upgrading coverter - battery query

jeftec · 06-30-2007, 03:51 PM

Hey folks, please let me say in advance that this forum is without equal. I belong to an automotive marque site and an aviation marque site and neither seems to have this level of expertise or response. Now that I've sucked up to y'all I'm hoping you can help me with the following:
I've recently purchased a 1979 23' Safari International and am looking closely at the electical system. The trailer came with no battery, but the converter powers all 12 volt apps ok. It is a triad-utrad and I want to replace because it generates way too much heat(enough that you can't touch it) and a significant amount of noise(secondary to the heat issue). I also need to put a suitable battery in it. So my questions are as follows:

1. I see there are at least 2 or 3 converters I see talked about here (intellipower and parallax) Both seem to have a mix of favorable/unfavorable. AS says a 55 amp unit is adequate(I tend to agree) but would appreciate any of your insights.

2. The battery compartment measures 11.5Dx7Wx9.75H. These dimensions allow the use of a group 24 Deep Cycle battery, but according to the manual the spec is 105AH. Pretty much every 24 I've found is 80 AH. I really don't think I can fit a GRP 27 in this cavity and wonder what you've done. It appears that the door could be modified some but that would make for an awfully tight fit. I'd really like to have the added 25AH the 27 would provide.Once again , any insights are appreciated. Thanx...........Jeff Crabtree

maxandgeorgia · 06-30-2007, 03:58 PM

I'll just say welcome to this excellent forum, and then slip away stage left, leaving the floor open to all the experts. When your Safari is ready for the road, maybe we'll meet you 'round a campfire. ~G

overlander63 · 06-30-2007, 04:23 PM

Jeff, your Triad is also known as a Univolt, aka a buzzbox, or electric boat anchor. One of our forums members (68 overlander) sells converters, you can contact him for more info.
A group 27 SHOULD fit in the spot, I've forgotten the measurements for the 27, I think it is 2" longer than the 24. If you have 2" of space between your 24 and the battery compartment door, the 27 should fit.

jeftec · 06-30-2007, 07:40 PM

Thanx for the response Terry. To answer the measurement question from the back of the box to the door would allow the 12", but where the drop down door is hinged it intrudes into the available space by about 1/2". The bezel around the door is screwed on the sides but riveted at the top. Have you had any experience taking these out? Jeff