Community Forums

CarteBlanche · 01-25-2015, 10:00 PM

I don't know what mine is! I just purchased a 24' 1980 Fleetwood Terry Trailer. I desperately need a model, as the sellers lied about everything and it has a broken water pump, hot water heater, leaky roof, and a furnace that isn't really hooked up. It's ok, I love her...Just need a manual so I can fix her up!

**NLOVNIT** · 01-26-2015, 11:46 AM

Can you post a picture of it? The model number should be on a decal somewhere on the outside of the TT - by the entry door, near the tongue, by the axel...etc.

Fleetwood no longer has manuals for their towables because they sold that division years ago. Most everything you're having issues with is either a system or applicance manufactured by some other company, not Fleetwood. You can try doing an internet search for a manual for what you need (i.e. Suburban water heater, ShuFlo pump...etc).

I've moved your post to the Vintage section as those members have a LOT of experience repairing/fixing up older RV's.

Good luck!

Lori-

CarteBlanche · 01-26-2015, 10:01 PM

Thanks for reply. I will check around for a model number. The reason I need a manual is so I can find the fuse panel so I can diagnose the problems more efficiently. Like, is the water pump really dead, or is it an electrical issue, motor, fuse, etc. I also do not have any idea how to turn on the air conditioning. The thermostat has no A/C option. So a manual would be very helpful. Not sure how to post a pic.

guardrail53 · 01-26-2015, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarteBlanche

Thanks for reply. I will check around for a model number. The reason I need a manual is so I can find the fuse panel so I can diagnose the problems more efficiently. Like, is the water pump really dead, or is it an electrical issue, motor, fuse, etc. I also do not have any idea how to turn on the air conditioning. The thermostat has no A/C option. So a manual would be very helpful. Not sure how to post a pic.

I would think the A/C controls are on the A/C itself, on one end or the other. The fuse panel is probably under the fridge or in a cabinet down low? When you plug it in, can you hear the converter humming? Also have you located the battery, as it will have to be in a good state of charge for the water pump, furnace, and water heater all have to have a good strong 12 volts to operate! Hope this helps? Rail!

CarteBlanche · 01-27-2015, 09:16 AM

Ummm. This is potentially GREAT news, as there are NO batteries at all. Battery boxes are empty. Would this explain why the lightbulbs get excessively hot? I had read somewhere that the batteries take some of the power when you are plugged in, and without them the circuits could get over loaded. I am really excited about the possibility that batteries will fix most of my woes!
Now...I have no idea what kind of batteries to purchase.

(( Bare with me, I am an intelligent person, just brand new to travel trailers.

)))

ahicks · 01-27-2015, 09:18 AM

When/if you go to the time and trouble, and actually locate a manual, pretty sure you're going to find it's so generic in nature they're pretty much useless/a waste of time. I would almost guarantee there will be no troubleshooting info either.

Fuse location varies, but will be found most often in the front, or on drivers side.

CarteBlanche · 01-27-2015, 09:27 AM

I found the breaker box, under fridge, but no fuses. I even had a guy who works at an RV place go through the trailer. No luck. So if I am understanding correctly, even if I am plugged in to power, some things won't work unless I have batteries? And the AC is on top of the trailer, with no ladder to access, so I'm thinking the controls aren't up there. There is also an outlet labeled for air conditioner, but there is no plug anywhere to plug into it.
GAH!

Harley1994 · 01-27-2015, 04:47 PM

I have seen some of those older trailers that have a small fuse panel, somewhere near the batteries, usually somewhere near where the battery cables come in. If the bulbs get very hot they mght be 1156 bulbs, they should be 1146 or is that 1141, I'll have to check on that . The controls for the ac should be on the cover on the ceiling. If there are no batteries be careful that the cables that attach to the battery terminals don't touch they will have power to them (12 volts) when plugged into shore power. The ac will draw alot of power so if plugged into a 15 or 20 amp plug and have other things on, it may blow a breaker.

ahicks · 01-27-2015, 06:14 PM

Some of the power converters back then contained a small door with a fuse panel behind it. Where is the power converter? Follow the power cord. Power converter is usually located inside, very near the end of the power cord.

CarteBlanche · 01-27-2015, 10:29 PM

Great news! Thanks for all of the helpful hints! I found the fuses by unscrewing the door on the converter. As hoped, the pump fuse was blown. Replaced it and voila! the water pump is working!
I also purchased 2 27DC batteries today and hooked them up. There was a black, white, and red wire. The white is definitely the ground, so hooked up accordingly. Didn't do anything as far as fix the furnace or hot water heater. Furnace still will not turn on, and hot water pilot won't light.
Hot water heater does, however, have water in it now.
Progress is being made....
Today I removed and disassembled the door to remove and replace all of the rotten wood. What a nightmare to put back together! But with patience and well, patience, it finally went back together and it actually hung properly so as to (gasp!) open and close. LOL
Thanks again everyone, for the information! So helpful!!

CarteBlanche · 01-29-2015, 09:49 AM

Finally figured out how to post pics

CarteBlanche · 01-29-2015, 09:52 AM

Here with awning out :

**NLOVNIT** · 01-29-2015, 10:07 AM

Man, for a 35 y.o. TT it looks mighty fine! Thank you for saving a classic.

Lori-

guardrail53 · 01-30-2015, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarteBlanche

Great news! Thanks for all of the helpful hints! I found the fuses by unscrewing the door on the converter. As hoped, the pump fuse was blown. Replaced it and voila! the water pump is working!
I also purchased 2 27DC batteries today and hooked them up. There was a black, white, and red wire. The white is definitely the ground, so hooked up accordingly. Didn't do anything as far as fix the furnace or hot water heater. Furnace still will not turn on, and hot water pilot won't light.
Hot water heater does, however, have water in it now.
Progress is being made....
Today I removed and disassembled the door to remove and replace all of the rotten wood. What a nightmare to put back together! But with patience and well, patience, it finally went back together and it actually hung properly so as to (gasp!) open and close. LOL
Thanks again everyone, for the information! So helpful!!

Have you located the propane tank/tanks yet? And I would follow the wires back to the converter, from the batterys, making sure they are intact and how they are hooked up at the other end, before hooking up the battery's just guessing where they go? Also you have to have propane to get the pilot to light, and sometimes it takes awhile to get the air out of the line! The controls for the A/C should be on the unit inside the TT, and not on the roof, sorry I was not clear about that in pervious post. Hope these thing's help. Rail!