Rotary light switches

[faceter548]

Hi.

This is my first post and I'de like to say I have found many useful hints here on the fourm. So my question is, does anybody know where to find the three way rotary switches for the celing lights on a 1978 Ambassador? Mine have become unuseable (broken and intermittent) I have cleaned them several times to no avail.I just purchased my AS and have just about gotton everything else fixed but these are driving me crazey. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

28' 1978 Ambassador

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Try Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

Brian

[astewart]

A GSW62 is a direct replacement for the airstream 3 way (off, on1, on2, on1&2) but has the brass knob rather than the threaded shaft for the larger round knobs. Most electrical/hardware stores will carry or can get them GB-GARDNER BENDER GSW-62 ON/ON/ON/OFF ROTARY SWITCH

Hope this helps a bit.
Alex

[Wabbiteer]

Watch the amperage ratings - many many 'newer' rotarys are 120VAC and small amps so the contacts just don't have the same metal surface area that was original equipment on 70's trailers.

IIRC there are several flavors available, 120VAC 3 Amp, 6 Amp and 10 Amp; the higher current carrying ones will take a lot more abuse before becoming unswitches.

[faceter548]

Thanks for the advice everyone

[DFK]

I don't know much about the light fixtures in a 1978 Airstream but I suggest you remove the cover and look at the switch. If it is anything like my 67 Caravel you might find that the switch has a rather long threaded shaft. Compare your switch to the switch shown on the Vintage Airstream site as referenced by Moosetag and to the picture of the GB switch at the Ace Hardware site as mentioned by Astewart and select the switch with the appropriate shaft length. I needed the one with the longer shaft. I also discovered that the the brass knob may not screw off to allow replacement with the Airstream knob. If that is a concern, you might check with the Inland RV folks. I bought two switches from them that had the longer threaded shaft and a small plastic knob that screwed off and that I easily replaced with the large knob off the light fixture. Be aware, the switches I bought from Inland were quite expensive. I am guessing they were a part sourced from Airstream. On the other hand, I wasn't worried about what amperage the switches were since they were sold as replacements. Good Luck with your project.

[Coastalview]

faceter548, I may have several good working used ones. I'll send you a PM message if I do.
Jeff

[Ganglin]

Maybe one of these given your looking at a 78 - according to their site yours is the round body switch??...

Electrical Inside : ODMRV , Out-of-Doors Mart

[faceter548]

Thanks Coastalview that would be great if you do ,let me know.

Ganglin those would be the ones ! A little expensive arn't they !

DFK Thanks the switches I have are about 3/4" shaft thanks for thr heads up

Jim

[Lothlorian]

I had the same problem three weeks ago. I bought my new one at Ace Hardware. I would find that hardware store that has everything. One that has been there for 40+ years. The new Ace and True values are smaller and very limited. They won't have it. I will tell you that Lowe's, Home Depot, Napa, Autozone, Reilly auto parts do not have it. I bought a Levinton (LevitonProducts.com). That is what yours is in your trailer.

Brian