Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-23-2014, 08:18 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
keithgregg's Avatar
 
1970 23' Safari
Hazeltucky , Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 47
Images: 2
Newbie needs to test Univolt IV system

I am trying to inspect my electrical system today.
I looked into the rear compartment and found a rusty Univolt IV with a blown battery fuse.
I was going to replace the fuse, plug into house power with my 15amp adapter, and check voltage at the battery terminals with my digital multimeter.
Is this all there is to it? Is there anything else I need to know.
Can I get a/c power to the trailer without a battery?
Any help is appreciated. I'm a newbie to trailers and trailer repair.
keithgregg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2014, 08:56 AM   #2
Moderator
 
DKB_SATX's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,500
Images: 1
Blog Entries: 7
Old Univolts liked to have a battery in the system for more stable voltage, so you may get strange results if you're measuring the output without a battery connected. I don't know what exactly the difference would be, I'm just going on the reports of people experienced with this.

I can say that I'm very happy with the performance of more modern 3-stage converters like my Powermax Boondocker, and no one seems to complain about Progressive Dynamics or Iota 3-stage converters.
__________________
— David

Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566

He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
DKB_SATX is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2014, 09:13 AM   #3
2 Rivet Member
 
keithgregg's Avatar
 
1970 23' Safari
Hazeltucky , Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 47
Images: 2
Thanks for the tip.
I guess I can hook up one of my 12 volt 35ah batteries to give it a test.
I'd like to avoid replacing the Univolt just yet if I can.
When I do I am going to be installing my 250watt solar panel and a MPPT inverter.
keithgregg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2014, 12:17 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
TG Twinkie's Avatar
 
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill , Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 5
Just turn the breaker off for the Univolt. Then disconnect the Univolt.
You will only have AC power to the outlets. No lights or any other 12 volt devices.
A new converter should be on the top of the "to do" list. Especially if you buy a new battery.
TG Twinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2014, 02:47 PM   #5
2 Rivet Member
 
keithgregg's Avatar
 
1970 23' Safari
Hazeltucky , Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 47
Images: 2
This might be a stupid question but where is the breaker for the univolt?
keithgregg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2014, 05:57 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
TG Twinkie's Avatar
 
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill , Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 5
It is in the 120 volt power panel. A panel with circuit breakers similar to what is in your house.
If the Univolt is powered chances are it is making a humming sound. You will know when it goes off.
TG Twinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
System Pressure Test, with Air? GCinSC Fresh Water Systems 10 04-24-2023 05:50 PM
replace Univolt or just needs charge moparjohn Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 1 03-10-2014 08:55 PM
Newbie Needs Help for Water System Pump weaver1950 Fresh Water Systems 2 08-13-2013 05:20 PM
To Univolt or NOT Univolt? aircooled4 Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 11 05-13-2012 07:20 PM
Newbie needs help with electrical system jacqueg Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 7 11-29-2007 04:00 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.