Remote control for slide out

From their usual location inside, it is not easy to gauge whether or not your slide is clearing that big tree you had a hard time avoid when backing up the trailer. Until today,  I have had an easy work around and  it's called the wife: "love, would you mind telling me how much room there is before I hit that big rock over there with the slide out?!!" While this always has allowed us to get by, it is a bother when there isn't someone else around to help.

I have recently come across RF switches, wireless remotes that allow to switch a load from afar, while browsing on one of these Chinese websites where stuff can be had for really cheap.

I thought that installing one of these remotes, provided that they would work with the kind of setup I have, would allow my spouse to keep busy when I usually need her to provide guidance.

First, you need to identify the load that the motor of the slide draws. Usually, this will be found in your user manual, and if not, can probably be found using Google. I was able to tell using my manual, that the slide out motor was on a 20A circuit, therefore drawing less than 20A. I was not able to find a remote switch that had more than a rated 15A on a 12v circuit, but I though I would give it a try.

The first one I bought was this one RF switch You may want to do proper research first, as these may come with different modes, for which Latch, Unlatch info can also be found online. For slide-out purposes, you need a relay that is normally open (NO) and that closes when you press the switch, and opens when you release the switch. The first model I bought only had this mode so that was perfect.

To clarify how the install was made, I will post a thorough video explaining how I did it shortly.

 

 

Here is a basic wiring diagram depicting how everything is connected.