my DC works only sometimes

[Tomcat]

Hi all, I am new to the Airstream thing and I don't really know where to begin with this one. My '65 overlander is currently in the driveway and is being used as a guest house. I have it plugged in and the ac outlets work fine. The DC lights used to work, then they became very intermittent. For a while it seemed they would work, depending on which house outlet the airstream was plugged into, but I checked the voltage and they were all fine.

Now the DC lights don't work at all. I assume this a problem in the transformer, which i am assuming this trailer has to convert ac to dc.
Can anyone tell me where to look for this device and how I should begin to diagnmose and fix it.
Is this a common problem with vntage airstreams? Do I need to buy a transformer? Where the heck is it?
Thanks for indulging a beginner.

Tom

[FrankR]

I must confess, I do not know where any item is located with in your trailer, But I can supply some electrical info.
Your unit has several electrical systems. The firsr major system is a 120 volt ac house power system. This system includes the power cord that connects to a 120 volt ac source. Also included is a small 120volt ac breaker or fuse panel box. This panel allows electrical 120volt ac power to operate the air conditioning unit maybe some lites and a electrical device named a converter.
The converter and any battery are the second system. Most of the electrical lites and appliances are powered by 12volts dc. Usually the reefer, furnace,water pump and some lites are powered by battery or converter. The converter is a small battery charger. Almost always any 12volt dc problems are created by the 12 fuse panel. An easy cure is to spray all the fuses with wd-40. This oil will remove water[read moisture] and improve electrical connections. After spraying all the connections, it is advisable to rotate each fuse while in it's holder. Nope, ya will not be shocked with 12volts dc.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Tom.
The original converter location in a 1965 26 foot trailer is in the left rear corner.
You could see it looking throught the linen closet.
65 was the first year for a true converter.
It was very large, heavy and was called a "Constavolt."
Who knows what may be there now.
Let us know and I will try to help you.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstream[parts.com
airstreamcandy.com