VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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I recently had trouble with the power lock on one front door of our 1996 Dodge 190V Roadtrek, so the door panel had to come off. After making the necessary repair, I decided to make an upgrade that I've been meaning to do for a while.
It always bugged me that the power windows could work only when the key is in the ignition and on the "on" position, or the vehicle running. After all, our B's are MOTOR HOMES, so the manufacturers should have made this small mod.
Here's what I did: The power windows are protected by a circuit breaker which I removed - it just unplugs. As well, the power locks have +12 VDC at all times. I connected a jumper from the power lock "hot" wire to the power window "hot" wire (which is normally switched by the ignition switch). Viola! I can now operate the power windows at any time, engine running, or van parked with the keys in my pocket. Of course, you have to do this for each door (the driver's door and the passenger's door in our van).
The hardest part of the job is dealing with those *&%?{ clips that hold the door panel in place. 
Jerry & Susie
1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile (Dodge 5.2 L)
FMCA F390585
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diyvanner
Rhode Island
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Joined: 07/04/2007
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Interesting modification. Do you use it that often when parked?
Maybe if I had screens (on my list) for the front windows I'd utilize the function. I do crack the windows a bit when it's raining and close inside. It's a great idea and a slick way of doing it. I've got one front door left to insulate so maybe I'll try it.
diyVanner
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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diyVanner, we recently purchased "Skreenz" for both front windows which are a fantastic product. Having them made this modification worthwhile. (Our used van came with "Bug Barriers" which were ripped and too costly to replace/repair, so I removed them). The "Skreenz" are a great alternative, especially with the more flexible window operation.
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diyvanner
Rhode Island
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Joined: 07/04/2007
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Thanks for reminding me of Skreenz. I had forgoten about them. Your modification makes a lot of sense and I'll definitly get a pair and rewire the drivers side at least. I just love the ideas this forum generates for stuff like this. Have a great summer camping and traveling.
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Tress
Virginia
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Im planning to do something similar, but my windows are slow as all #%$@ and im thinking of rewiring them to the aux batts, and like you i want to be able to use the windows when the van is not on. I take it they are no longer on a fuse of a ny kind, could this cause any issues?
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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Tress wrote:Im planning to do something similar, but my windows are slow as all #%$@ and im thinking of rewiring them to the aux batts, and like you i want to be able to use the windows when the van is not on. I take it they are no longer on a fuse of a ny kind, could this cause any issues?
In my mod, the power source for the windows have been changed from the power window circuit to the power lock circuit. In our van, this means that the windows AND locks are both protected by the same 30 A circuit breaker. I haven't tried operating both together, but don't see a problem, since it is a breaker, not a fuse.
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kking
Lowell, MA
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Joined: 02/18/2008
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Sounds like a good idea, and as I have need to take both doors apart to fix mirror issues, one that I will use. Thanks!
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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I would find a way to put that circuit breaker back in the circuit....
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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SoCalDesertRider wrote:I would find a way to put that circuit breaker back in the circuit....
Maybe I didn't explain the mod adequately.......the power windows are -still- protected by a circuit breaker; it's just a different one. My goal was to find an unswitched source of +12 VDC, without any major re-wiring in the doors, which is fortunately available from the power locks. The power locks are protected by a 30 A circuit breaker, so now the windows and locks are both protected by the -same- breaker.
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diyvanner
Rhode Island
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Joined: 07/04/2007
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We had a fairly warm day today and I had the front windows opened for ventilation. Was about to hose it down for a washing when I saw the window open. Had to go back in the house, get the keys, and turn on the ignition to roll up the windows. What a pain. I'm sure there are lots more reasons to rewire that switch. BTW, ordered the Skreenz too.
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