[VAC] Re: Univolt vs. current technology - What does Airstream use now?

["Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't know what Airstream is using today. Solid state regulation is so
much better and LIGHTER and less expensive than the ferroresonant style
of the Univolt that I'd think something solid state would be universal.
The Univolt had adequate capacity, just that it never had as precise a
voltage regulation as the battery needed for longevity and modern
batteries, while they have greater capacity in the same volume, are less
tolerant of mischarging abuse. The ferroresonant regulator is inherently
very sensitive to frequency and so not suited for running from a
portable generator. The more modern solid state regulator has no such
frequency sensitivity. And some are set up to do more than float the
battery but to aggressively charge it in the minimum time while not
abusing it by overcharging it.

I suspect 20 amps is a common 12 volt rating, but I'm not sure.

The concept of using short power to charge the battery and let the
battery take the peak loads and all the loads when off shore power is a
good concept. It allows the charger to be smaller and more energy
efficient at small loads than if it had to be large enough to handle the
peak loads, at the cost of needing the battery. But since the battery is
easily charged from the tow vehicle and can supply loads for some time
away from shore power or tow vehicle charging its handy to have that
battery.

Gerald J.