RC E-Boards - Using Aux Switch??

[Scoop]

Has anyone used one of the upfitter switches as the on/off switch for the RC electric running boards? The switch provided simply attaches to the dash with double sided tape. I'd rather not do that!

The switch appears to control a ground, not power so hooking up to an upfitter switch would probably need to go through a relay to control making/breaking the ground connection. Has anyone done this?

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[Scoop]

OK, I'll answer my own question! I tried it, It does not work!

After some study and actually trying to hook up an upfitter switch to control the on/off switch of the power steps I've found it will not work unless there would be a way to modify the wiring to the upfiter switch itself. The switch provided with the power steps does work by connecting or breaking a ground. The purpose of the switch is to keep the boards in the up position when opening a door when desired.

The upfitter switch connected to a relay works as it should AS LONG AS THE BRONCO IS RUNNING OR HAS ACCESSORY POWER ON. Once power is cut to the switch the relay defaults to the open position and the boards will not stay up when opening a door. Essentially power through an upfitter switch has 2 triggers - the switch itself and ignition/accessory power. Hope this makes sense!

If anyone has a work-around I'd like to hear it!

 

[Brian_B]

If anyone has a work-around I'd like to hear it!

You need either an always hot fuse with an add a tap, or run from battery for the steps.

You can get a different switch that isn’t double-sided taped, or mount it somewhere inconspicuous. Or not use the switch at all and just pull the fuse if you want to disable the steps for some reason.

But for using factory upfitters - it could be done if you want to finagle with factory wiring but I don’t recommend it.

The only time I use the switch on mine is to keep the steps down with the door closed while I wash it.

 

[Scoop]

Thanks for the reply. That's the conclusion I was coming to. I certainly don't want to mess with the factory upfitter switch wiring. My intent was also to use this to keep the boards down when washing the boards - but this configuration is not allowing me to do this. I may end up reinstalling another switch and not using the aux switch. I need to think on it some more. Pulling the fuse may be the answer.

Thanks again!

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