted. The magnetic alignment is somewhat fixed, meaning the door and frame components need to be positioned correctly for optimal function. However, for a direct replacement part, this is expected and doesn’t detract from its effectiveness. It meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a replacement component, offering a dependable solution where the original failed.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is utilitarian and functional, which is precisely what you’d expect for a part destined for the underbelly or door frame of an RV. The housing appears to be made of a durable black plastic, which feels sturdy enough to withstand minor impacts and environmental exposure typical of an RV’s exterior. The magnetic components are encased securely within their respective housings, and the lead wires are appropriately insulated, giving a sense of robustness.

Ergonomically, it’s not a product one “holds” in the traditional sense, but its design facilitates easy handling during installation. The smooth plastic casing offers no grip issues during the brief period it’s being manipulated. The compact dimensions are a significant ergonomic advantage, allowing for unobtrusive mounting that won’t snag or interfere with anything. There’s no discernible learning curve; it’s a switch, and it works. The simplicity of its design is its greatest ergonomic strength.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on the materials and build quality, the Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit appears designed for long-term use. The plastic housing is resistant to UV degradation and minor impacts. The magnetic components should retain their strength over time, assuming they aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures or strong magnetic fields that could demagnetize them. I anticipate this unit will last for many years, likely matching or exceeding the lifespan of the original part it replaced.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A simple wipe-down to clear dust or debris is all that’s required, which can be done when cleaning the RV door. There are no user-serviceable parts, and the unit is designed to be a sealed, self-contained component. The primary potential failure point would be physical damage to the housing or a break in the lead wires, neither of which seems likely under normal operating conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is a straightforward replacement part and, as such, does not come with any additional accessories. Its design is also intentionally non-customizable in terms of user-configurable settings or interchangeable parts. This is typical for such a specific component; its function is singular and defined by the Kwikee electric step system it’s intended for. Compatibility with other brands is not applicable here, as it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with Lippert’s own Kwikee electric steps.

Pros and Cons of Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit

Who Should Buy Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit?

This Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is ideal for RV owners who have Kwikee electric steps and are experiencing issues with their door-mounted magnetic switch. It’s a perfect fit for DIY enthusiasts who are comfortable with basic electrical connections and mechanical mounting. If your electric steps are no longer responding to door open/close commands, and you’ve identified the door switch as the likely culprit, this kit is exactly what you need.

Anyone without a Kwikee electric step system, or those who need a universal magnetic sensor for a different application, should look elsewhere. You don’t need this if you’re trying to create a custom door sensor for a shed or a gate. For optimal performance, ensure you have the correct Kwikee model that specifically calls for a miniature rectangular magnetic-type door switch. No specific accessories are necessary, but having basic tools like a screwdriver and possibly a drill for pilot holes will make installation much smoother.

Conclusion on Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit

The Lippert Kwikee Miniature Rectangle Door Switch Kit is a highly effective and straightforward replacement part that successfully resolves common issues with Kwikee electric step operation. Its reliability, ease of installation, and durable design make it a worthwhile investment for any RV owner dealing with a faulty door switch. For its price of $49.99, it offers excellent value by restoring a significant convenience feature to your RV.

I would absolutely recommend this kit to anyone with a compatible Kwikee electric step system. If your steps have become unresponsive, and you suspect the door switch is the issue, this unit is a no-brainer. It’s a well-made component that does precisely what it’s designed to do, restoring that essential functionality without fuss. It’s a prime example of a small part making a big difference in day-to-day RV living.