Black Switch Mystery - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

1crazycdn · 05-12-2018, 06:54 PM

Hi All,
I have a 1998 TowLite 24 TL.
I can't figure out for the life of me what this Black Switch controls. (please see photo)
All help graciously appreciated ...

Thx
Rick

Treeclimber · 05-12-2018, 07:38 PM

If you can, pop the switch out, use a multi meter and see if there is power at the switch. That power has to go somewhere! Might help if you can see behind it with the top lowered about a foot. Might need a mirror if it's accessible.
Under the wall mirror, your wallpaper looks as though it's gotten wet.
Also noticed your shirt, "this buds....
Tree

retiredcamper47 · 05-12-2018, 11:19 PM

An educated guess, due to it’s location, is the fan switch for the fridge. The fan is activated by heat build up behind the fridge. The switch allows 12v power to the fan to allow this to happen. Depending on outside temps, the fan might not come on right away. As I said, this is just a guess.

Bob

Treeclimber · 05-13-2018, 08:05 AM

Like retiredcamper, another guess. Does the SWITCH light up when you turn it on? If so, it could be the water heater. If it does light up, then you'll also need to turn on the gas supply (I light the stove to ensure flow, then turn it off). Depending on the water heater location, it may take a while to ignite as the gas has to get to it. Of course you MUST ensure you have water in the heater tank. Agaiun, this is another guess.
Tree

RichR · 05-13-2018, 08:37 AM

My guess it's the fridge fan switch.

1crazycdn · 05-13-2018, 08:58 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions.
TreeClimber,
I have popped the switch out, it is a simple 12 v. rocker switch, that has the 'on' side painted red. It has continuity when turned on.
RetiredCamper47,
I was leaning towards a fridge switch, but was wondering why nothing happened when turned on. If the fridge needs to get 'warmed up' for it to come on, this would explain why nothing is happening when it is turned on.
I will turn it on when using the fridge and see if it comes on, when we are camping.
I will post my findings, for future reference ...

Thx
Rick

Treeclimber · 05-13-2018, 10:07 AM

If it's an OEM fan, you'll hear it! I think Rich and retired are correct. My fan switch is white and h2o heater is black. H2o heater switch is momentary. A red light comes on until the heater is lit.
Tree

1crazycdn · 05-13-2018, 12:35 PM

Thanks again everyone, it is indeed the fridge fan switch.
The fan must be thermostat controlled.
Curiosity got the better of me, so, I turned the fridge on electric and let it run (the trailer is in my driveway, I suppose I could put some beer in it LOL).
It took over an hour, but the fan did run, and yes, you can hear it.
Turning the switch off, stops the fan.

Rick

Treeclimber · 05-13-2018, 02:57 PM

If that fan is too noisy (especially at night), you may want to check out the "sushidog mod". Pretty easy and cheap but QUIET!

PyroJim · 05-17-2018, 04:26 PM

The water Pump Power?

Joekazmak · 05-17-2018, 04:35 PM

It is for sure the refrigerator switch also if it still does not work the fan and cool the thermostat check in the front battery compartment and look for a fuse there I had one blow out there after replacement it all worked properly

johnguzz · 05-17-2018, 05:52 PM

The switch controls the cooling fan on the back of the refrigerator.

riki4570 · 05-17-2018, 05:59 PM

I agree that it's the fridge cooling fan, but when our switch is on, the fan always is on. It doesn't cycle on and off. Is it supposed to?

1crazycdn · 05-17-2018, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riki4570

I agree that it's the fridge cooling fan, but when our switch is on, the fan always is on. It doesn't cycle on and off. Is it supposed to?

It does indeed, cycle on my 1998 24TL...

Rick

JIM L · 05-17-2018, 07:31 PM

The fan should cycle on and off. It is controlled by a thermo switch that is clipped onto one of the cooling fins on the back of the fridg at the top. The switch may have failed in the closed/on position or the previous owner may have bypassed the thermo switch. If I remember correctly you can adjust the temp that the fan comes on and shuts off by sliding the switch up or down the fin.

Beach Papa · 05-17-2018, 08:27 PM

Well, it looks like I am a day late and a dollar short. Yes, it is the fridge switch, given its location. In my 2002 24' Hi-Lo silver model, there is a similar black switch on the bulkhead wall between the stove and the forward double sofa/king bed setup. That black switch controls the gas operation for the water heater, the electric control for the water heater is under the sofa closest to the water heater and can be accessed from inside or outside the camper. Enjoy.

Rossco · 05-17-2018, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1crazycdn

Hi All,
I have a 1998 TowLite 24 TL.
I can't figure out for the life of me what this Black Switch controls. (please see photo)
All help graciously appreciated ...

Thx
Rick

The black switch is for the fridge fan ...
Turn it on if the outside temp gets over 21c..

ronsar · 05-18-2018, 10:36 AM

My unit that is switch for onboard water pump.

RichR · 05-21-2018, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIM L

The fan should cycle on and off. It is controlled by a thermo switch that is clipped onto one of the cooling fins on the back of the fridg at the top. The switch may have failed in the closed/on position or the previous owner may have bypassed the thermo switch. If I remember correctly you can adjust the temp that the fan comes on and shuts off by sliding the switch up or down the fin.

JimL, I beg to differ with you. The fan thermostat is in the compartment behind the fridge. The thermister inside the fridge on the cooling fin is what controls the fridge's temperature.

JIM L · 05-22-2018, 10:00 AM

Rich; I might have been a bit clearer that the thermo switch I was talking about is in the compartment behind the fridg. I thought saying it is behind the fridg was clear enough. You are correct that the thermostat switch inside the fridg controls the fridg temp.