Question for macerator users

[markopolo]

How do you turn the macerator pump on and off in your RV's?

Is it single person job on your rig?

I added a wireless remote control on my first RV with a macerator but was always a bit concerned that it could be activated accidentally. I had a secondary master switch to prevent that but switches can be knocked or forgotten etc.

[booster]

Roadtrek's like our 07 C190P have a momentary switch on the driver's seat base, so it can't be accidentally turned on except for a blip if you bump it. We found it to be a real pain to use, as you have to be at the door, semi bent over, and hold it for the entire time. It also totally eliminates the ability to do a one person dump without using the donut on the dump station pipe. We usually don't use the donut so we don't have to clean it up, making for an easier dump procedure. With two people on just holds the hose end, with elbow, above the pipe a bit.

For ours, I finally found some stuff lying around that made it so we can have the switch on continuously without holding it, but still have it bump proof. It is just a strong magnet the same thickness as the button on the switch when pushed, and a small piece of steel. The seat base is steel so the magnet sticks to it, and the metal piece on top of that. I just move the metal piece on top of the magnet to push the switch down when needed, and move it off when not needed. Works OK.

If I were starting from scratch, the remotes sounds cool, but as said it could get triggered somehow. Perhaps combined with some kind of momentary switch the can be held temporarily like we did, for security, you could have the best of everything. I would really like to be able to do a one person, no donut, dump sometimes. Do you have information on the remote you used?

[markopolo]

The brand was Hamsar I think. It was intended for automotive fog lights and rated for 20 amps DC - same as the pump needed. I bought it at Walmart almost a decade ago though.

(edit: confirmed, wireless remote brand was Hamsar)

[peteco]

I did a similar mod to this and it has worked great for 4 years now. Instead of a key I used some thin but very stiff spring steel that was cut to make a tab that can be rotated over the switch to hold it down. A hole was drilled in the upper end of the tab to attach with the upper switch screw. A key would work fine. Actually, it may serve as a nice place store a backup key.

Pete
2006 RT 210P
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Posted By: PSW on 12/03/11 06:27am

I took an old house key and then removed the top mounting screw on the RT macerator switch in the door. I then reinstalled the screw with the key mounted just like a washer, inserting the screw through the key ring hole at top of the key. What this makes then is an elongated washer which is really a lever.

This does not affect the door at all and all you have to do is depress the switch and swing the key down over it to hold it in place. To stop it, just swing the key back off the button. Free solution, no wiring, no nothin'. Did that five years ago and works like a charm. The price is right, too: free.


Came from this site that has other ideas too.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fusea ... t/true.cfm

[avanti]

Ours just has a switch mounted outside near the hose compartment. It is a little too obvious, so I am going to move it to the inside of the hose compartment. If you are worried about someone tampering with it, just put a second toggle switch inside in series with the outdoor one.

[peteco]

Some pictures of the switch lock.

[markopolo]

Thanks for the ideas.

Is the Sani-con 7' hose that stretches to 21' a good choice for a macerator hose?

[avanti]

Originally Posted by markopolo

Is the Sani-con 7' hose that stretches to 21' a good choice for a macerator hose?

Yes.

[booster]

Totally agree it is the best.

[markopolo]

Thanks - Ordered!

[markopolo]

I've decided to go with the wireless remote again to control the macerator. I will add a master switch for both peace of mind and so that it turns the wireless receiver off to eliminate the parasitic draw.