<![CDATA[Airstream Forums - Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters]]> http://www.airforums.com/forums/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:56:19 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.airforums.com/ugala/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Airstream Forums - Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters]]> http://www.airforums.com/forums/ Inverter - On or Off? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/inverter-on-or-off-58675.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:13:32 GMT Taking my generator and multi meter up to do some investigating today, but I'm not an electrician. My brother is and he gave me some instruction. In the meantime, I'm really not sure if my batteries are being charged. Here is a pic of the inverter on/off switch. Not real intuitive...is it ON if you can see ON, or is it ON with the rocker arm covering ON (and leaving OFF visible)?

]]> big_john http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/inverter-on-or-off-58675.html Confused about Converter in 60 Overlander http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/confused-about-converter-in-60-overlander-58613.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:59:52 GMT I have a 60 Overlander with dual 12v/120v fixtures and fans. I understand from reviewing this forum that the Univolt was added in 1964, but some prior units were equipped with step-down transformers converting 120v AC to 19v AC for powering fan motors and other things. I will almost certainly... I have a 60 Overlander with dual 12v/120v fixtures and fans. I understand from reviewing this forum that the Univolt was added in 1964, but some prior units were equipped with step-down transformers converting 120v AC to 19v AC for powering fan motors and other things.

I will almost certainly be converting to a modern smart charger system as part of a series of upgrades I am doing, but I wanted to fully understand what I have and whether it is working properly before I make final decisions and tear things out.

Behind a cabinet on the floor to the left of the "dresser drawers" on the curb side opposite the double bed, I have a Converter mounted on a shelf. The case has the following information: Phillips Power Converter, Model PC-151-M-2; input 120 volts AC 2.7 amps at 60 cycles; output 12.7 volts DC at 15 amps. There is a black rocker switch on top of the unit marked "Batt" and "City". Inside the back cover is a panel which says:

Blue wire is positive to RV 12v motor and light circuits
Red wire is positive to RV Battery
White wire is negative to RV 12v motor and light circuits. Also for
negative lead to RV battery.

My blue wire appears to be connected only to a lead running to the Suburban furnace. With the rocker switch in the "City" position, I measure 13.1 volts at the blue wire. In the "Batt" position there is nothing. I measure no voltage at the red wire, regardless of the switch position.

My questions are:

1) Was this Converter original equipment or installed by a PO?
2) There is a low humming noise from the Converter whenever I am plugged into shore power. This noise is very low, inaudible when the cabinet is closed, and remains the same regardless of the position of the switch. Is this normal?
3) Given there is a lead to the battery (Red wire), was this unit designed to provide battery charging as well?
4) Are the voltages I am measuring correct for this unit?
5) Would this unit have been installed solely to provide power for the furnace ignition?

Finally, if I install a smart charger, the best location for me will be under the bed where I have vented battery boxes for the AGM batteries. Any advice for easily getting to the circuits on the opposite side of the trailer where the Converter is mounted?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for your help! ]]> glang58@comc http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/confused-about-converter-in-60-overlander-58613.html Batteries..basic charging question http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/batteries-basic-charging-question-58537.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:55:25 GMT I have two deep cell batteries in my motorhome. In the Winter I remove them and bring them home. I alternate charging them. My question is can I hook them up in series to the charger and keep them both charged? I also use them to run my Quadrafire pellet stove if the power goes out [this happens fairly often in my area.] They need to be in "ready" mode all through the Winter. Thanks. ]]> Delaware http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/batteries-basic-charging-question-58537.html Always tied to shore power http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/always-tied-to-shore-power-58448.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:41:35 GMT My '89 Excella 25-footer was purchased with sole intent to become my stationary home office/retreat. I know, it's a wonderful travel trailer. However, I have another RV for that purpose. I love my silver bullet office! I also love this forum but have been going blind searching/reading trying to find the answers to my electrical questions. My area of retardation is definitely electrical. So here goes:

When I bought "Priscilla" she already had fairly defunct batteries. Since I was going to keep her plugged into shore power I didn't worry about it. Now that I've recently yanked the gaucho out and am doing a little remodel, I've started to concern/educate myself about the Univolt and the 12/110V electrical system. Of course the hummmmmmmm of the Univolt is more pronounced now that the gaucho isn't there to help insulate. So basically do I need to:

1) Even have batteries installed, dead or otherwise?

