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Old 02-12-2017, 07:53 AM   #1
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1964 26' Overlander
Morganton , Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2016
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Electrical fire and your assistance needed

Hello forum brains .
We are on the road and our companion had an electrical fire last night. Possibly from a power surge. No real damage just some wiring problems. They can run on 12 V just fine. We need to get their vintage 1954 rig to someone who can help us make the repair. We are in south Georgia currently and heading to Cedar Key Florida. We will be traveling down I 75. Have already sent a message to Tim Heinz but haven't heard from him yet. Does anyone know of Quality repair for VINTAGE Airstream in the cedar key or Gainesville area? Otherwise we will try to pursue Tim tomorrow. We are thankful everyone was present and we were able to interrupt the fire. Thanks in advance for any assistance given.
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Old 02-12-2017, 07:57 AM   #2
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I don't know about vintage, but Sanders RV in Gainesville/Alachua is an Airstream dealer and has a good service reputation.

Al
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Old 02-12-2017, 09:47 AM   #3
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Princeton , New Jersey
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How about more info on the problem?

If it on the 110 volt AC side any electrician should be able to help.
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Old 02-12-2017, 11:23 AM   #4
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1964 26' Overlander
Morganton , Georgia
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Update

Thanks for the comments and help. We did isolate the problem to what appears to be the wire that charges the battery. That wire burned entirely and has been cut. 110 is now working. We are towing safely really no damage all of the fire was contained to the insulation on the wire. Thank goodness and thanks again for your help Allan Missy will check out that dealership you recommended.
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Old 02-12-2017, 11:43 AM   #5
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Did you cut that wire out all together and cap off any remaining ends? if not it could move and short out from the battery side or if you plug into 110 short out from the convertor side.

I would have the convertor looked at as the possible source of the problem or look for a point where that wire shorted to chassis ground. Find the reason for the high current that caused the burn.
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Old 02-13-2017, 01:29 PM   #6
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If you'll be staying on Cedar Key, go to Sunset Isle RV campground and ask for Dan. He's an electrician.
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Old 02-14-2017, 03:52 PM   #7
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1964 26' Overlander
Morganton , Georgia
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Dan is staying right where we're staying and we just found him. Thanks for the tip. Looks like we're in good shape. He thinks it was a loose connection or some such something or other. anyway he's helping us out. Thanks again
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Old 02-15-2017, 07:01 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynntalsma View Post
Dan is staying right where we're staying and we just found him. Thanks for the tip. Looks like we're in good shape. He thinks it was a loose connection or some such something or other. anyway he's helping us out. Thanks again
Glad you found Dan. Tell him "Hi" from Art and Kathy.

While you're at SI, be sure to try Ada Blue's chicken salad croissant sandwiches for lunch. Yum!
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Old 03-05-2017, 06:24 AM   #9
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1978 25' Tradewind
1954 15' Byam Holiday
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Linden , Michigan
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Update

We made it back safely to Michigan after being on the road for a month. No more electrical issues jumped out. We added a smoke detector near the battery, electrical panel and inverter, and kept the fire extinguisher very close by at all times. We had both shore power and battery power at all times. The only item that choose not to work during the trip was the power jack.

Game Plan:
Install an access hatch from above, on the inside, under one of the twin beds where the battery, electrical panel, and inverter are located. Current access is only thru the rear door compartment which is toooo tight and awkward for this retiree. Recheck entire electrical system and REPLACE ALL WIRE NUTS USED TO MAKE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS! This was done (wire nuts used) by the previous shell off restorer approximately 10 years ago. This was done by an Airstream Dealer in GR MI. They should have known better.

Word to the Wise:
The electrical wire that glowed red hot and burnt the insulation completely off was caused by a loose wire connection that used a wire nut. DO NOT USE WIRE NUTS on any electrical connection where physical movement is involved, i.e. boats, cars, trucks and TRAILERS! Replace all wire nut connectors with crimp connectors.
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Old 03-05-2017, 10:57 AM   #10
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Probably why wire nuts are outlawed in the UK or Europe. I always use crimped or soldered connections in any type of situation where vibrations can loosen the connection.
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Old 03-10-2017, 07:56 PM   #11
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NCR , Ontario
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warning, dont plug in without a surge protector.

think smart sex without a condom.
network connection without AV and a firewall
water inlet without filters and pressure control
driving without insurance

dont trust what you cant control. keep safe
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