I f you have a 5 pin toggle switch then the right 2 pins are for the led light that is always on. The left 3 pins are for the switch and indicator light. If you unplug the lower right (red) wires from the pins then all you'll have is light illumination when the switch is on. That light gets it's power from the load, not the power source. I've done this to my rockers for the same reason you're wanting to. Love your build. Hope this helps.
Make a removable cut out in the stove cover to go over the light switch, similar to what they do for sink covers but on a much smaller scale. Pop it out when you need to lift the cover to cook and pop it back in when you're done! *Be sure to drill a small finger sized hole to aid in removing it. 🙂
I noticed on your water system install video that you don't have an accumulator which is designed to get rid of the pulsing. A Shurflo accumulator, installed after the pump, should sort your problem. Quote 'Shurflo's Pre-Pressurized Accumulator Tank smoothes water faucet pulsations and reduces pump cycling to keep water line pressure up and pump motors cool.'. All the best.
@@robnarie hey Ericka! We made a video called van upgrades where we fixed most of the things we hate. After talking with our pump distributor they said an accumulator wouldn’t work with our pump. It may work for you though…we ended up buying another pump and we are loving it!
regarding the light switch, normally there are 3 prongs on the back for every switch. just disconnect the ones for the LEDs, then the light will go off, but the switches still work. Greg
Take some 2 side velcro male and female loop design and stick on part of the velcro ontop as a mount then put the other side on some kinda dark fabric so you can remove the cover for the switches instead of trying to feed around the switchs
There should be a way to unhook a wire on the back of the light switch unit to turn off the illumination. You can still have it light up when the switch is on. I bought similar switch units and they came with an instruction sheet with a couple of different ways to wire them up.
This video is dated but Dividers in the bench will create organization. Thanks for sharing I’m in the beginning process of my shuttle bus build binge watching van life to help me along the way. Wish me luck🤞🏽
Yeah definitely. The water pump problem is interesting to say the least. Never even considered that being an issue 🤷🏻♂️ Definitely looking forward to having it fixed. We will be sure to keep you in the loop about it 🤞
Lovely build! I would make a tiny wooden cover on a hibge to go over your panels, and simply add a hook to the back of the bench over stove that can connect to that wall 😁
Could you put some kind of magnetic cover over the light switch? Also for your stove cover, could it have a second hinge so you only have to lower the top portion when it is open or perhaps a 2 step hooking system so you can have it fully up or at an angle when you need to get to the switches and still use both hands if needed?
Had a similar issue with blue LEDs in my room. Use black label maker offcut tape, 2 layers will completely black it out, 1 layer will leave a small light so that you can still see it but massively reduced.
i faced the same problem in my room with atleast half a dozen red/green power indicators on the Tv, set top box, A/C, power strip etc. I used a black permanent marker to paint over it and then used the equivalent of a black duct tape over them...cut to shape!
Yeah it’s the worst and didn’t even think about them being so bright. We were able to unhook a wire and it removed the light when all switches were off but there is a light when the switches are on. We have used electrical tape over the fan switch because that is the only switch that’s on during the night.
Not sure if it's been mentioned or not, but years ago when I had a motorcycle, some of the instrument lights were super bright and caused some vision issues. The solution I found was to remove the instrument panel and put pieces of cotton balls over the lights which effectively caused a dimming effect and since they were led lights there was no heat to worry about. Might be an idea if you can remove just the lighted cover of the switches.
you could make little velcro material covers for your. switches that you can put on at night. Red lights are the best kind of light as the red won't keep you up at night. I like your van layout, I want something similar but a closed off cab section. thanks for sharing.
I am familiar with yacht water systems, captain 38 years. All water systems have an accumulator in the pressure system. I however not sure of space requirements and available in your van. I do know nevere had the pulses you seem to have.
Went back and watched your plumbing video again. I did not see an accumulator tank after your pump. I've seen where others have added a tank and that's helped the pulse. Just a thought. May not be your hot water heater??? Good luck!
Use amazon or Aliexpress order water shield or waterproof cover for lite outlets and paint it black it cost usually around 5-10£ and u can just stick it 😉
I had the same thought. Just a little magnetic strip stuck above them and a cover made out of either fabric or a plastic container or something to attach to it. Seems like it would be a pretty simple and quick fix. 👍
Hi, Andy! We fixed our switch issue in our of our most recent videos "Van Upgrades" We would get the same switch, but would just read the instructions before we installed them haha
We have one tankless water heater and it feeds both shower and sink and it’s amazing! The problem was our water pump. It was too big of a pump for our system.
I f you have a 5 pin toggle switch then the right 2 pins are for the led light that is always on. The left 3 pins are for the switch and indicator light. If you unplug the lower right (red) wires from the pins then all you'll have is light illumination when the switch is on. That light gets it's power from the load, not the power source. I've done this to my rockers for the same reason you're wanting to.