2) Am I risking boiling the batteries and having a fire hazard?


I haven't put a volt meter on the Univolt to check output but whenever I have the 12-volt radio/cd changer playing and I start turning on more lights, the radio dies for a few seconds and then usually resumes playing. Any ideas about that? I guess I'm thinking about replacing the Univolt with something more modern. I just don't want to blow/burn myself up. Thanks for any/all imput. Sorry if there is already a thread for this. CarpetBob ]]> carpetbob http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/always-tied-to-shore-power-58448.html Tow vehicle charging batteries http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/tow-vehicle-charging-batteries-58431.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:04:55 GMT I suspect my batteries are not getting charged from the tow vehicle. I spend so many nights in parks, it is always plugged in. last night boondocked at a casino and the batteries did not charge much after a day long drive. I have new batteries, converter works great when on shore power and at the... I suspect my batteries are not getting charged from the tow vehicle. I spend so many nights in parks, it is always plugged in. last night boondocked at a casino and the batteries did not charge much after a day long drive. I have new batteries, converter works great when on shore power and at the park?? Any quick check to make sure things are right? ]]> safari 28 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/tow-vehicle-charging-batteries-58431.html What do U think this is for? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/what-do-u-think-this-is-for-58358.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:27:02 GMT Hey ya'll I took three pictures of this 'cord'? and was wondering what it was or can be used for. At first I thought it was a converter for the house, but on the yellow end is printed 220/? anyway you will see if you zoom in. Thanks if you know what it is. I just thought the cord was in really good condition and was heavy duty. And you all know how we LOVE big strong electric cords!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: DSCF3003.JPG Views: N/A Size: 103.6 KB ID: 90628   Click image for larger version Name: DSCF3004.JPG Views: N/A Size: 108.1 KB ID: 90629  

Click image for larger version Name: DSCF3005.JPG Views: N/A Size: 70.2 KB ID: 90632  
]]> redhawkerII http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/what-do-u-think-this-is-for-58358.html Access to converter under frt sofa http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/access-to-converter-under-frt-sofa-58351.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:58:48 GMT Hello,
Need to replace converter which is located under frt sofa in 03 31' classic.
Any suggestions on how to get good access or does sofa have to come out?
Thanks
Bob ]]> rochar3 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/access-to-converter-under-frt-sofa-58351.html Battery switch? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/battery-switch-58306.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:13:04 GMT Hello all
I have read thru several threads and ya'll talk about the
battery switch, being in the "store/in use" position. I have a
79 excella 500, my question is, does all campers come with this
factory switch, or is it a good item to install myself.

My univolt is getting power, and does hummmm while pluged in, my
batteries was fully charged, and the next day my 12v power shut off.
All fuses and connections look ok an all are tight.

Ever heard of a converter going bad and sucking all life out of batteries?:bb:
Will have to invest in a multi-meter

Thanks Rob ]]> roblo101 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/battery-switch-58306.html Marinco Electrical Connection http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/marinco-electrical-connection-58288.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:26:20 GMT Has anyone installed the marinco electrical inlet on their Airstream. If so, is there a junction box between the outlet and main circuit breaker where you tie in? I'd like to make a clean electrical connection. Should I stay with the 30 amp? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Bob ]]> Roadrunner http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/marinco-electrical-connection-58288.html Is My Converter working ?? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/is-my-converter-working-58285.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:19:24 GMT I have a feeling my converter has stopped functioning.

I have a 25' Safari 2005 with add on solar. In the past, when connected to external 110v service, my solar controller would read the battery charge at 13.28v. After disconnecting from 110v service, the controller would read the battery charge between 11-12.7v, and in full sun up to 14+ volts.

Now my controller is reading the battery charge at 12.15v while both connected and disconnected from an external 110v service. Yes the 110v service is active because the microwave clock functions and my 110v electrical heater works perfectly.

I checked the converter's circuit breakers and the converter's 30 amp micro fuses. They all appear ok. I did not check the 20amp micro fuses.

