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Old 05-10-2010, 10:44 AM   #1
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1972 25' Tradewind
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How to tell if the univolt is working properly

I'm not sure my univolt is working properly. It doesn't seem to be charging the battery when its plugged in to shore power. And isn't it supposed to bypass the battery when plugged in. My battery keeps running down even though I'm plugged in. Its humming so I know its on. Is there a way to test that everything is working properly.

Thanks

Burke
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Old 05-10-2010, 10:56 AM   #2
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Measure the volts at the battery. The voltage should read higher with the trailer plugged in. There are fuses for the battery that could be bad or your converter is not working. Humming is not working...
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Old 05-10-2010, 10:57 AM   #3
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I'm not sure my univolt is working properly. It doesn't seem to be charging the battery when its plugged in to shore power. And isn't it supposed to bypass the battery when plugged in. My battery keeps running down even though I'm plugged in. Its humming so I know its on. Is there a way to test that everything is working properly.

Thanks

Burke
Check all the fuses, especially the 50 amp fuses.

Unfortunately, the Univolt can still "hum" when it's not working.

Let the battery run down a little, and then plug the trailer back into city power. The lights should brighten.

Or, shut off the power to the trailer at the circuit breaker panel.

What does the ammeter on the front panel say, when you have a number of lights on?

Andy
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Old 05-10-2010, 10:59 AM   #4
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What it is supposed to do.

The converter "converts" 110 into 12v. It uses this 12v to power the 12v lights, etc., in the Airstream and to charge the battery. There are fuses at the panel for all those systems. Check the circuit protection first. Then check the condition of the batteries. Then put a new converter on you "things to do" list. I am not a proponent for Univolts...I hate the hum and age related unreliability.
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Old 05-10-2010, 11:01 AM   #5
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Hey Andy...

Your on Vacation.....?
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Old 05-10-2010, 10:28 PM   #6
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The converter "converts" 110 into 12v. It uses this 12v to power the 12v lights, etc., in the Airstream and to charge the battery. There are fuses at the panel for all those systems. Check the circuit protection first. Then check the condition of the batteries. Then put a new converter on you "things to do" list. I am not a proponent for Univolts...I hate the hum and age related unreliability.
New style Univolts are far removed from those of 20 to 30 years ago.

They don't hum any more, and haven't for years.

Yeah, I decided I need a couple of original Mai Tai's, along with a little time with my wife, so that we could relax together, under the HUGE palm trees.

Andy
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Old 05-11-2010, 03:12 PM   #7
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Univolt

Hey Andy,

Is the Univolt in my 65 22' Safari sopposed to charge my battery when plugged into shore power? I have read that older AS have two seperate systems. I'm confused. Any info you can share will be appreciated.......Tim
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Old 05-11-2010, 06:25 PM   #8
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Hey Andy,

Is the Univolt in my 65 22' Safari sopposed to charge my battery when plugged into shore power? I have read that older AS have two seperate systems. I'm confused. Any info you can share will be appreciated.......Tim
The original "univolt" in a 65 was called a "Constavolt", and was huge in size.

Best I remember, it was mounted in the left rear corner of the trailer, and you could see it by looking down thru the closet.

Yes, it did charge the battery, when it worked properly.

Andy
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Old 05-11-2010, 07:40 PM   #9
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Burke,
Don't measure the voltage at the battery to troubleshoot the univolt. Measure at the univolt itself where the positive and negative leads exit the unit or as close to it as possible like the fuse panel. Depending on the cable size, length, and condition of the batteries, you could see a significant difference at the battery.
On a healthy battery above 80% state of charge, you will probably read the same or close to what the Univolt is putting out but on a discharged battery, there will be a difference. Good luck.
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