Re: [A/S] Argosy Newbie

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

J.L.,

I know you've got a zillion responses to your question; but, as a newbee '69
Safari purchaser I went through this a few months ago and had similar
questions.

> Does the univolt charge the battery or just maintain the charge it has?

The answer to these questions as applied to my '69 Safari is YES to both.
It charges the battery AND acts as a maintainer charge when the battery is
fully charged.  (As long as the shore line is connected to 110 volts.)  This
is according to the owner's manual.  You'll get varying opinions on the
efficacy of the univolt system as it relates to battery longevity.


>The thing either is plugged into shore power or is charging when being
towed .  .  .  .


My tow vehicle was hooked up by an Airstream technician.  The tow and
trailer batteries are connected in parallel when the umbilical is connected.
This means that the tow vehicle charges the trailer battery.  Also, when the
umbilical is connected and the generator is not working, the trailer draws
from both batteries.

I've a lot to learn about this type of system and what the consequences are.
I realize that if the trailer battery is fully discharged and I hook up and
start my tow vehicle, the alternator could be damaged by overload.  Also, if
the tow vehicle battery is low and the trailer is hooked up with a fully
charged batter, the charge wire could be fried if a time delay of at least
10 minutes is not observed.  (Think of the size of the starter cable and the
size of the charge line to the trailer.)  I've read a couple of posts that
indicate that there is need for electronic switching between the tow battery
and the trailer battery.  Another post indicated that a spare battery in the
tow vehicle included in the charge circuit was "nice to have".

I assume that you have already towed the trailer and identified the trailer
wiring per current code, etc.

The owner's manual came with my purchase.  However, just as valuable is the
service manual I bought from - Secretarial Services, P.O. Box 484, 512 Main
Ave., Sidney, Ohio 45365 - telephone (937) 492-8885, fax (937) 492-0539.  My
1972 reproduction cost $70.  This is most likely the best purchase you will
make, next to your Argosy.  Possibly other list members will copy their
Argosy owner's manual for you.  I think some of the service manuals are
being posted at a website?

This might not have helped you much, but it's snowing outside and I've got
time on my hands .  .  .

                                                        Joy