Switch in 1990 T243

csp · 08-01-2018, 06:17 PM

Can someone please tell me what the switch in the picture is for in my 1990 T243.

Thanks.
Chris

**JohnB** · 08-02-2018, 06:46 AM

Hi Chris,

I am not sure what that is for or if it is original from Sunline. The location does not seem to be a standard factory install, but do not know on the older Sunlines.

If you open the door below it, look up at the back of the switch and see where the wires go. It might create some clues to what it does.

Have you tried to toggle it and anything happen?

Hope this helps

John

**Sunline Fan** · 08-02-2018, 07:23 AM

Yeah, that looks like a factory switch from an '80s to very early '90s Sunline. I would bet it probably controls the water pump for the fresh water holding tank, which are both likely in the bottom of that cabinet.

**JohnB** · 08-02-2018, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

Yeah, that looks like a factory switch from an '80s to very early '90s Sunline. I would bet it probably controls the water pump for the fresh water holding tank, which are both likely in the bottom of that cabinet.

H'mmmmm Another Sunline Factoid... OK when did the tank panels come into existence?

**Sunline Fan** · 08-03-2018, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

H'mmmmm Another Sunline Factoid... OK when did the tank panels come into existence?

Hmm, another answer that isn't a simple one! They first started appearing around 1983 in the long trailers, like 28' and up. It was a pretty large panel, looked like the attached picture. Those were used through the '80s on only the big trailers, so you don't see them very often. In the case of the smaller trailers before and during the use of this panel, they used the simple rocker switch to control the pump as pictured by the OP. Locations varied, usually somewhere near the kitchen, but it can also be near the entry door if that isn't one in the same. I think it was basically near where the water pump actually was.

In the early '90s, they went to I believe a KIB systems monitor in 23' trailers and up (aka Solaris trailers), located on the stove hood. It had the typical features of a newer systems monitor- fresh/gray/black and battery levels. These features were tested by pushing and holding the rocker switch labeled TEST, it was not an on/off switch. It also contained on/off rocker switches for the water pump and stove fan, as well as a lever to open the vent for the stove fan. Pic of this one attached too- I added the labels for the tanks. The Saturn version of this contained the same lever, the fan switch, and the pump switch, but no level monitors or test button. I've seen this same panel used on similar vintage trailers that had a custom logo printed on it (right side) for the manufacturer, might have been Jayco.

I think in 1996 (don't recall if it was model year 1996 or 97), they started with the wall mounted white systems monitor we know so well, which was used through the end in one form or another. At first, it was just the water pump switch and the buttons for the levels. They later added the water heater controls as they became available.

**JohnB** · 08-03-2018, 08:50 PM

Thanks Jon for the history. Now to remember it...