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05-10-2010, 10:44 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Fayetteville
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9
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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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05-10-2010, 10:56 AM
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#2
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
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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...
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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05-10-2010, 10:57 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmtt
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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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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05-10-2010, 10:59 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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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.
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
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05-10-2010, 11:01 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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Hey Andy...
Your on Vacation.....?
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
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05-10-2010, 10:28 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody Ranch
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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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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05-11-2010, 03:12 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1965 22' Safari
Vassar
, Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
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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
__________________
Tim
TAC MI 14
Everyday is a Saturday
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05-11-2010, 06:25 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkasten
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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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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05-11-2010, 07:40 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
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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.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
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