Love your build. Hope this helps.
Hey really appreciate the info! We will have to give this a whirl!
Make a removable cut out in the stove cover to go over the light switch, similar to what they do for sink covers but on a much smaller scale. Pop it out when you need to lift the cover to cook and pop it back in when you're done! *Be sure to drill a small finger sized hole to aid in removing it. 🙂
That’s a good idea. We haven’t thought about that! Thanks!
I noticed on your water system install video that you don't have an accumulator which is designed to get rid of the pulsing. A Shurflo accumulator, installed after the pump, should sort your problem. Quote 'Shurflo's Pre-Pressurized Accumulator Tank smoothes water faucet pulsations and reduces pump cycling to keep water line pressure up and pump motors cool.'. All the best.
Hey thanks so much for this info! We will definitely look into that!
@@NomadicVisuals Hey you guys, just curious about if it worked or not?
@@robnarie hey Ericka! We made a video called van upgrades where we fixed most of the things we hate. After talking with our pump distributor they said an accumulator wouldn’t work with our pump. It may work for you though…we ended up buying another pump and we are loving it!
You can drill holes and glue in magnets above the switches, then sew magnets into a black out fabric to create removable covers for the switches.
Solid idea! Thanks
This video was informative and I have included these tips into a compiled list of reccomendations andthings to avoid for a vanlife build.
Glad it was helpful! Best of luck in your build, Forrest!
For your switches problem. Try painting black nail polish over the lights. A couple of coats should do it.
Thanks for the suggestion!
regarding the light switch, normally there are 3 prongs on the back for every switch. just disconnect the ones for the LEDs, then the light will go off, but the switches still work.
Greg
Hey thank you! We appreciate the advice!
Take some 2 side velcro male and female loop design and stick on part of the velcro ontop as a mount then put the other side on some kinda dark fabric so you can remove the cover for the switches instead of trying to feed around the switchs
That’s a good idea
There should be a way to unhook a wire on the back of the light switch unit to turn off the illumination. You can still have it light up when the switch is on. I bought similar switch units and they came with an instruction sheet with a couple of different ways to wire them up.
Oh cool! We will have to look into this! This is probably the most annoying because we deal with it nightly!
Light blocking stickers for electronics works great 👍
Thanks for the feedback! Seems like the best route!
@@NomadicVisuals I would use blue painter's tape
@@larrylee2623 thanks! We actually figured out how to unplug the wires and no longer have the blue lights except when the switch is on.
This video is dated but Dividers in the bench will create organization. Thanks for sharing I’m in the beginning process of my shuttle bus build binge watching van life to help me along the way. Wish me luck🤞🏽
Thanks for the tip! We ended up putting a basket in there to help! Good luck on the shuttle bus!!
@@NomadicVisuals 🥰🙏🏽💙💙💙
Add a T-pipe along the hot water pipe and connect a half air half water filled chamber that buffers the pressure. That should fix it.
good thinking. we ended up buying a new pump w a lower flow rate instead. all is well
At least most of the issues look easy to fix. The water pump issue is interesting -- I have not seen it discussed elsewhere.
Yeah definitely. The water pump problem is interesting to say the least. Never even considered that being an issue 🤷🏻♂️ Definitely looking forward to having it fixed. We will be sure to keep you in the loop about it 🤞
Lovely build! I would make a tiny wooden cover on a hibge to go over your panels, and simply add a hook to the back of the bench over stove that can connect to that wall 😁
solid thought! Thanks for the feedback
Could you put some kind of magnetic cover over the light switch? Also for your stove cover, could it have a second hinge so you only have to lower the top portion when it is open or perhaps a 2 step hooking system so you can have it fully up or at an angle when you need to get to the switches and still use both hands if needed?
Thats a pretty good idea with the hinge, Dave! Not too sure about the magnet on the switches, but we will look into it
Inside of your van still looks awesome!
Hey Thanks! Really appreciate that! 🙌
You can buy gutters for vans on amazon that stick on which will get rid of the drips xx
Thanks! We actually just bought one haha
Had a similar issue with blue LEDs in my room. Use black label maker offcut tape, 2 layers will completely black it out, 1 layer will leave a small light so that you can still see it but massively reduced.
Good thinking!
i faced the same problem in my room with atleast half a dozen red/green power indicators on the Tv, set top box, A/C, power strip etc.
I used a black permanent marker to paint over it and then used the equivalent of a black duct tape over them...cut to shape!
Yeah it’s the worst and didn’t even think about them being so bright. We were able to unhook a wire and it removed the light when all switches were off but there is a light when the switches are on. We have used electrical tape over the fan switch because that is the only switch that’s on during the night.
maybe try to make up some little velcro flaps for the light covers.
