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Old 09-05-2006, 09:49 PM   #1
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1979 31' Excella 500
Detroit Area , Michigan
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Replacing a Univolt in a 31' International

Starting to get interested in replacing my Univolt with something more battery friendly as I do 100% boondocking with a generator. Trying to remember if I need to remove the entire Gaucho to do this or just wood panel that goes between the gaucho and the front wall of the trailer.
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Old 09-05-2006, 10:12 PM   #2
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Here's a beer... it will help you remember how to access the Univolt.
Once you find it, go with a multi-stage and search what we are recommending. They really make a difference if you boon dock.
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Old 09-06-2006, 06:54 AM   #3
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1979 31' Excella 500
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I think I can get in there by just removing the one flimsy paneling type board that is mounted horizontally between the back of the Gaucho and the front of the coach. Would be a lot easier than taking out the whole Gaucho AGAIN!
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Old 09-06-2006, 01:05 PM   #4
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1979 31' Excella 500
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Has anybody with a similar trailer removed their Univolt without pulling the full Gaucho? Can you remember?

Steve
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Old 09-06-2006, 08:57 PM   #5
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1979 31' Excella 500
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How many Watts output do I need in a trailer this size? How many watts does the factory univolt put out?
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Old 09-06-2006, 10:55 PM   #6
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Steve,

For a trailer that size, I would go with a larger unit, probably a 75 amp WFCO or IOTA converter with integrated 3-stage charging. Check with Randy (Overlander68) for his recommendations.
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Old 09-06-2006, 11:02 PM   #7
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Steve,
Pull the panel you referenced and see if you can access it. There is not going to be a host of 79 owners reading this each day but maybe. Airstream changes their mind daily and if I had a 79, it might not have the univolt in the same location. You will have to get back down there and prod around.
For a 31 foot unit, you need a 55 or 65 amp unit. The 75 that Lew mentioned is the ultimate, but then you need to think about wiring to the battery. 75 amps needs thick wires, probably 4 AWG in case you ever saw that current going to the battery, although not likely. 55 will work fine unless you are running a huge ham system, are into loud rap music, or have more then two batteries. It just works out that way.
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Old 09-06-2006, 11:22 PM   #8
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1979 23' Safari
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I have a 1979 Safari and according to the service manual all 1979 trailers are the same, mainly two batteries in front with the univolt in between. My univolt is accessed by removing the panel under the front shelf below the fuse panel. I have a front goucho which must be reclined to bed position to gain access to the area beneath the front shelf. Remove about four square drive screws from the panel and the univolt is underneath with the 120V outlet powering the univolt.

Bill
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Old 09-07-2006, 06:59 AM   #9
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1979 31' Excella 500
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Thanks guys. Turns out all 79's are not the same as mine only has one battery box.
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Old 09-07-2006, 09:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wacnstac
Thanks guys. Turns out all 79's are not the same as mine only has one battery box.
Do you have a California 1979, mine is Ohio?

Bill
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