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mfranken · 05-03-2012, 03:28 PM

I want to replace my 110V Univolt with a 220V modern version, as I live in Europe. Any European version of the intelli-power 92 series, or any other ideas?
And yes I plan to renew my AC. The rest can all run off 220V. And can I keep my 110V fuse box?
All for a 1971 Overlander. All original besides new fridge. Thanks in advance, Mike

perryg114 · 05-03-2012, 05:37 PM

Is 220V common in Europe or it this a special need/desire of yours? I am not familiar with Europe's standard power.

Perry

mfranken · 05-03-2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perryg114

Is 220V common in Europe or it this a special need/desire of yours? I am not familiar with Europe's standard power.

Perry

It's the standard

mfranken · 05-03-2012, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perryg114

Is 220V common in Europe or it this a special need/desire of yours? I am not familiar with Europe's standard power.

Perry

It's the standard here.

idroba · 05-04-2012, 12:34 AM

I am sure there must be european "smart chargers" with 220 input. Do some googling on RV supply places there. For the Intellapower 92xx converter/chargers, I would contact them directly here in the states via email, to see if they have the 220 50 cycle version you need. You could use a stepdown transformer, but it is not a very good solution. I am sure 220 volt heater elements are available for your refrigerator, or if you are buying one there, it would be standard equipment.

The 120/240 volt breaker panel you have would work, but probably not be code legal in your country. I would probably change it out to a local one that fits your codes.

ewaegeman · 05-04-2012, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idroba

I am sure there must be european "smart chargers" with 220 input. Do some googling on RV supply places there. For the Intellapower 92xx converter/chargers, I would contact them directly here in the states via email, to see if they have the 220 50 cycle version you need. You could use a stepdown transformer, but it is not a very good solution. I am sure 220 volt heater elements are available for your refrigerator, or if you are buying one there, it would be standard equipment.

The 120/240 volt breaker panel you have would work, but probably not be code legal in your country. I would probably change it out to a local one that fits your codes.

Change your fuse breaker as the 110V version is double the amp rate of 220V and won't trip as quickly as required

mfranken · 05-04-2012, 05:37 AM

Thanks for the feedback, I'll replace the circuit breaker. Googling for RV converter/charger didn't find me anything yet, so suggestions still welcome! What's in new European airstreams? Anyone?

Skater · 05-04-2012, 04:46 PM

I take it yours was built for the North America market then imported to Europe?

I ask because I know Airstream makes European-spec'd campers now - we saw one on the assembly line when we did the tour last summer. They mentioned they're much lighter than ours (sigh), but I didn't think about the differences in electrical systems at the time.

perryg114 · 05-04-2012, 05:22 PM

What are you going to do with the 120V appliances? They won't run on 220V.

Perry

mfranken · 05-05-2012, 01:12 AM

Indeed my AS was imported, and I've replaced the fridge already, will do the same with AC.

Regards,
Mike

perryg114 · 05-05-2012, 06:05 AM

I don't think you are going to have a problem then finding a 12V power supply. I would expect that any local RV dealer in Europe would have them for your power system. I expect there is a switch or a jumper to switch between 120V and 220V. They are all made in China so I would assume they would make them to accomodate the most common power systems.

Perry

barts · 05-05-2012, 08:52 AM

You may be able to find one in Europe, but bestconverter.com has several that accept 220V inputs, such as the Samlex units, Xantrex TrueCharge2, etc.

- Bart

Aage · 05-05-2012, 09:28 AM

The furnace runs on 12V, and unless you have an AC/LP gas type of water heater, you don't need to worry about it either.

And as Barts mentioned, 220VAC to 12V DC converters are available here, but it would also be standard, off the shelf issue in Europe, too. Check the pricing there at some online places, since, unless they charge significantly more, the shipping overseas will be pricey.

I can't think of anything else that we have missed for a 1971 TT.

Oh, check to see if anyone has added an inverter (12V to 120V) to it though; that would need to be removed since it will be useless there.

mfranken · 05-06-2012, 04:13 AM

Thanks very much again, found one too: Sargent EC328. Will compare with bestconverters too. Thanks barts

mfranken · 05-16-2012, 10:08 AM

I'm still looking for a decent replacement. Found the Waeco PerfectCharge IU452A. Any Europeans experience with this?

WK57ABF · 05-16-2012, 10:38 AM

Hi Mike,

I would recommend the Sterling 30amp Pro Digital charger - UK manufacturer. We've had one fitted for about four years with no issues. A really good quality charger.

We also have a Victron inverter fitted which was made in Holland - possibly they may make chargers.

John in the UK

mfranken · 05-17-2012, 04:20 AM

Great John, thanks a lot! Looking for Sterling and Victron opened up a whole lot of possibilities in the Netherlands. Even though in Dutch here's whole bunch of alternatives:
Acculader merken: Victron , Mastervolt , Sterling , CTEK - Advitek Mobile Home Systems A.M.S.
Victron, Sterling, CTek, Mastervolt

Mike in the Netherlands

WK57ABF · 05-17-2012, 05:28 AM

Hi Mike,

You have some choice there.

We have experience of Mastervolt - had one of their chargers which lasted 10 years of full time use before it fizzled out. Could have been repaired, but with the advances in technology decided to replace with a more up to date model, so chose Sterling.

John in the UK

mfranken · 05-17-2012, 05:46 AM

Hi John,

Can the Sterling also be connected directly to the 12V system (reusing the Univolt's fusepanel)? And what batteries do you use? I've got two simple ones now, one for general use (55Ah) and one for the electronic brakes (65Ah). And have you any experience with adding Solar Panels?

regards,
Mike

WK57ABF · 05-17-2012, 07:20 AM

Hi again Mike,

Our Sterling charger is hard wired direct to the twin "Lifeline" original equipment AGM batteries via a large amperage gold plated fuse. Capacity of our 5.1/2 old batteries is 100aH each. The batteries are very expensive but we will replace with the same make and size when the time comes.

Yes, you can use the Univolt fuse panel - just remove the original charger and swap over the leads to your new charger.

We have fitted solar systems to various RV's over the years and had two factory fitted to our Airstream. Not sure what you want to know about solar systems but please ask. I would avoid cheap panels and go for a decent solar charge controller, for example Morningstar, which we have fitted. We managed for 6 weeks on solar power in Axel's back yard last summer in Holland.

I attach a link to the UK forum which shows pictures of our system :

UKAirstreamers.org - View topic - Living without Hook-ups

John