Is this a Univolt?

[AWCHIEF]

Is this a Univolt? I believe that it is original to my 1964 Bambi II. Would anyone have any specs on this model? I cannot find any labels or marking on the unit.

[AWCHIEF]

No one knows what brand this box is or anthing about the wiring set up?

[TG Twinkie]

I take it that there is no name plate on the device.
If it has battery wiring to it. If it has a fused panel associated with it for the DC equipment on the trailer.
If it has a 120 volt AC power source.
It is a Univolt or an equivalent type of converter. It is obviously an old unit.
In my opinion it is time to upgrade to a modern converter.

[AWCHIEF]

Ditto, no labels or name plates that I can see. The wiring in my trailer is a total mess. Over the years it looks like a lot of wiring has been done by previous owners. No rime or reason the the layout or color of wires. The only fuseing that I can find is a couple of circuit breakers. I also think it is time to upgrade to a modern converter/charger and add a pair of new larger AGM batteries. Going to be interesting trying to find out what the wires all go to that are coming out of the box and the city/battery switch box above it. Also need to replace all the wiring going to and from the battery. It looks too small and the insulation is cracking on all the exposed wiring that I can see.

[chasman9147]

Michael,
My Bambi II is in the same shape. I will following your thread to see how you are progressing. Best of luck.
Charles

[AWCHIEF]

Charles, does your univolt like the one in the pictures I posted? There really does not seem to be any standard unit that was used. Airstream just seemed to use whatever was on the shelf that day.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Charles, does your univolt like the one in the pictures I posted? There really does not seem to be any standard unit that was used. Airstream just seemed to use whatever was on the shelf that day.

That part was called a "Univolt" as it was Airstreams first venture into using something for low voltage other than the battery.

It's really nothing more than a "transformer" with a dual voltage output.

It provides a 12 volt and 19 volt AC output.

The 12 volt output is used for the lights.

The 19 volt output is used for the ceiling fans.

The ceiling fans are 12 volt DC motors, that work perfectly on 19 volts AC.

The 19 volts AC effective DC equivalent is 19 X .70711 which is 13.44 volts.

Replacing that transformer with a true Univolt is very easy. Simply connect all the output wires to the Univolt, making sure that you create separate circuits.

Andy

[AWCHIEF]

Thanks Andy, do I need to add any additional circuit protection? It worries me not being able to find any fuses other than the two AC power circuit breakers. You say that it is AC output, not DC. Is that correct?
By the way I had a very nice talk with your Bonnie the other day and ordered a couple LED tail lights for the Bambi II.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Thanks Andy, do I need to add any additional circuit protection? It worries me not being able to find any fuses other than the two AC power circuit breakers. You say that it is AC output, not DC. Is that correct?
By the way I had a very nice talk with your Bonnie the other day and ordered a couple LED tail lights for the Bambi II.

I would suggest that you install a fuse panel of some type, having maybe 4 fuses.

Fuse panel or boxes are fairly cheap.

It's alway better to over protect than none at all.

Andy