'73 Overlander Univolt removal

[bwoodtx]

Ok, I have looked on the forums and don't see anything specific to this year/model Can someone please tell me how to get the univolt out of that "little" hole?

thanks, bruce

[easyride]

My 73 had the univolt stuck under the end of the tub,I think it took about a 12 pack,and some choice words. Dave

[Ganglin]

If you have twin beds (note sure how doubles are set up).... try unhooking it and pulling it forward - remove the mattress and flip the bed support half over - lift it up out.....

[Clyde-2]

Originally Posted by easyride

My 73 had the univolt stuck under the end of the tub,I think it took about a 12 pack,and some choice words. Dave

My 72 has it under the tub as well. Don't think I will tell the wife that when she takes a bath she is just inches from high voltage.

[WILDRTEXAS]

My 71 had it under the tub too.
I moved it out and under the twin. Is it okay to be mounted under the twin? Does it need air circulation? I can't imagine that it has less air circulation than in that creepy hole. Thanks for all the knowledge....TRULY APPRECIATED!!

[Jim & Susan]

Bruce, if you still need help with this, I can shoot you some pictures and an explanation tonight (I'm assuming you have a rear bath?).

Jim

[bwoodtx]

thanks jim. yes it is a rear bath. some pics and an explanation would be truly helpful.

[Jim & Susan]

WIll do tonight.

Jim

[biggoofball]

I know Jim will chime in on this later but I have a couple of photos here at work that may be of assistance. I took these when I had a leak right above my Univolt.

I drilled out all the rivets on the "shelf" above the tub and removed that panel.



THis shows my temporary fix to my leak, but just past the fittings you can see the univolt



I do not know how the Univolt is anchored. I would assume that the best way to get to whatever anchors it is this route. I'm thinking the removal would have to go forward towards the twin bed and out the storage door or, if the bed is removed, out that way.

Are you getting a new inverter/charger? What kind? Will you be putting it where the Univolt came from?

[Jim & Susan]

Good stuff, Skip. Kudos to you!

The Univolt sits on a wooden "shelf" that's built over the top of the battery box. That shelf is screwed into the floor with 3/4" self tapping screws. The Univolt is screwed to that shelf. I actually still have the Univolt attached to that shelf, and the shelf removed from under that bath. I'll take a snap shot of it tonight and post it here.

Jim

[Jim & Susan]

Here you go. Let me know if you need more detail.

Jim

[bwoodtx]

thanks to everyone for all of the info and wonderful pictures!!! doesn,t seem quite so intimidating now. thanks again!!

bruce

[Aage]

The service manual for the 1974 models says:

a. Disconnect power cord for 120 volts.

b. Switch circuit breakers to "OFF" position.

c. Remove panel or open door to Univolt area.

d. Remove two screws at front of Univolt which secure the Univolt's plywood base to the Univolt stand. Do not remove at shock mount area.

e. Disconnect harness wires from face plate of Univolt.

f. Disconnect 120 volt Romex wire in area below face plate.

g. Slide Univolt and plywood base out.

h. Prior to reinstalling Univolt, inspect shock mounts for tightness. The steel legs of the Univolt should not come in contact with plywood base. The shock mounts reduce the Univolt's noise from "telegraphing" through the trailer.

i. When reinstalling Univolt/plywood base addembly, be sure the base is positioned under the rear mounting bracket.


...hope this helps. Some of the phrases aren't clear to me, but I suspect they will become clear when I actually take the Univolt out.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Good stuff, Skip. Kudos to you!

The Univolt sits on a wooden "shelf" that's built over the top of the battery box. That shelf is screwed into the floor with 3/4" self tapping screws. The Univolt is screwed to that shelf. I actually still have the Univolt attached to that shelf, and the shelf removed from under that bath. I'll take a snap shot of it tonight and post it here.

Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the photos. After my previous post, I looked closer aat your photos, and image #DSCN8496.jpg appears to show that there is a piece of plywood that the Univolt is fastened to that is then fastened to the larger wooden structure.

If I'm seeing things correctly, then I think that the manual indicates that removing the entire wooden structure isn't necessary, but rather just taking out the smaller piece the Univolt sits on will acheive removal.

Does that make any sense to you? It also talks about making sure that the rear securing strap is engaged. Did you see such a thing when you took it out?

One last question: I'm thinking that you unscrewed and removed the front door of the blue metal Univolt case. is that right?

Thanks again,
Aage

[Jim & Susan]

I removed the entire structure because I'm going to reinstall it away from the shower, probably underneath the bed. Once the wires are disconnected, I think all you need to do is remove the four sheet metal screws that hold the Univolt to the plywood base. Then you should be able to simply lift it straight up and out of the compartment. And yes, the door that covers the fuse panel was removed by a PO for some reason.

Jim