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09-05-2006, 09:49 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1979 31' Excella 500
Detroit Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 498
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Replacing a Univolt in a 31' International
Starting to get interested in replacing my Univolt with something more battery friendly as I do 100% boondocking with a generator. Trying to remember if I need to remove the entire Gaucho to do this or just wood panel that goes between the gaucho and the front wall of the trailer.
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09-05-2006, 10:12 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
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Here's a beer... it will help you remember how to access the Univolt.
Once you find it, go with a multi-stage and search what we are recommending. They really make a difference if you boon dock.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
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09-06-2006, 06:54 AM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
1979 31' Excella 500
Detroit Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 498
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I think I can get in there by just removing the one flimsy paneling type board that is mounted horizontally between the back of the Gaucho and the front of the coach. Would be a lot easier than taking out the whole Gaucho AGAIN!
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09-06-2006, 01:05 PM
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#4
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4 Rivet Member
1979 31' Excella 500
Detroit Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 498
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Has anybody with a similar trailer removed their Univolt without pulling the full Gaucho? Can you remember?
Steve
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09-06-2006, 08:57 PM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
1979 31' Excella 500
Detroit Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 498
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How many Watts output do I need in a trailer this size? How many watts does the factory univolt put out?
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09-06-2006, 10:55 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Steve,
For a trailer that size, I would go with a larger unit, probably a 75 amp WFCO or IOTA converter with integrated 3-stage charging. Check with Randy (Overlander68) for his recommendations.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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09-06-2006, 11:02 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
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Steve,
Pull the panel you referenced and see if you can access it. There is not going to be a host of 79 owners reading this each day but maybe. Airstream changes their mind daily and if I had a 79, it might not have the univolt in the same location. You will have to get back down there and prod around.
For a 31 foot unit, you need a 55 or 65 amp unit. The 75 that Lew mentioned is the ultimate, but then you need to think about wiring to the battery. 75 amps needs thick wires, probably 4 AWG in case you ever saw that current going to the battery, although not likely. 55 will work fine unless you are running a huge ham system, are into loud rap music, or have more then two batteries. It just works out that way.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
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09-06-2006, 11:22 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange
, California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,849
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I have a 1979 Safari and according to the service manual all 1979 trailers are the same, mainly two batteries in front with the univolt in between. My univolt is accessed by removing the panel under the front shelf below the fuse panel. I have a front goucho which must be reclined to bed position to gain access to the area beneath the front shelf. Remove about four square drive screws from the panel and the univolt is underneath with the 120V outlet powering the univolt.
Bill
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
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09-07-2006, 06:59 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
1979 31' Excella 500
Detroit Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 498
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Thanks guys. Turns out all 79's are not the same as mine only has one battery box.
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09-07-2006, 09:39 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange
, California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,849
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wacnstac
Thanks guys. Turns out all 79's are not the same as mine only has one battery box.
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Do you have a California 1979, mine is Ohio?
Bill
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
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