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Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch

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Pax

Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« on: February 19, 2015, 10:06:56 pm »
Has anyone added a passenger airbag deactivation switch to their rig, after purchase?  From what I gather it is an option on a new E450 and only runs about $25.  It is a key switch that uses the ignition key.

I'm assuming one couldn't just add a fuse disconnect switch since I didnt find a fuse for just the passenger airbag.

    - Mike

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Pax

Re: Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2015, 10:11:04 pm »
Interesting what I found out about this issue.  My initial concern was transporting a grandchild in our PC.  There is technically no 'back seat', like a car.  Our 'back seats' are a EuroLounger with no seat belt (and not solidly mounted to the rig), and our sofa which has seat belts but is not situated to accommodate a child seat facing the rear of the rig.

Anyway, I looked around for info regarding adding an on-off switch for the passenger side air bag and found out that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration needs to authorize it.  There is a brochure which must be read (DOT HS 808 629) and a form that needs to be filled out (DOT HS 603) certifying that I read the brochure.  They then send me an authorization letter that I can take to an authorized dealer or installer.  However, there is no guarantee that the dealer or installer would be willing to install it. [The form and brochure can be found on safercar.gov]

Life would be so much easier if I didn't like kids!   (WH)

   - Mike

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2 Frazzled

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    • Spirit of the Woods
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 2013
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
  • ExtColor: Sunlit
  • Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)
Re: Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2015, 08:27:41 am »
Mike, I hope you are able to resolve this. I was browsing the internet and saw the letter requirement but thought that might be old info. Is the data you are looking at current? I also saw a lot of trucks for sale with that switch in them so it hopefully isn't too difficult to get done.

For anyone unfamiliar, the 2552 was created as an extended 2551 to resolve this same problem. However, the original mod was to put a fully anchored, auto seat style captain's chair behind the passenger seat so a baby or young child could be properly fastened in. Since most people don't need that, the subsequent 2552s came with the movable Euro chair which we personally love. While I'm sure you can get the captain's chair if you order it during the factory build, I don't know if you can have it added later. That's a question for Earl. And to swap back the other way would leave multiple holes and marks in the flooring.

Ron Ditmer has pics on the forum of his captain's chair in his 2350 which has the same space in that area. It is fully functional and swivels and reclines. It just can't be moved around the coach like the euro chair can.
John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

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gl1500

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May. 2014
  • Model: 2551
  • ModelYear: 2551/2014
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Hickory
  • ExtColor: Cafe'
  • Location: Idaho
Re: Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2015, 01:27:29 pm »
Here are pictures of the first 2552 and the additional Captains Chair installation.  Worked great as an additional seat when only the two of us, also.  Put the back of the front chair down and sit in the add-on chair with a place to put your legs.  Also, nice when you want to sit and relax in complete shade.  Granddaughter loved the seat and she would watch videos while on the road.
   Bob

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
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  • ModelYear: 2007
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  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2015, 03:16:39 pm »
Pax,

The front half of a 2552 is identical to a 2350-E350 as we own.  Like gl1500, we have a 3rd captain seat in lieu of the euro chair.  Our first grand child is due in late June so when it comes time, we plan to do as Bob Mahon did and bolt a "D" ring like this to the floor under the seat, to use as a tether point for a child seat.



OH! I see gl1500's pictures show a "D" ring on the floor, next to the base plate of the pedestal, opposite the cab.
« Last Edit: March 02, 2015, 03:20:40 pm by ron.dittmer »
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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Pax

Re: Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2015, 11:31:41 am »
Holly: I believe the info is current.  The request form indicates an expiration of 10/31/2016 I don't think the installation of the switch would be a big deal at all for the Ford dealer.  There is already a space for the switch on the dash and from what I understand the switch is just plugged into the module behind the dash.  I'll post results when I get it done.

Bob/Ron:  Thanks for the info. 

    - Mike

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Pax

Re: Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2015, 12:00:59 pm »
I checked with my local Ford dealer and they said that Ford does not make a 'switch kit' which they can install.  Time to get creative. :-D