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weiss1957 · 01-24-2009, 05:18 AM

My 1970 Caravel manual shows the central control panel wired into the trailer, but there does not seem to be a CC panel installed.

Was this an option or is it possible that a previous owner has removed?

Did all AS come with tank level indicators?

Can I find and retrofit one of these panels?

The idea of having a barometer to check the weather sounds better than having the internet... I need to get one of these.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

**azflycaster** · 01-24-2009, 05:38 AM

In 1970 the control panel was built into the front wall of the trailer, just above the overhead cabinet. It can be seen in several of the pictures here: 70Caravel

Lumatic · 01-24-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiss1957

Was this an option or is it possible that a previous owner has removed?

Did all AS come with tank level indicators?

Can I find and retrofit one of these panels?

The idea of having a barometer to check the weather sounds better than having the internet... I need to get one of these.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

My 71 and 73 both have similar but slightly differently configured control panels. The tank level indicators in both no longer work. On both the 71 and 73 the battery charge indicator worked but the ammeter did not. The water pump switch is located in the control panel. It took a while but I finally found a control panel on ebay.

weiss1957 · 01-25-2009, 01:49 PM

I looked pretty hard at the front panel of the trailer and can not see where the panel was mounted. Either my trailer came without one, or it was removed and all signs of it being there were removed. When I get some time I may search around for the original wiring to see where it might have been. In the mean time I am looking for one on eBay.

Thanks,

Mike

**azflycaster** · 01-25-2009, 02:16 PM

Here is a picture from vintageairstream.com that shows the location. I can not say what the previous owner did, but it looks very good. Take a look in the forward overhead and see if you can see any wires running up to that area. Another mystery...

Lumatic · 01-25-2009, 03:42 PM

Azflycaster's photo is correct. I sure wouldn't tear the endcap apart. The only control in the control panel that is indespensible is the switch to turn on the water pump. Do you have one somewhere else? I guess it is possible to retrofit other gauges, switches and gizmos ( I vote for aviation altimeter), but I'd rather be camping. If it's not broke, why fix it? If you are determined to play detective you might be able to get to some of the old wiring by taking out the front overhead cabinet over the front window. Also, some of the later control panels can be mounted in a cabinet.

Mike Leary · 01-25-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

The only control in the control panel that is indespensible is the switch to turn on the water pump.

Agreed...........

**azflycaster** · 01-25-2009, 04:19 PM

Looking at the picture with out the control panel, something is different. The piece above the overhead looks flat and it has a seam where it meets the ceiling. I think that it should be a molded one piece end cap that becomes part of the ceiling. Is it possible that the previous owner fabricated that piece and the control panel is behind it?

weiss1957 · 01-25-2009, 06:21 PM

I again looked at the front panel. It is one piece of molded plastic and I can't for the life of me see any repair or cover up of where it is supposed to be. My water pump switch is located above the 120V outlet right above the sink and stove (pic attached). I may build up my own panel, but what I was really after is tank level status. I will have to see what technology is available to tell when tanks are full or empty.

Thanks,

Mike

bh53olds · 02-01-2009, 10:54 AM

I am the previous owner and know the owner before me and this trailer did not have a control panel when either of us owned her. You are looking at quite an an adventure my friend as you will probably have to tear into the tanks to install a divice for detecting their holding level. I just used the look and see method, when I could see the toilet tank full, I dumped it. When water wouldn't drain from the shower, I dumped it.

weiss1957 · 02-04-2009, 09:59 PM

Hey Brenda and Don, It is a bit of an adventure. I did find a few liquid level indicators, but they do cost some money and would be a retrofit. I kind of like playing with instrumentation, but may just stick to your proven method.

We are loving that trailer, have the new aluminum skin on, did the cushion covers, and are taking it out to Big Basin overnight on Saturday. We are still working out small trips and have not had a chance to get out since New Years. I am attaching a pic of the new aluminum work. Toscano's did a real nice job on it.

Also, note the excellent pillows you made for us!!! Thank you so much.

Cheers,

Michael & Lisa