72 Safari Univolt went out

[RichHog]

So just bought this trailer and brought back to Texas. When I plugged the trailer in the Univolt and 12 V system was working but making a loud hum. Decided to leave the trailer plugged in last night so when I came home after work today the hum was gone along with all 12Volt lighting.
the 120 Volt system was fine. So any thoughts on this? Fuses? The Univolt is located in the back bath closet and like anything else in this old trailer is subject to replacement. Thanks for some tips.

[68 TWind]

The old univolts make fine boat anchors.

Seriously, it could be a fuse, it could have cooked your battery or it could be dead. In my opinion, don't mess with it. Call Randy at Bestconverters.com and order a new converter. Tell him what your trailer is and he will recommend the one that fits your needs. The technology of the new charger/converers will keep from overcharging and maintain the battery without damage. They are also much quieter than the old univolts.

[overlander63]

45+ years is a good run. Almost anything made in the last 15 years would be a vast improvement, though a decent three stage converter would probably be the most cost-effective replacement. And it will be about 30 pounds lighter...

[Airline]

I would also recommend Randy at bestconverters.com .
Tell him what you have and he will set you up.

[Bill M.]

You really wanted to change it whether the old one is working or not.

[alantbird]

The hum alone will drive you nuts.

[RichHog]

yes and after I get the black water tank out I'll lie on my back and see if I can get to the thing, Along bottom floor in the bathroom near the corner.
Now I know why the PO didn't replace it.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The output capacitors in the beast have almost certainly gone dead. The resonator capacitor is likely gone as well. Yes, you could go crazy rebuilding the beast. Why would you? The modern units are a lot better at what they do.

Also on the list to dig into:

1) Battery(s) likely need replacing - do that after the converter is swapped out but before you go anywhere ( no working battery = no breakaway function ... yikes ...)

2) Brakes should be checked on any "new to you" trailer or MH

3) Hubs need to be checked / lubed.

4) Tires over about 6 or 7 years old should be replaced

5) Water system should be flushed / cleaned / bleached.

6) AC should be checked. The motor start capacitor is in the same kind of "past use by date" category as the converter electronics.

I'd start saving up to convert the lights to LED's but that's not in the same category as any of the stuff above.

Bob

[bibbs]

This is actually a good thing. The old univolts are, not worth fixing. You will enjoy having a charger that you don’t need to monitor. Less to worry about more relaxation. My 71 GT has an automotive portable battery charger hard wired in. That was first thing to go. Enjoy your new one!

[Madmarke007]

I gutted my univolt to keep existing fuses and connected new converter to hot and neutral on fuse board. Used heavy gauge wire so I could move new converter to a more accessible location.

[overlander63]

And now, for the only Univolt joke I know:

Q: Why do Univolts hum?

A: Because they don't know the words.




Thank you, I'll be here all weekend.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by overlander63

And now, for the only Univolt joke I know:

Q: Why do Univolts hum?

A: Because they don't know the words.




Thank you, I'll be here all weekend.

Hi

Ok, so since you asked ....

Univolt's hum because of the type of voltage regulating transformer they use. The core's magnetic field is a bit overwhelming and there's really no way to keep it from vibrating everything around it.

Bob

[RichHog]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi



Ok, so since you asked ....



Univolt's hum because of the type of voltage regulating transformer they use. The core's magnetic field is a bit overwhelming and there's really no way to keep it from vibrating everything around it.



Bob

Thanks Bob and now I know...
I was going to bring in my Vintage Turntable with my vintage Technics amp that I’m sure will love that 70 s to Univolt power supply while

[RichHog]

Originally Posted by RichHog

Thanks Bob and now I know...
I was going to bring in my Vintage Turntable with my vintage Technics amp that I’m sure will love that 70 s to Univolt power supply while

Listening to Jefferson Airplane.

[MickeyC]

I Second 68 TWinds advice. I couldn't say it any better. The new Boondockers are 4 stage and much better for todays electrical needs. I have an old Univolt that came out of my 79 Trade Wind if you want it but you're better off going to Best Converters.

Good Luck

[RichHog]

Looking at the 45 watt Boondocker and the fuse panel with breakers. Oddly the Univolt came back to life hum and all. Now I need to find a battery that will fit in the side panel.

[MickeyC]

I wouldn't call it life, it is more like a mummy. The best place for the old Univolt converters is at the end of a rope and used for a boat anchor. Go with the Boondocker and save yourself a lot of headaches!

Good Luck
MC