This link has been there for a long time, it is actually a sticky. These are offsite on my google drive, so if someone has a problem with the link let me know. I have at least three different years of manuals stored there, along with some manuals for individual appliances.
thanks everyone! as i told 86Scotty, i am a visual learner with attention challenges, and electrical is confusing magic to me. those manuals just glaze my eyes over without the opportunity to ask humans. thanks for being there! heading out for a winter weekend in VanDamn!
Just a thought: YouTube is full of "how to" video's encompassing almost anything... to your point, there are visual presentations that may benefit your more than mere explanations - a simple search along the lines of "Suburban RV heater operation" may produce results you're looking for.
Your thermostat should have a small on off switch on the bottom along with the thermostat slider on the top. The heater will not come on if the switch is set to off. It is likely a small white plastic switch that slides side to side (with a fair bit of effort).