1970 Ambassador bath fan. 2 speed?

[2002sheds]

Hi All,
I just removed the bath fan on our 1970 Ambassador. I have included a picture below of the fan switch wiring (the switch fell apart). My question is, are these fans typically 2 speed? I have never operated the fan, so any help/guidance will be appreciated!


Thanks,
David

[Matt0k0]

My 1969 looks identical and yes, I was surprised to learn it is two-speeds.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by 2002shds

Hi All,
I just removed the bath fan on our 1970 Ambassador. I have included a picture below of the fan switch wiring (the switch fell apart). My question is, are these fans typically 2 speed? I have never operated the fan, so any help/guidance will be appreciated!


Thanks,
David

Yes, it has two speeds: Regular, and exotic food.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Yes, it has two speeds: Regular, and exotic food.

Terry, or it might be camp vs rally chow.

[2002sheds]

Hi Matt, Terry and GC,

Matt, thanks for the info -- it is exactly what I needed to know! And Terry and GC, thanks for the entertainment :-)

Happy New Year!
David

[2002sheds]

Hi All,
While researching this topic, I saw that several people had converted the fans to 12 volts. I totally get why it would be desirable for the overhead lights to be 12 volts, but the fans (over the cooktop, bath) would not be on for very long, correct? So even if using the battery and a inverter neither would likely drain the battery... or am I wrong on this?


Thanks,
David

[2002sheds]

Hi All,
I just read a bit more, and finally absorbed the fact that the interior lighting is already 12 volts.

Can I assume the following?:

All "household-looking" outlets are AC

The bath fan and kitchen fan are AC

The interior lighting is 12 volts DC

All of the above were supplied energy that passed through the Univolt (so AC came in and was converted to 12 volts DC for the lights, for example...

Does/did the Univolt also convert 12 volt battery power to 110 AC? (Is it an inverter?) I already purchased a voltage converter based on the hatred expressed for the Univolt, but I have not yet installed it.


Thanks,
David

[2002sheds]

Hi All,
Okay, I am finally starting to understand. The fans and lights are 12 volt. My remaining question is regarding the Univolt. Is it only a voltage converter as in 110 volts AC to 12 volts DC?

It is NOT an inverter (12 volts DC to 110 volts AC), correct?


Thanks,
David

[rmkrum]

Correct as stated.

[2002sheds]

Hi RM,

Thanks !!!!!



David

[dbj216]

Hi California David, Colorado David here. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Airstream was one of the first travel trailers to install all "creature comforts" as 12v. All lights, all fans, water pump, furnace fan, operate on 12v. This is so Wally B could be in the middle of Africa somewhere and be totally "self contained". The "univolt" system means everything is 12v., or just one voltage. The "battery charger" transforms 120v to 12v to charge the battery, and while it is at it, why not run all the 12v stuff too? So your bath fan and all other stuff in the trailer can run on the 12v battery OR the 12v converter.

The 120v outlets came later as a convenience, maybe in the early 60s. And then came 120v air conditioners.

It might be you will want to replace that old bath fan with a new one. The one in my 75 Overlander, and the one in my friends 76 Sovereign are single speed. Same with all the roof fans.

Colorado David

[2002sheds]

Hi CoD,
Great to hear from you — and I hope your holidays have been fantastic!!!

I always appreciate your contributions, and today was no exception. Thanks again, and Happy New Year !!!


All the Best,
CaD

[ke6gkv]

hello david, replace the univolt. it will boil out your battery if hooked up to long.my 70 GT boiled out 2 batteries before i found out the problem. changing converters is not hard nor too much money. good-luck. kurt

[dbj216]

Thank you California David: We need to introduce you to someone who really does know what they're doing!

Holidays are always good for the most part. Being with family and friends is the best.

Good advice on a new converter. The modern ones won't overcharge a battery, and even "condition" it now and then. They switch from "fast charge" to "trickle charge" automatically based on how the battery voltage is pushing back at them. A new converter should be parts of most people's renovation plans. $250 or so gets a good one.

Colorado David