Power System
Video # 35
Airstream Power System
On this segment of Classic Rides, host Kevin Tetz says that one of the things he learned during the inspection of the 1970 Airstream Overland Yacht Trailer that he is restoring, is that the original power converter system had already run its course and was in dire need of replacing. Jeff McCoy, the Engineering Manager of Parallax Power Supply, joins Kevin to lend his expertise to this project.
Kevin begins by asking Jeff why we need a converter for the RV. Jeff explains that we need a converter so that you do not constantly drain the battery on the trailer. The converter operates off the 120-volt system, making it lessen the load on the 12-volt system that operates the coach. According to Jeff, it actually replaces the battery when you plug it into the electrical power.
Kevin removes the bed on the trailer to give him easier access to the old convertor, so that he can remove it easily and install the new system. Jeff says that the first thing they need to do is open up the converter and disconnect the DC distribution wire. Then, Jeff removes all the wires and electricals as necessary.
Jeff tells Kevin about the problem of the big bundle of DC negative wires, which makes it difficult to inspect and troubleshoot the system. That is why they install a terminal bar so that they can organize the wires individually. According to Kevin, it is a pro-active move that saves a lot of guesswork in the future.
Kevin mounts the terminal bar on to the trailer floor. It has a bracket that keeps it off the surface, allowing air to circulate around the surface. Then they insert the wires on to the terminal bar. Jeff and Kevin then install the fuse panel to protect the wires in the installation. Jeff cuts and strips each wire and installs them into the fuse panel.
Lastly, Jeff does some voltage checks with a voltage meter. Kevin recommends checking out diynetwork.com for a more detailed explanation on electrical installations, as this is a very complicated topic.
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