Wish I had seen this video 3 months ago. We had same symptoms in Gros Ventre in mid-September. I couldn’t figure out how to open the panel over sail switch area. I took out all screws and tried to pull off the metal panel (not behind the rubber gasket). $330 for a mobile mechanic to come to us and show me how to remove the lint from the switch. He said I should use my onboard compressor and blow out the switch area every few months. At least I learned something. Thanks for the helpful video!
So glad you found it but sorry to hear it was so late. Ive seen so many people do exactly what you did which is why I took the time to explain how to do it. Thank you for your feedback.
I find your videos SO informative! A month ago I had my 2021 Flying Cloud 25FB ceramic coated at Vinnie's Airstream in Tallahassee. As they inspected the unit for corrosion, the first place he looked was the screw holes on the furnace cover. He said that is the first place it will show up. If you don't have corrosion there, you most likely don't have it anywhere. I found it interesting that was where you noticed it first!
Thank you so very much for your feedback and for watching. That is exactly right. If you see it on the furnace cover, you need to start looking all over for it. Glad you got yours covered. We are going to see them in the spring to get the coating done on ours.
Great video Brad. I had trouble with the furnace on our old Airstream. I bet this was the issue. Now I will know how to fix it if I have trouble again. Thanks!
Great info. As many times I’ve heard of the Sail Switch being the issue, I have ordered two to have on hand - just in case. You would think with the amount of times the switch being the culprit they would figure out a better way, but…
Thank you for watching and for your feedback. Oddly enough, this is the first one Ive had fail in 5 RVs! I have seen it many times, but never had one fail on me.
We had a bad sail switch right from the factory. Furnace would only work once after the trailer was moved. The jostling of the movement put the switch in the correct position, but after one run it would not return to the correct position. Airstream wanted me to drive 50 miles to replace a $5 part under warranty. I just did it myself and saved the trip and all that gas.
This rig is still under warranty too. I just prefer to do it all myself. I have it saved on our Amazon store under "Airstream Essentials" if you want to get one from there. www.amazon.com/shop/thirteenadventures
Great advice! Even if I don't have a problem I like to see what's in there for the time I do have trouble. Living in Florida I use the furnace so rarely I could have all kinds of things in there, mud daubers, wasps, tree frogs.
So what you’re saying is the “sail switch” (#29) was bad. Another thought to add to your toolkit is a metal dish with a magnet to keep your screws. I use a pad too, but too many times I have inadvertently kicked my pad and the screws went flying.
Videos always great. Been a big magnetic dish guy for decades until realizing most of the screws are aluminum to prevent galvanic corrosion. Switched to a frisbee and welcome mat
Great video. Haven’t had an issue but decided to buy a couple sail switches to have on hand. I cannot find the details of which switch is compatible. I have the exact same rig as yours. Do you mind posting a link to which ones you got on Amazon? I did not see them in your Amazon store.
Thank you for watching! Below is a link to all things from the video. They are all located under the "Airstream Essentials" section of our page. Sail Switch: amzn.to/3sWVl9u Ladder: amzn.to/3uzQR9z 7-Way Plug Cover: amzn.to/3sVqFFJ
We have the same propane heater. Can you post a part number or link for the right sail switch? Did you try to give the metal sail a very tiny tweak (bend) further into the airflow? You can verify this will work by checking conductivity on the switch with a DVM while clicking the switch in your hand to make sure the actual switch contacts are okay. This worked for us but I need to order a spare switch.
Thank you for watching! Below is a link to all things from the video. They are all located under the "Airstream Essentials" section of our page. I did a 'bench test' of the switch using a volt meter (didnt show this on the video) to ensure it was faulty. Sail Switch: amzn.to/3sWVl9u Ladder: amzn.to/3uzQR9z 7-Way Plug Cover: amzn.to/3sVqFFJ
I dont think it's the exact same model but its very close. I just happened to see the one I have listed as a return and got it. The one in our store is one that I had with the other Airstream and I gave it to the new owner.
You can get it on Amazon. The link is in the video description but I'll include it here too: amzn.to/4aMUBVF They are pretty universal. The linked one here fits most modern Dometic brands.
