What's the switch for

[Whit461]

Just inside the doorway on your right as you come in are two switches. The first operates the outside light above the door. What does the second switch do? It doesn't seem to turn anything on or off. The large round light on the side of the trailer I need to replace the bulb. Is the switch for that?

Thanks...

[azflycaster]

On my 75 TW it was part of the 3 way switch circuit for the light over the sink.

[A W Warn]

I've see the second switch by the door either operate a light in the kitchen area or the light that is in the combination fixture with the fan.

To find out which light is controlled by the switch, turn on the lights with the knob or switch on the fixture itself. Then operate the switch by the door to see which fixture goes off. If that switch does not control anything, the switch might be bad or the wiring has been modified.

Inside the fan/light fixture there are two wires supplying power. One is from the switch to the light. The other is for power to the fan. I've see those wired incorrectly, using just the fan power wire for both light and fan, leaving the switch inactive.

[streaminwild]

I have the same problem. Thanks for the thread and responses. Can you get the same replacement switches at any RV store.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Whit461

Just inside the doorway on your right as you come in are two switches. The first operates the outside light above the door. What does the second switch do? It doesn't seem to turn anything on or off. The large round light on the side of the trailer I need to replace the bulb. Is the switch for that?

Thanks...

Mine is a light on the step.

[moosetags]

Very often, that second switch is for the step light which could be burned out.

Brian

[A W Warn]

I missed that part about the round exterior light in post #1. That was not an original light option. When it was added it is a good possibility that the switch was used to control that light. (Google 'scare light' - there are some LED fixtures that will fit exactly in that round hole)

On a 1976 Argosy, the light over the door was not standard equipment, it was an option.

A step light was not offered at all, standard or optional. If there is one it was also added.

This is a link to the sales specifications for your trailer.
https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...80fc148908.pdf

This is a link to the standard and optional equipment list.
https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...3fd95cc34e.pdf

This is a link to a 1976 Owners Manual.
https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...0110i.arc_.pdf

[Whit461]

So at lunch, I put a new bulb in the scare light and turned on the switch. Nothing. Turned on all the interior lights and flipped the switch. Nothing. I need to put two bulbs in the front piece over the front window, but nothing went out with the switch. Tonight after work I'll check with my tools for power to the switch, scare light, etc.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by streaminwild

I have the same problem. Thanks for the thread and responses. Can you get the same replacement switches at any RV store.

Out of Doors Mart has some switches. You might check to see if they have one like yours.
This is one example:
http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=672

[bibbs]

On my 75 MH both were for outside lights. The bulb socket may be corroded so even a new bulb won’t work. On my 71 GT it Was a 3 way to kitchen light, but the light was only connected to one switch leg. It had been tampered with. The switch contacts can also get corroded. I would look at the bulb socket first.

[Commish]

ON our 2018 FC, the second switch is for the LED lights under the awning.

[Argosy 7728]

You are on the right track. On my 77 argosy one switch is for the scare light and the other one is for the light above the door.

[mikeoxlong]

Is there a light up from you the propane tanks?

[n89217]

On my 73 22ft Argosy, that switch turns on the round light on the outside beside the door. It is a bright flood light.

[Whit461]

I think so. Right now the switch itself is dead. No power getting to it,and the scare light is also dead, so I have a dilemma: do without and stop worrying about it, or open up the wall and trace wires. Thanks, I think you are on the right track.

[matthewsx]

Originally Posted by Whit461

I think so. Right now the switch itself is dead. No power getting to it,and the scare light is also dead, so I have a dilemma: do without and stop worrying about it, or open up the wall and trace wires. Thanks, I think you are on the right track.

So, put some power to it and see if the light will come on. It's more likely disconnected near the exhaust fan then a broken wire in the wall.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

I missed that part about the round exterior light in post #1. That was not an original light option. << snip>>]

^^ For the record, this statement I made is wrong.^^
The round scare light was an option, as part of the "Safety Group" package.

Sorry, for posting incorrect info!
Always learning!