Electrical help please!

[markdenise]

We just bought a 1969 airstream caravel 18' and it has a Magnetek power converter model no. 3230 and an old car battery in it. We need to replace them. What should we get ?? I think it only powers the lights is that right?

We are very new at this (took only four years to talk him into it) and any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much!

Denise

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by markdenise

We just bought a 1969 airstream caravel 18' and it has a Magnetek power converter model no. 3230 and an old car battery in it. We need to replace them. What should we get ?? I think it only powers the lights is that right?

We are very new at this (took only four years to talk him into it) and any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much!

Denise

If there's a water pump, that's 12V. There's probably a powered vent in the roof with a 12V fan as well, in addition to the lights you mentioned. If it's an original refrigerator, it doesn't require 12V power but newer ones do, 12V runs the control board even if you have the refrigerator on 120V cooling.

Forums commercial member Randy at BestConverter carries a variety of converters. People swear by the Progressive Dynamics converters almost as much as they swear AT the original Univolts. You won't need big amperage for a Caravel.

[idroba]

Yes, as DKB_SATX says a Progressive Dynamics 9245 converter/charger will be all you need, along with a new battery. Oh, you may need a new fuse panel too, the PD's don't have one as part of the unit, and many of the old Univolts did, so a replacement may be needed.

I have a PD 9245 in my '71 Caravel and it is fine.

Google Progressive Dynamics 9245 for the best price.

[Bigventure]

I agree with the 45 watt inverter. I use a Charge Wizard on my Caravel. If I remember that correctly. It has a 3 or 4 step charge cycle and won't cook your new battery. A group 27 deep cycle battery will fit and give you more battery power.

[idroba]

"I agree with the 45 watt inverter."

He means 45 amp converter. A converter reduces 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC and charges batteries as well as running 12 volt things in the trailer.

An inverter changes 12 volts DC battery power to 120 volts AC.

They are two very different things.