Re: [A/S] Re: Converters and inverters

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

I think I've come to understand that the control panel is a piece of crap,
even if it is Airstream!  Maybe in it's day, it was the best?  So, why
bother with something that is so prone to error?  While it's unlikely that a
battery would last for 8 years, I've seen documentation where a battery
lasted 20 years!

As for the 25% full reading, my '69 Safari has an adjustable resistance
strip that I figure can be changed to reflect the actual charge state.  Did
you look into this?

I noted that the Univolt in my '69 had a large hum when it was running a
high charge rate.  When the battery was near full charge, the Univolt ran
very quiet?

I lurked on the VAClist and Airstream List and decided to use an accurate
volt meter to see what was happening with my battery - the control panel
wasn't much help.  Then, I bought a battery load tester - this put the
battery under a 10 amp load for 10 seconds and gave an accurate voltage
read-out.  All indicated that the 3  year old RV battery from Camping  World
was just fine.  Not satisfied with the constant monitoring of the charge
with the Univolt, I took the List/Airsteam advice and purchased an Intelli
Power charger and a Charge wizard.  The 9100 Series and the Charge Wizard
from Progressive Dynamics, Inc. is doing a great job.  I might mention that
my old Univolt is still working as it was originally designed.  I just
didn't want to cook a battery with obsolete technology.

So, before  you start throwing the weight of batteries around an Airstream,
you should look at  how an Airstream frame/cross members/outriggers are
installed.  Bumping down the road, a battery is a huge amount of weight.
Besides, there's hydrogen evolution to consider if you install a lead/acid
battery, and access.

It's my personal position that the first consideration is reducing battery
usage (after you are sure that your battery is "fully" charged.)  Then, I
must admit that my '69 Safari hasn't been restored enough to be towable and
I'm just repeating what I think are a consensus of Airstream List and
VAClist opinions.

Your best source for multiple battery usage is the solar user's opinions.

Finally, I applaud the recommendation of the Intelli Power and the Charge
Wizard as a replacement for the Univolt.  It was simple to  connect and
didn't require additional wiring other than to put a receptacle on the end
of the 110 AC line so I could plug  in the Intelli Power.  I also ran an
adequate ground wire from the exterior box of the Intelli Power to the
Airstream frame.

Hope this helps resolve your problem?  Anyway, get a good VOM to find out
what's really going on!