Good thinking!
Not sure if it's been mentioned or not, but years ago when I had a motorcycle, some of the instrument lights were super bright and caused some vision issues. The solution I found was to remove the instrument panel and put pieces of cotton balls over the lights which effectively caused a dimming effect and since they were led lights there was no heat to worry about. Might be an idea if you can remove just the lighted cover of the switches.
or paint a dark opaque nail polish over the light portion.
The cotton ball idea is super interesting! Thanks for the feedback! We ended up disconnecting a wire to get the light to turn off.
you could make little velcro material covers for your. switches that you can put on at night. Red lights are the best kind of light as the red won't keep you up at night. I like your van layout, I want something similar but a closed off cab section. thanks for sharing.
Really appreciate the input! We will have to look into that! Thank you!
Thank you!!! for the water pump info. I have more info to plan my Van build
No problem, Jorge! Best of luck with your build! 🙌✌️
I love your honesty….good build!
Really appreciate the positive feedback! Take care!
you can use a black sharpie on the light switches :D
lol! that should do the trick!🙂
You can get box type pictures (hollow in back) that can cover your light switches so you can sleep
Very creative! Love it!
Even if there is one blue light, I cannot sleep. I made my husband put a cap on. He, on the other hand, can sleep through anything 🤣
haha we are the same way! they drive us BONKERS! 😂
I would use some type of dark shower cap to cover the lights.
Smart!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it! Take care!
You could cover the light switch lights with black electrical tape.
That would work!
I am familiar with yacht water systems, captain 38 years. All water systems have an accumulator in the pressure system. I however not sure of space requirements and available in your van. I do know nevere had the pulses you seem to have.
We ended up getting a smaller gpm pump and everything works perfect!
Went back and watched your plumbing video again. I did not see an accumulator tank after your pump. I've seen where others have added a tank and that's helped the pulse. Just a thought. May not be your hot water heater??? Good luck!
Really appreciate the input! We will have to look into that!
Thank you!
Thanks for the feedback!!
In my brothers trailer the lights are only lit up when the individual switch is on.
Hmmm…interesting
Use amazon or Aliexpress order water shield or waterproof cover for lite outlets and paint it black it cost usually around 5-10£ and u can just stick it 😉
Good thinking! Thanks for the feedback! 🙌
Nomadic Visuals pleasure is mine... I hope it helps😊🎈
Very interesting that’s all good to know great video
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂
Good info!! For the lights, maybe DIY a magnetic cover you can put over the entire set of switches at night🤷♀️. Dollar store😉
Thanks for the feedback! We will have to look into this!
I had the same thought. Just a little magnetic strip stuck above them and a cover made out of either fabric or a plastic container or something to attach to it. Seems like it would be a pretty simple and quick fix. 👍
@@derangedone13 Thanks for the feedback, Chelsea! Great minds think alike!
You can fix that switch light when switch is off very easily.
Yeah we were able to figure out how to disconnect the lights while the switches are off. It makes it soooooo much better!!
If you had to choose another switch panel, which would you choose?
Hi, Andy! We fixed our switch issue in our of our most recent videos "Van Upgrades" We would get the same switch, but would just read the instructions before we installed them haha
Put a black sticky spot on your light switch
Thanks for the feedback, Sarah! this may be our best option!
tankless water heater, put one in shower and 1 in kitchen. powered by propane, water just passing by and come out hot.
We have one tankless water heater and it feeds both shower and sink and it’s amazing! The problem was our water pump. It was too big of a pump for our system.
Do the light switches not have a separate wire to power the LED lights? Curious if you could disable those connections
They do! we ended up doing that in a view called: Van Upgrades. Thanks to the many suggestions in the comments! Thanks for the feedback, Darryl!
You can disconnect the led in the back of the panel takes 2 seconds.
Oh cool! We will have to give that a try! Thanks!
@@NomadicVisuals no worries! there’s a lot of RUclips videos on it too but they lights should’ve came with a diagram on what each connection does
cant you open the switches and remove the leds
or dont connect the power to the led if its a separate feed.
that's what we ended up doing (disconnecting the led wire) its much darker now lol
Why don’t you just “Sharpie” over the LEDs this will either attenuate the brightness or delete it completely.
good thought! thanks for the feedback!
Nail polish over the light switch
That should do the trick! Thanks Matt!
Dollar store has eye masks it will help a lot.
Thanks for a great idea!! We ended up figuring out how to disconnect the bulbs in the switches
Add a bypass line back to the tank with a regular? My first comment
The pump company said we couldn’t put anything in line because it wouldn’t help. Keep the comments coming!!!
Remove the leds inside the switches. And your problem is solved.
We found out that there is a wire that you can remove and the light goes off!