What/How to replace Univolt?

[ovrteakettle]

I hate to beat a dead horse because I see a lot of Univolt questions, but I have zero electrical knowledge so some of the discussions are above my head.

A recent power outage and surge seems to have killed the Univolt in my 1975 Ambassador. I think it was on its way out anyway, so I'm happy to replace it. But I'd like to do it soon as I miss the light from my DC power!

Per other posts I have seen, I have an inquiry into Randy at Bestconverter but I was hoping to get some input from folks here on what they think the best thing to replace the Univolt with is, and also how hard is it to do?

I won't be doing it myself. There's a guy I use, an experienced contractor/electrician who has worked on a lot of RVs and trailers, just not Airstreams, who is willing to do it, but he suggested I ask around to see if this was a job would be better done by an Airstream person. Sutton RV here locally does not to "trailer calls" and my Airstream is not moving from the soggy snow-filled field it is currently parked in for a while!

Any useful tips or threads to look at would be great!

thank

[TG Twinkie]

I would go with a Progressive Dynamics 9245 Converter along with a new fuse block. Did this in my '74 Argosy 26' two years ago and I am real happy with the results. You can find new units on eBay.

[elfirebob]

Just put in a Progressive D 9245 two weeks ago, and agree, add a new fuse panel. Connections were simple, only had four circuits on our 1970 Safari. The Fuse panel I had used no connectors, only wire ends (soldered) inserted into the connections. There are a number of wiring diagrams online and on this forum to follow. Battery, and charger connections. Oh, the 110v connection on the 9245 is a plug in connection. I added a 110v connection from my existing Airstream 110v hard wire.
You'll appreciate the extra room and less weight of a new unit.

[Skater]

I put a 9260 in our B190 (waaaay overkill), and it worked so well that when the time came to put one in our new trailer, I used the same model. The deep cycle battery I'd put in the B190 at the same time in 2007 was still in great shape in late 2011 when I sold the camper. I loved not having to worry about it.

That's not to say there aren't other good brands out there, of course. But I'm pretty happy with my choice.