Water Pump - working, then no power? (1977 Safari 23')

[AWittyMan]

Hi -

New to the Forums, and in my Airstream lifestyle, so please be gentle!

I'm living "off-grid" in a 1977 23' safari. The trailer has a solar panel on the roof to recharge the batteries. When I moved in (early May 2020), the water pump was working great, and I would simply turn it on at the control panel any time I needed to have running water for dishes or the lavatory, etc.

About 2 weeks ago I went to switch on the pump, and it didn't fire on. I checked the inline fuse (Bussman 20A), which was intact. I figured the pump was dead, so I ordered a replacement pump. Because the 2088 model was discontinued, I went with the Shureflo 4088 (12v DC, 3.0 gpm).

I replaced the pump, but it still will not turn on with the switch on the control panel. This makes me think there is an electrical issue somewhere else in the trailer, but I didn't notice any blown fuses in the fuse panel at the front of the trailer (behind the lounge).

I'm at a loss on where to go from here, and would appreciate any ideas. Is there another electrical panel I should check?

Any advice is much appreciated!

[BayouBiker]

there is a fuse or thermal breaker in the Power Center that the pump is on. It may be shared with other devices or lights. I do not have the manual or wiring diagrams.

it could also be the wall switch. Check those two items first.

[AWittyMan]

I checked the fuse on the side of the control center and it is still intact. Is there a fuse panel behind the control center that I need to take apart the face of the panel to access?

By the "wall switch" do you mean the water pump switch on the face of the control panel?

Thanks again --

[Trnpk Crsr]

Longer 70’s AS had two water pump switches: One on the control panel and one in the head. The switches controlled the water pump through a relay. I not sure, but I think the relay was mounted on or near the water pump. If you have a relay, it may no longer be working correctly.

Cheers,

John

[BayouBiker]

Again, I am not familiar with the wiring for these years. I would confirm there is no 12V power at the pump when the switch is on and also look for a relay as suggested. I was referring to the switch on the control panel and I would check for voltage and continuity across the switch. Not much else to suggest.

[ericjan2]

I know I'm really late on this thread but I just saw it. I also have a 1977 but mine is the 31' version. I also have intermittent issues with the water pump power. Upon investigation I found that there is a short in the control center. The lever for activation of the cooking vent fan is there also. After many years of lifting the lever over and over again it chaffs the wiring insulation. Mine was simply an electrical short. I verified this by removing the vent filter and reaching up into the control center wiring and moving the wires. That activated the short and the power failed. I taped th exposed metal on the wire and no further issues!