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Old 02-02-2003, 07:49 AM   #1
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12 Volt Question

I have just bought a 72 , 31' sovereign land yacht. It didn't have any manuals. Does anyone have a photo copy of the manual? I will be happy to pay the going rate (whatever that may be) for one. My mailing address is John Waldin, General Delivery, Ganges Post Office. B.C., Canada v8k2p1
Also, if the trailer is plugged into AC power do I need a 12V battery to make the 12V lights work, and if I do how do I keep the battery charged up if I am permanently plugged into AC power. I plan to live in the trailer. Thanks in advance for any help.
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Old 02-02-2003, 08:09 AM   #2
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Greetings jwaldin:

I also have a 1972 31 footer. The trailer is equipped with a "Univolt". This device converts 120 volts AC into 12 volts DC to power the 12 volt lights and accessories in the Airstream. It also keeps the 12 volt battery charged automatically. The Univolt does not put out clean 100% DC power so you should also have the 12 volt deep cycle battery installed. The battery will filter the AC component out of the DC provided by the Univolt. One added bonus to having a battery while being hooked up to AC is that you have limited power during an AC power outage.

Sorry I cannot supply you with a manual, as I do not have one myself. My manual is airstreamforums.com!
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Old 02-02-2003, 08:18 AM   #3
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12 Volt

Thanks for the help.
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Old 02-02-2003, 08:20 AM   #4
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You can still order reprints of the 73 manual. I will go out in the Airstream shortly and see where I ordered mine from. I also have a 72 31' Excella 500.
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Old 02-02-2003, 08:44 AM   #5
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battery info

be carefull keeping your trailor pluged into ac all of the time the univolt will cook your batery. some good advice i recieved from someone in these forums is to get a batery minder and bypass the univolts charger there is a lot of info on this subject in these forums
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Old 02-02-2003, 08:51 AM   #6
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A copy of the service manual for the 1972 Airstream can be obtained from Helen Davis c/o Secretarial Services, PO Box 484, Sydney, OH, 45365. I think if you call the Airstream factory (937-596-6111). They may have a phone number for Helen Davis. I hope this helps!

Bob
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Old 02-02-2003, 09:06 AM   #7
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12 Volt Question

RE: Contact for Copies of Airstream Manuals

Greetings JWaldin and welcom to the Forum!

The following is contact information posted in the public section of the Vintage Airstream Club site:

Quote:
Q: I need an owners and service manual for my Airstream. Where can I get one?

A: The first owners manuals were published in 1964. Prior to that, the owner received a brown envelope containing parts lists and other helpful information on the accessories in his trailer. The VAC has started making these available in the Members Archive section. A service manual with instructions for performing service operations did not exist until 1972.

Helen Davis Secretarial Services
PO Box 484 Sidney, OH 45365
(937)492-8885

Prices are about $33 and $70 respectively. After 1986 the Owners Manuals included available service information.
Good luck in your quest for a manual.

Kevin
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Old 02-02-2003, 06:00 PM   #8
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12 volt system Converter wiring

Batteries NOT required for 12 volt equiptment if converter connected to house power 120 vac. All 12 volt will operate correctly.
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Old 02-03-2003, 02:28 PM   #9
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Definitely keep tabs on your battery if you are plugged in all the time. As stated above, the Univolt will cook your battery (literally) until its useless. Its easy to check though. Just pull it out and check the water level. Fill with distilled water as necessary. You can also buy a battery check kit that will measure the specific gravity of the acid and let you know if you need to add anything.


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Old 02-03-2003, 03:52 PM   #10
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just to be clear, I do not need a 12v deep cycle battery to power my 12v system? The univolt will put out 12v which loads up the 12v system? Right now I don't have a 12v battery hooked up and my 12v lights etc are not working. Is the univolt not working? I have the ac power cord plugged in and the univolt is making a humming sound and I do have ac power.
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Old 02-03-2003, 05:16 PM   #11
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fuses?

check your fuses, as pick pointed out the battery acts as a filter.

you may want to have one in the trailer for that reason.

also, my manual states that if you have the univolt on without the batteries expect the fuses on the radio to blow.

don't know if that would apply to you or not.

you can always get a good donor battery somewhere and try it both ways and see if things work or not.

i did such a thing on a trailer that a buddy is considering for purchase. i just took a fully charged battery and connected it temporarily with jumper cables to test the 12v system before sealing the sale.

you could do the same, or just go get a battery for it.

good luck!

john
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Old 02-03-2003, 05:42 PM   #12
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Battery Flavors

Everyone recommends deep cycle batteries. I bought a dual starter/deep cycle out of ignorance. It is an Exide Group 27, that I bought from Tractor Supply for $59. I leave it in the trailer most of the time, with the trailer plugged in, and check the water every two weeks or so. I finally had to add water, about 4 oz. this November. I removed the battery when it got in the tens and below and put it in the heated shop with a "Battery Minder" on it.
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