Are rocker switches just not a thing anymore?

[Edub]

I've already used up the 4 Mopar switches, it's time to expand. I really don't like the push button switch panels I see all over the place now. Amazon is inundated by Auxbeam products, but I would love nothing more than traditional rocker switch that I can feel click on and off. Am I the only one? I have found a few solutions, but I'm not terribly impressed with the finish or fit (looking at you Rugged Ridge).

Or should I give one of these switch panels a try. Curious to know what everyone is running.

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[chorky]

Rocker switches I think are out of style just because they are all mechanical and require a lot of wires to be ran if you want relays, backlighting, etc... Lots of options out there. I have switchpros - it's not cheap.

If you just want rockers, painless wiring still has some options - but they are bulky, and I dont think you will find a place under the hood to even mount a relay box. Most things are moving toward circuit board controls. There is an option, forget the company, that makes a type of hybrid where it still relies on relays and physical fuses but has a canvass system so only a small set of wires need to run into the cab.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I prefer rocker switches. I like the tactile feel. In fact, I hated one of the Grand Cherokees we had because the stupid-ass transmission lever snapped back to center after you shifted - there was no feel for what gear it was in (ironically, even my wife asked "what's up with this")

Rockers still only require 2 wires for a SPST type rocker. If you want a rely, really simple. You can buy nice relay setups with sockets and so on if you like to make it your way and not be forced into something you don't want "because everyone else likes it".
I also don't like those other panels and will never have one.
I'll devise my own setup if I run out of the 4 aux switches.

but they are bulky, and I dont think you will find a place under the hood to even mount a relay box.

That's sort of ironic, isn't it, seeing all of the space some of those other aux switch setups take? I mean they take a ton of space in some cases.
I can rig up my own relay array with little space taken There's a lot of options out there, but then - I also do automotive wiring and mods and such, so maybe I just see more options out there and can come up with other ways.
But seriously think of what you are saying - that they are bulky - yet the 3rd party aux switch panels aren't exactly petit.

Thanks, but I'll brew my own if the need arises.

 

[cranbiz]

STech makes rocker switch panels. The relay box isn't any different than Auxbeam or VOSwitch.

 

[chorky]

I used these guys when making up switch wiring for my TJ. Back in the day (15-20 years ago) they would even do custom laser engraving of the rockers. Not sure what they offer these days though

https://www.otrattw.net/Contura-V/

I prefer rocker switches. I like the tactile feel. In fact, I hated one of the Grand Cherokees we had because the stupid-ass transmission lever snapped back to center after you shifted - there was no feel for what gear it was in (ironically, even my wife asked "what's up with this")

Rockers still only require 2 wires for a SPST type rocker. If you want a rely, really simple. You can buy nice relay setups with sockets and so on if you like to make it your way and not be forced into something you don't want "because everyone else likes it".
I also don't like those other panels and will never have one.
I'll devise my own setup if I run out of the 4 aux switches.



That's sort of ironic, isn't it, seeing all of the space some of those other aux switch setups take? I mean they take a ton of space in some cases.
I can rig up my own relay array with little space taken There's a lot of options out there, but then - I also do automotive wiring and mods and such, so maybe I just see more options out there and can come up with other ways.
But seriously think of what you are saying - that they are bulky - yet the 3rd party aux switch panels aren't exactly petit.

Thanks, but I'll brew my own if the need arises.

