1961 ambassador battery upgrade

[Motivation]

Hello it's me again! I am trying to upgrade my tractor battery to lithium. I also want to bring the wires inside. After a few posts on here and going to a couple auto parts stores, it was suggested that I go to a welding store to get 4 gauge wire. I am a little confused on switching to bigger wire, how do I tie that in? Am I removing the smaller wire there? additionally where the wires are, there are additional capped wires that I am unsure what they are. I am not a professional obviously but I know how to follow instructions. The problem is in my search on YT there is nothing super step by step especially with a vintage airstream. I don't wan't to mess this up. There are no manuals for a 1961 airstream so I am kinda blind especially because I am not super handy, but I want to be!

So far I have purchased 2 30 a breakers to replace the old ones that are on the outside. I already have 3 100ah lifepo4 batteries, an inverter and 100 a charge controller for when I am ready to add solar. I am looking for help in the right direction like a YT video that offers step by step instructions and also any other materials that I may need. I am attaching some pics for reference.

[overlander64]

Greetings Motivation!

Originally Posted by ;2780201

Hello it's me again! I am trying to upgrade my tractor battery to lithium. I also want to bring the wires inside. After a few posts on here and going to a couple auto parts stores, it was suggested that I go to a welding store to get 4 gauge wire. I am a little confused on switching to bigger wire, how do I tie that in? Am I removing the smaller wire there? additionally where the wires are, there are additional capped wires that I am unsure what they are. I am not a professional obviously but I know how to follow instructions. The problem is in my search on YT there is nothing super step by step especially with a vintage airstream. I don't wan't to mess this up. There are no manuals for a 1961 airstream so I am kinda blind especially because I am not super handy, but I want to be!

So far I have purchased 2 30 a breakers to replace the old ones that are on the outside. I already have 3 100ah lifepo4 batteries, an inverter and 100 a charge controller for when I am ready to add solar. I am looking for help in the right direction like a YT video that offers step by step instructions and also any other materials that I may need. I am attaching some pics for reference.

I am not certain whether the 1960 and 1961 Airstreams were similar in this regard, but if my memory is correct, the round glass, buss fuses for the 12-Volt DC electrics were below the front window in the cabinet under the sofa on the 1960 models of Overlanders and Ambassadors. My suggestion would be that since you are planning on Lithium batteries, a new fuse panel, a new Inverter/Charger you really only need to find the fuse panel on the inside. Then determine if there is sufficient room in that cabinet for your batteries, and other electrical equipment -- the wires traveling through the exterior wall and into the trailer from the below front window window box could be removed/abandoned once the wires feeding the circuits are removed from the existing fuses and installed in your new fuse panel. The fuse panel would be powered just as if it were a new installation. I am making that assumption that you may be planning to install the Lithium batteries inside your rig as so many owners are doing when they make this conversion.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Motivation]

Originally Posted by overlander64

Greetings Motivation!



I am not certain whether the 1960 and 1961 Airstreams were similar in this regard, but if my memory is correct, the round glass, buss fuses for the 12-Volt DC electrics were below the front window in the cabinet under the sofa on the 1960 models of Overlanders and Ambassadors. My suggestion would be that since you are planning on Lithium batteries, a new fuse panel, a new Inverter/Charger you really only need to find the fuse panel on the inside. Then determine if there is sufficient room in that cabinet for your batteries, and other electrical equipment -- the wires traveling through the exterior wall and into the trailer from the below front window window box could be removed/abandoned once the wires feeding the circuits are removed from the existing fuses and installed in your new fuse panel. The fuse panel would be powered just as if it were a new installation. I am making that assumption that you may be planning to install the Lithium batteries inside your rig as so many owners are doing when they make this conversion.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

Now in depressed because I wasn’t even thinking about a fuse panel 🤦🏾*♀️😭

[PaulBristol]

Q: How do you eat an elephant?

A: One bite at a time.

Stop and think about the future system. You want to increase the 12 volt storage capacity. Do you want to add new appliances or other 12 volt devices?

This requires heavier gauge wire, higher capacity fuses or circuit breaker, and a new charging system. It is complicated enough that you need to first establish what performance you want. Then draw out a system and wiring plan. Then choose components that are compatible with each other. Then assemble the final product.

Drawing out the plan on paper and listing make and model of components has many benefits. I have found that it saves lots of unnecessary work, and reduces purchasing things that are not necessary. It is much easier to revise a drawing than to revise a system that does not work out. It also documents what you have done for the future. It becomes the "instruction manual" for your modified AS.

Just following instructions is not going to produce good results unless you have a dedicated supervisor. There are companies who install these types of systems. Some of them will provide instructions if you buy components from them.

What you are asking for, may be very difficult to provide on the AirForum. You will probably have to do a lot of searching for instructions, learning, and most of all persevering. The AirForum will be excellent at answering specific questions.

I will attach a link to an old article on 12 volt systems. It contains the basics of RV 12 volt systems. You will still need specific installation instructions for individual components. Usually you can get these when you buy the components or you can download them from the manufactures website. You will notice the article does not address lithium batteries. You will need to learn about them elsewhere.

A good search technique is "make model manual". Try to pick the manufactures website, not all the other junk that shows up in the search.


https://www.progressivedyn.com/

12 volt Side of Life part 1
http://marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

12 volt Side of Life part 2
http://marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm

Some of the information is a little dated, but it is still pretty good.

[Starlight Mike]

My suggestion, get a good electrician familiar with TT's to assist.

[Scott S]

Long term owner of a 1960 Overlander here...

Have you found a place for your new batteries yet? This is a major reason I have yet to upgrade from my tractor battery. The only room I see is back behind the wheel well under the bed...I have not had a major reason to do the upgrade since my 12 V loads are normally minimal.