The battery cells are full with distilled water.

What can I do to confirm that my controller is working?

Thanks, ]]> neil.ervin http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/is-my-converter-working-58285.html 12volt charger for sale http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/12volt-charger-for-sale-58280.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:43:38 GMT Have 12 Volt Charger?Convertor?Univolt?. Is from 2004 Classic working unit I removed and installed Intellapower as a upgrade 75.00 plus shipping. Have 12 Volt Charger?Convertor?Univolt?. Is from 2004 Classic working unit I removed and installed Intellapower as a upgrade 75.00 plus shipping. ]]> ctdair http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/12volt-charger-for-sale-58280.html Univolt replacement now or later, and does solar affect which charge controller? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/univolt-replacement-now-or-later-and-does-solar-affect-which-charge-controller-58232.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:51:51 GMT Hi,

I'm also looking to replace the univolt in my '71 soon. It works, but I'm told the output voltage is a bit low at 10v.

I'm not one for electrics, so pardon me if these are really basic questions. It seems that the univolt is only there (at least in my model) for shore power, and everything else is 12v.

So other than wanting to run a lot of stuff when plugged in to the grid, and for the speed of charging it wouldn't make much difference in the size of charge controller. Is that close, or am I way off base?

I will also be looking to add a couple extra batteries, and solar panels in the near future so I'm hesitant on changing just the univolt now in case I get the wrong charge controller and waste the $. I haven't yet decided how many batteries or panels. Will a lower or higher amp charge controller have any side effects other than speed of charging?

I'm also wondering would it make sense to get a charge controller that can handle multiple inputs - both shore power and solar, or are they cost prohibitive or otherwise not worth it or just not made? I know they make charge controllers for solar/wind but maybe not 110v also?

What are the thoughts on a combo charger/inverter unit? They seem really expensive, and not really worth it but at the same time very convenient.

Thanks!
Mika ]]> mlepisto http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/univolt-replacement-now-or-later-and-does-solar-affect-which-charge-controller-58232.html <![CDATA[breaker keeps trippin']]> http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/breaker-keeps-trippin-58203.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:42:49 GMT here's my problem. when i plug into shore power (30 map) and plug the univolt into the trailers ac power, the trip breaker keeps surging and snappin' off. the breaker is a 20 amp and the univolt is listed as 30 amp, or so the sticker on the device indicates. obviously the univolt is demanding too much from the system (why) to solve this problem i have simply run an extension cord from the shore power 110 and plugged in my univolt..after that no problems.. but i would rather be more "self-contained" any ideas out there. could it be so simple as upgrading to a 30 amp breaker? my breaker box does have a 20 amp for the a/c and a 30 amp main, and then the 20 amp for lighting, which is the one that keeps tripping oh yeah it's also one of those cgfi breakers (if that makes a difference) ]]> happypill http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/breaker-keeps-trippin-58203.html Univolt Replacement - Inteli-Power Selection http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/univolt-replacement-inteli-power-selection-58181.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:12:22 GMT I am also needing to replace a dead univolt. Which inteli-power would be best for my '78 Sovereign? The univolt is located between the battery boxes under the gaucho.

Thanks! ]]> tcrum http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/univolt-replacement-inteli-power-selection-58181.html Micro Pulse Monitor reads red when unhooked http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/micro-pulse-monitor-reads-red-when-unhooked-58159.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:14:25 GMT Hello folks,

I have been hooked up for 30 days to a shore line, battery switch in
"Use" position, and I noticed a day ago that the BATTERY indicator on the Micro Pulse systems monitor read full. Well, I just disconnected and moved the trailer, ran ONLY a roof fan for about three hours, and I just checked the Micro Pulse and it already reads RED.

Does the Micro Pulse actually show you the battery level (like a stand-alone battery tester would with the batteries unhooked from the Airstream) or does it measure the level of electricity available to the trailer? The Airstream manual does not help at all in this regard.

I don't want to run the batteries down using the roof vent fan, because I don't want to break out the mechanical crank when it's time to move tomorrow.

thanks ]]> foqus http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/micro-pulse-monitor-reads-red-when-unhooked-58159.html