Same, I'm super nitpicky with electrical stuff. I hate seeing hack jobs and lazy routing, etc. Just my own pet peeve. But that is why I went with the switchpros system. it is the smallest footprint system out there. For now anyway. The switch panel is something like 2" by 4", and the control box is something like 2.25" by 4.5" and maybe .75" thick, add another inch to that though for the plug-in. And it supports some good amperage too. But the cost is much higher than auxbeam for example - that system is insanely large for what you are getting. Just my .02 though. I know the switchpros system is expensive, but for me it's been reliable, small, light, and functions well. No textile feeling like a rocker but you do feel a decent 'click' like a modern day computer keyboard. If it weren't for switchpros, I probably would have just built my own system seeing as how amazon has plenty of relay boxes available and you could build whatever you need from there really.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I used these guys when making up switch wiring for my TJ. Back in the day (15-20 years ago) they would even do custom laser engraving of the rockers. Not sure what they offer these days though

https://www.otrattw.net/Contura-V/




Same, I'm super nitpicky with electrical stuff. I hate seeing hack jobs and lazy routing, etc. Just my own pet peeve. But that is why I went with the switchpros system. it is the smallest footprint system out there. For now anyway. The switch panel is something like 2" by 4", and the control box is something like 2.25" by 4.5" and maybe .75" thick, add another inch to that though for the plug-in. And it supports some good amperage too. But the cost is much higher than auxbeam for example - that system is insanely large for what you are getting. Just my .02 though. I know the switchpros system is expensive, but for me it's been reliable, small, light, and functions well. No textile feeling like a rocker but you do feel a decent 'click' like a modern day computer keyboard. If it weren't for switchpros, I probably would have just built my own system seeing as how amazon has plenty of relay boxes available and you could build whatever you need from there really.

Yeah, no offense to the users of some of those other products out there, but when I see the amount of space they take and the complexity - but mostly the wasted space, the bulk, I cringe.

I wasn't really happy with the bulk and complexity of the wiring for my snow plow - I get it that it has to be sort of universal, but it's a ton of bulk, IMO. But that's what happens with wiring kits that fit a dozen different vehicles.

and the control box is something like 2.25" by 4.5" and maybe .75" thick, add another inch to that though for the plug-in. And it supports some good amperage too. But the cost is much higher than auxbeam for example

With that cost you get the work/engineering to make it compact and neat. Worth it to me if I went that route.
I rerouted the engine bay wiring for the power steps on my wife's Jeep twice as I just wasn't happy with the route and other factors. I wanted it out of the way, easy, to look stock, etc. and I'll do that sometimes - I'll take one of my projects and re-do it however many times I need to until I'm happier with it.
I've redone the wiring on my alternator test bench 4 times now and am finally happy with the switch box and connection setup.
one of these days I'll redo the aux switch terminal block and mount I have under the hood of my JT - the part that holds the 12v outlet isn't totally straight and it looks like the after-thought it was. I can see ways to make it all more tidy.

 

[Cburd61]

I installed the Rugged Ridge set up. I’ve had it almost 3 years, and really like it. Easy to install, and the panel looks like it came factory. I do not have the factory aux switches, so I got the ones that fill in the little cubby. They have a choice of cubby mount, or top of dash mount.

 

[Rockabillyroy]

Trigger six shooter. Rockers and wireless controller. And bluetooth as well.

 

[HooliganActual]

Trigger six shooter. Rockers and wireless controller. And bluetooth as well.

+1 to this ^^^^

I have a Trigger 4 Plus on one of my Wranglers and one running all of the House loads in the back of my Gladiator. For the OP @Edub , the remote that comes with it is a portable set of rocker switches BUT you can also actuate the switches via Bluetooth from a SmartPhone App or you can actuate the switches right on the face of the controller. The Trigger Controller may be a bit "bulky" but it's shape is pretty easy to tuck away.

Forgive the blue tape on the junction box, I just installed this yesterday and need to make some proper labels.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I’m of the school of waterproof everything under the hood if possible, easily replaced relays with sealed solid state control is the way to go. I have a Voswitch 300 and was and am still very impressed with it. Relay box under the hood is 4.75” X 2” X 6” does not take up any valuable space and gives me six switches that fit in a location that looks almost factory. One wire from relay box to switch panel was so easy to wire.
I’m an electrician in charge of maintaining everything electric at my company’s many locations of heavy industrial plants. I fought the rocker / button battle years ago and am dropping serious coin changing old plants over to PLC touch screen controls. Installation time and cost is so much better then wired control, the fallen soldiers in our company battle that fought me in the beginning are now the biggest advocates of our systems now.
That said the new Voswitch grab handle 800 model with eight switches is the way I would go again even when ordering a new Jeep…….Jack

Yup - he's an industrial electrician -
This -

................looks so very much like this - ?