My trailer did not come with a battery charger, but relied on being charged by the tow vehicle...not a practical solution then...its a bit better now with the advent of led bulbs. About 3 decades ago I wired in an automotive battery charger that I can just plug in whenever I wish to top off the batteries.

If I ever need to replace my absorption refrigerator with a 12V compressor I will have some MAJOR upgrading to do. Hopefully by then there will be a better option for my trailer.

[FrankHiggins]

There is a gentleman, Patrick Botticelli, who has a very active YouTube channel featuring Airstreams and other trailers. His channel is New Jersey Outdoors Adventures. He also works out of Colonial Airstream dealership located across the state from you.

Beginning about 5 years ago, he did a rather complete renovation and restoration of his 1961 Bambi 16' Jackson Center Ohio Edition. He recently posted an overview of his restoration. He only touched lightly on his new electrical configuration. No where near to a step by step instruction video. He did move his batteries inside.

I agree with others who have posted here, this is not a job to be guided solely by a video instruction set. Take a look at what Patrick has done. Connect with him to see if he can direct you to someone in New Jersey you might work with.

https://youtu.be/oK7SJHHkNxU?si=GSLXNtgTAJmtW41l

[Motivation]

Originally Posted by PaulBristol

Q: How do you eat an elephant?

A: One bite at a time.

Stop and think about the future system. You want to increase the 12 volt storage capacity. Do you want to add new appliances or other 12 volt devices?

This requires heavier gauge wire, higher capacity fuses or circuit breaker, and a new charging system. It is complicated enough that you need to first establish what performance you want. Then draw out a system and wiring plan. Then choose components that are compatible with each other. Then assemble the final product.

Drawing out the plan on paper and listing make and model of components has many benefits. I have found that it saves lots of unnecessary work, and reduces purchasing things that are not necessary. It is much easier to revise a drawing than to revise a system that does not work out. It also documents what you have done for the future. It becomes the "instruction manual" for your modified AS.

Just following instructions is not going to produce good results unless you have a dedicated supervisor. There are companies who install these types of systems. Some of them will provide instructions if you buy components from them.

What you are asking for, may be very difficult to provide on the AirForum. You will probably have to do a lot of searching for instructions, learning, and most of all persevering. The AirForum will be excellent at answering specific questions.

I will attach a link to an old article on 12 volt systems. It contains the basics of RV 12 volt systems. You will still need specific installation instructions for individual components. Usually you can get these when you buy the components or you can download them from the manufactures website. You will notice the article does not address lithium batteries. You will need to learn about them elsewhere.

A good search technique is "make model manual". Try to pick the manufactures website, not all the other junk that shows up in the search.


https://www.progressivedyn.com/

12 volt Side of Life part 1
http://marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

12 volt Side of Life part 2
http://marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm

Some of the information is a little dated, but it is still pretty good.

Thanks, really good idea about mapping out what i want/need. I am hoping I do not need to completely rewire the entire system as it is my understanding part of this was already done. I already have the components of a solar setup I wasn't thinking about the original battery part. I was thinking that I could use my solar generator to plug into when needed and recharge the lifepo batteries. After talking to the rv mechanic i realized i do need to see how the rig operates with a battery. I don't know for sure if i am just using the 30a plug that will power everything. I still have a lot of trouble shooting I need to do. This is helpful thank you

[Motivation]

Originally Posted by Starlight Mike

My suggestion, get a good electrician familiar with TT's to assist.

Excellent point! My search begins, I thought I had one I was going to hire to install a 30a plug in the house but he said either 220 or 240 and i knew he didn't k now what he was talking about.

[Motivation]

Originally Posted by Scott S

Long term owner of a 1960 Overlander here...

Have you found a place for your new batteries yet? This is a major reason I have yet to upgrade from my tractor battery. The only room I see is back behind the wheel well under the bed...I have not had a major reason to do the upgrade since my 12 V loads are normally minimal.

My trailer did not come with a battery charger, but relied on being charged by the tow vehicle...not a practical solution then...its a bit better now with the advent of led bulbs. About 3 decades ago I wired in an automotive battery charger that I can just plug in whenever I wish to top off the batteries.

If I ever need to replace my absorption refrigerator with a 12V compressor I will have some MAJOR upgrading to do. Hopefully by then there will be a better option for my trailer.

I plan to put my batteries under the couch that turns into a bed that is in the front. The original battery is (was) in a box on the outside. I want to reverse those wires and put the new batteries in the storage part under the couch/bed. I started writing down the things I have that need to be plugged in like my adjustable bed frame, but only when i need to move it. my phone laptop, ipad and desktop. only the desktop need to be plugged in all the time. other than that i don't have anything else, i don't drink coffee or tea. I have a stand mixer that i use. I can't think of anything that I use daily that needs to be plugged in all the time.

[Motivation]

Originally Posted by FrankHiggins

There is a gentleman, Patrick Botticelli, who has a very active YouTube channel featuring Airstreams and other trailers. His channel is New Jersey Outdoors Adventures. He also works out of Colonial Airstream dealership located across the state from you.

Beginning about 5 years ago, he did a rather complete renovation and restoration of his 1961 Bambi 16' Jackson Center Ohio Edition. He recently posted an overview of his restoration. He only touched lightly on his new electrical configuration. No where near to a step by step instruction video. He did move his batteries inside.

I agree with others who have posted here, this is not a job to be guided solely by a video instruction set. Take a look at what Patrick has done. Connect with him to see if he can direct you to someone in New Jersey you might work with.

https://youtu.be/oK7SJHHkNxU?si=GSLXNtgTAJmtW41l

Thank you, i have actually seen his video where he restored a bambi. I never thought to reach out to him Didn't realize he worked for Colonial. I have reached out to them when I was trying to find a manual for my ambassador! I will reach out to Patrick.