Electrical Upgrade

[rc707]

Just purchased a 1973 International 29'. Plugged everything up and all is in operating condition. My question is: Why do the interior lights only run off the battery. Is there an upgrade to be able to switch the interior light power from battery to the elctrical line?

[azflycaster]

On my 75 the interior lights run from the battery or from the converter. The converter transforms 120 AC into 12 DC. It also charges the battery. Since they are both tied together (battery and converter) there are no switches, upgrades or magic involved.

[Excella CM]

Something's missing. You should have a built converter (Univlt or eqv.) that changes 110VAC to 12DC. It has a circuit breaker so that may be turned off. Normally, when you plug into shore poweer the converter takes over to run the 12V equipment and charge the batteries. You'll have to look around and find the converter and its 12V distribution panel (fuses). It may gone or disconnected (you might have gotten PO'd {previous ownered}).

[rc707]

In the bathroom closet there a little blue box (univolt) is this the converter you speak of. I sent my wife after a new battery. I know this wont solve my problems but its something else I can mark off the list.

[azflycaster]

Yes, that is the converter. You should hear it hum when it is working.

[Excella CM]

When the converter working you should be able to hear or feel it vibrating. If it is working you will see an increase in voltage over battery alone indicating that excess for charging is available. It should measure @ 13.6-15 V. If it's higher, the univolt may be shot (its OK to shoot them).

[rc707]

Last night the univolt was humming. Yet the lights were very dim. Could the battery being dead cause dim lights? I figured if the univolt was humming it should keep the lights running by its self? Assuming the battery is completely gone would the lights still be dim?

[azflycaster]

You can run the univolt without the battery and the lights should be normal. It sounds like your univolt could be toast. Have you measured the voltage being produced by the converter?

[richinny]

do you have a way to first charge the battery outside of the trailer? i guess you shortly see what happens with a new, fully charged battery.

[Excella CM]

The univolt is probably dead. If you need to replace it go with post midieval technology like Intelli Power. Many threads on this.

[rc707]

How much should I expect to pay for a replacment?

[n2916s]

I just replaced my ancient univolt with a 60 amp intellipower unit. Cost was about $200. Couldn't believe the difference -- the Intellipower so quiet and the battery is happy, happy, happy.

Good source: BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

mike

[rc707]

Last question: Were should I start looking for one of these units?

[rc707]

Thanks 4 everyones help

[utee94]

Originally Posted by rc707

Last question: Were should I start looking for one of these units?

You're looking for a "converter" and you can find these at your local RV center. "Inteli Power" is one model name made by brand name "Progressive Dynamics" and this one is probably the most popular replacement model among members on this Forum.

You can also find them online in many places:

Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

Converters, Inverters, 12V Electric

Good luck!

[Lothlorian]

I have a 1973 Overlander which is 30 amp. You should have on your trailer just above the bumper on the left side a tag which tells you how many amps your trailer used. Stay within that amperage. Do not go higher.

I bought my 1973 last fall and bought a new converter after reading many threads about the old airstream univolt. I was patient and took my time researching the internet. I bought my univolt new. It was a 3230 30 amp parrallax which was discontinued. I got a great deal on it. It was under $100 dollars. I used the fuse panel from the old univolt and had it connected to the new parrallax. It works great!!!! I also had an electrician go over my electrical and had him put in a 50 amp 220 Volt electical panel seperate from my 30 amp box. If I ever decide to go camping at my property I may need that extra electricity. the 50 amp is not hooked to the RV electical system. I have a 30 amp plug for the Trailer and a 50 amp plug for anything I might need. Two seperate breaker boxes.

Check out the thread and you can see the converter I installed.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...n-38204-2.html

SIU Bound

Brian