Can anyone identify this switch?

[Dale Baker]

My wife and I bought our first airstream last week. It is a 2008 19' international. Neither the manual or the previous owner know what this switch next to the door does. It looks stock rather than an add on. Can anyone tell me what this controls? Cheers,

[Labeda14]

Is it the fridge fan?

[etojeo]

Check it during hours of darkness - maybe a switch for external lighting?

[LBelle]

On our 2015 19' International it is indeed the "Refer Fan". A manual switch that we use when the refrigerator is working hard (i.e. warm weather etc.)

[Mollysdad]

A step light?
The outside light?

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Dale Baker

My wife and I bought our first airstream last week. It is a 2008 19' international. Neither the manual or the previous owner know what this switch next to the door does. It looks stock rather than an add on. Can anyone tell me what this controls? Cheers,

Welcome to the forum!

Does the switch illuminate when you turn it on?

Looks just like our fridge fan in a similar location. Airstream may have added them in units built back in 2008 before that info was added to the manual. Airstream's manuals are notoriously hit-and-miss for thoroughness and accuracy IMO.

When camping in hot weather, open the outside hatch door to the fridge's mechanical space, and turn the switch on. You should be able to see the back of the switch there, and hear it running. In some models, the fridge fan is loud enough to disturb folks' sleep . . .

Please update us when you figure it out . . . thanks.

[roger4147]

We have a 2012 19' International and the switch is definitely the refer fan ventilation switch. In warmer weather it allows the refer to cool more efficiently. the switch does illuminate "red" when switched in the on position. The small fan it controls is visible in the upper vent panel of the refer on the exterior. The fan is also on a thermostat, so when switched in the "on" position it will not run until the cooling fins warm up enough to require it. We have found that by simply leaving the upper access panel open at night we can achieve the same effiiciency without the noise of the fan and without adding load to our batteries while boondocking. Good Luck!

[Dale Baker]

Thanks so much for the replies. It is indeed the frig fan switch, and I can confirm all that responded. Nice to know there is a large knowledge base out there to draw on for newbies like me trying to understand all the manuals. One last question. Does the red switch only light when it is hot enough that the fan then works. I have never seen it light no matter the position of the switch, but then I haven't tested the frig yet either.

[lvhusker11]

That switch is for a fan that circulates air behind your refrigerator. Turn it on in warm to hot weather!!

[Hoagie]

Originally Posted by Dale Baker

Thanks so much for the replies. It is indeed the frig fan switch, and I can confirm all that responded. Nice to know there is a large knowledge base out there to draw on for newbies like me trying to understand all the manuals. One last question. Does the red switch only light when it is hot enough that the fan then works. I have never seen it light no matter the position of the switch, but then I haven't tested the frig yet either.

Switches of that type usually illuminate when the switch is supplying power to the circuit, in this case the fridge fan. The purpose of this is you have a visual cue that the fan is 'hot' and power is supplied to it. The fan may not be spinning even if the switch is on though if the fan also incorporates a thermostat so it only runs when needed.

The purpose of the switch illuminating is to help prevent your leaving this circuit hot when not needed, which would be a drain on your batteries.

[Escape_Plan]

looks like your door hinge pin is working its way out also.

[MaineStreamer]

That switch turns on and off the refrigerator vent fan. Same on my 2007 20-foot Safari.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Dale Baker

Thanks so much for the replies. It is indeed the frig fan switch . . .
. . .

Thank you OP for confirming, this morning, that the switch is for your fridge fan.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Escape_Plan

looks like your door hinge pin is working its way out also.

Excellent call!

[Backfortyjoe]

It’s the fan switch that only needs to be used when the outside temps are high and the refrigerator is having a hard time keeping up. It is temperature controlled so you may want to leave it on. It will turn itself on and off when needed.

[SilverWind]

I had a fridge fan switch at the same location on my 2012 International 19. Since the fan can be very noisy and is located on the "socializing" side of there trailer, Airstream decided that they would give you control over its running. The switch also allows you to turn off the fan while you are trying to sleep.

[trailerpup]

The common modification is to replace the cheap/loud factory fan with more efficient/quieter fan or fans. Several threads on the subject...

type this into Google... fridge fan site:airforums.com

19 International. Nice choice!

[richcrest]

As per Escape Plan's sharp detection, I suggest that you lay hands on a new style C-clip hinge pin and install it ASAP. One of the spacer washers between the coach and door portions of the hinge has to be removed to make space for the C-clip. A 10 minute job that can save you much time and headache! You'll never have to tap that pin down again. PS--Use the fridge fan only when you're on shore power.

[Northerngirl]

Originally Posted by Hoagie

Switches of that type usually illuminate when the switch is supplying power to the circuit, in this case the fridge fan. The purpose of this is you have a visual cue that the fan is 'hot' and power is supplied to it. The fan may not be spinning even if the switch is on .

The key word is “usually” LOL.

I have two switches including the fridge fan that one would think should be illuminated when in use but are not. The other is the hot water tank, it only lights up when starting up. Both Airstream original equipment.