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Regular
Posts: 66
Location: Western US | I suspect my light switch needs to be replaced. I was able to do it on every other trailer I’ve had (4 Stars and Platimum), but I can’t figure out how to get into this one. It’s located at the back of the trailer, on the outside, like every other one of seen. I haven’t been able to find any other way to access this area. There’s no access from the inside of the rear tack, and no access from any nearby lights (ie, pull out a tail light to get to the back of the light switches. My older 4-Star was like that).Is that a rivet, or do I need the world’s smallest allen wrench (photos attached)?Seems odd to make it so permanent that I would need to drill out the rivets, and re-rivet, just to change a switch….Any ideas?
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 20150225_195938.jpg (42KB - 121 downloads)
20150225_200053.jpg (59KB - 106 downloads)
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | Looks like it is the pop rivets that need to come out.....drill them....easy to replace...won't take 10 minutes |
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Expert
Posts: 2958
 
Location: North Carolina | Like B-dog says... It's a blind rivet (pop-rivet) Drill the head off. |
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Regular
Posts: 66
Location: Western US | Thanks you guys! But doesn't it seem insane to rivet-in something that needs to be accessed somewhat frequently? For whatever reason these switches never seem to last very long.It might not be a bad idea either to replace both of them while I'm in there.....right? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | Also, might not be the switch...check contacts at light fixture....doesn't take much corrosion to stop 12 volts. If you change the switch, put in a good one rated for 12 volts. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Installing switches from a marine or aircraft supply, will result in a longer life span of the switches. These switches are sealed from the elements, and have commercial grade interior constructions. Many of these will last longer than the ownership of the trailer. Also, by using marine quality, waterproof blind rivets, you will eliminate water seepage from the exterior elements into the interior locations of the switches. The waterproof rivets have sealed core ends instead of the open ended shafts that are commonly used. |
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Regular
Posts: 66
Location: Western US | I live in a pretty small town.....but we do have a Napa. Do you think Napa would have marine-grade switches? Or a True Value? Or do I need to find a marine supply place online?
Thanks for the tip! |
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 Veteran
Posts: 259
Location: Topeka Ks | Napa will be able to get the switches for you. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/search_subCategory.... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
| I have brought mine back to life many times by flooding it with WD-40 while I was toggling the lever. The WD-40 will displace the moisture in the switch. May try that before replacement.
Also- most NAPAs etc will have a rubber cup you can buy that screws over the switch for some protection. |
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