When I talk "rocker switches" - my thinking isn't back to the 1980 fog light switches of old. More like the electronic rocker switches as used in Jeeps and other vehicles. Same type of function, less space and not the mechanical stuff to go bad inside. And as with the Jeep aux switches, it's not like a pair or more of wires coming from each individual switch resulting in a big bundle.

I can think of my snow plow control as well, lots of buttons on it, with varied functions and yet there's only a couple of wires. The whole control thing works on twisted pair and multiplexed signals over a couple of small wires.
but the buttons have a tactile feel and are physical buttons.

 

[RangerG]

I've already used up the 4 Mopar switches, it's time to expand. I really don't like the push button switch panels I see all over the place now. Amazon is inundated by Auxbeam products, but I would love nothing more than traditional rocker switch that I can feel click on and off. Am I the only one? I have found a few solutions, but I'm not terribly impressed with the finish or fit (looking at you Rugged Ridge).

Or should I give one of these switch panels a try. Curious to know what everyone is running.

I put these in my truck. Looks factory

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It looks very factory and "built-in", not a hang-on, but............
wait until a few of you get older, or have a wife who drives your JT and needs to grip that grab handle getting in and out. Hope those are locked out or can be locked out. I can see my wife or even me pulling myself in and gripping that handle and pushing 2 or 3 buttons at once.
Don't know how I'd like taking my eyes that far left (and so close to my face) to see which button.
Thankfully they offer a better option - in the center stack.
Some of us would never be able to see the buttons that close, but in the center, that works fine.

 

[Edub]

I was mistaken in my original post, I didn't mean to say Rugged Ridge, the kit I was referencing is Rough Country, but in reality, its nothing more than a cheap Chinese knock off.

but the more I look at it, this may be exactly what I was looking for. I don't need BT controls and the price is hard to beat. And I can customize it with @chorky s suggestion.

what are your thoughts on it? (looking at you @ShadowsPapa )

Amazon.com: Rough Country Multiple Switch Light Controller (fits) 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL | Gladiator JT | 6 Button | 70963 : Rough Country: Automotive

@Cburd61 I'm looking at the Rugged Ridge one as well. I like the over the dash location.

@Rockabillyroy and @HooliganActual that is indeed fancy, but I'm weary of anything that needs a battery plus I have the safety group in mine and I'm not sure if their mounting plate is compatible with it.

@RangerG I had looked at this before. but my understanding is that the buttons are set and there is no changing it, is that still the case?

 

[Mr._Bill]

I was mistaken in my original post, I didn't mean to say Rugged Ridge, the kit I was referencing is Rough Country, but in reality, its nothing more than a cheap Chinese knock off.

but the more I look at it, this may be exactly what I was looking for. I don't need BT controls and the price is hard to beat.

what are your thoughts on it?

Amazon.com: Rough Country Multiple Switch Light Controller (fits) 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL | Gladiator JT | 6 Button | 70963 : Rough Country: Automotive

That looks just as good as any of the other options available, especially if you like those types of switches. It looks like the switches and relays are replaceable, and the price is decent.

 

[Edub]

That looks just as good as any of the other options available, especially if you like those types of switches. It looks like the switches and relays are replaceable, and the price is decent.

yeah, but now, I see that Rugged Ridge also has one so I'm going to see what the two have to offer, I'm curious about the build quality of the rugged ridge as I'm assuming (maybe I shouldn't) that the rough country is made of metal.

NVM, just looked at it again, there's no way that metal.

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