MojoRisen
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1963 Boles Aero Princess
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Post by MojoRisen on Jul 15, 2016 14:50:39 GMT -8
I am new to the forum and have a question about my restoration project. I have purchased a 1963 Boles Aero Princess with 780 miles on the trailer. It is all original inside and out with very little wear and tear. I am planning keeping it all original except the plumbing, I want to upgrade to modern plumbing, a new fresh water tank, and a new waste tank.
The main question I have is what has been installed from the factory to allow you to run a 110v device from the electrical outlets that are available on the walls and kitchen. I understand the batteries will run all the lights, but is their a converter or inverter by the breaker box? Or is it part of the breaker box? And would I benefit from upgrading to newer technology. Anything out of sight I want to upgrade, but leave the appearance of the retro look the trailer has. Thanks for any help that you may have.
Dennis
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Post by vikx on Jul 15, 2016 23:15:01 GMT -8
Welcome Dennis!
I am guessing that your Boles was very well wired in 1963. There should be an older converter (possibly missing?) to operate 12 volt items when on shore power. However, you can not use 110 items when on battery power.
You would need a modern IN-verter and battery bank to do that. Yes, it works well. Batteries are very heavy, and would probably be 6 to 8 six volt golf cart batteries. Tough as nails.
If you are really interested in extra power options, I would talk to an RV shop who has worked on big diesel motor home. They really know what works and what doesn't. Of course, do homework on happy past customers.
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MojoRisen
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Posts: 35
Likes: 9
1963 Boles Aero Princess
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Post by MojoRisen on Jul 16, 2016 10:36:48 GMT -8
Since I am out flying the fires here in the west, I will have to check out what runs and doesn't run on shore power. I got ahead of myself on the questions. I need to plug in the shore power, and see what comes on. I plan on installing a solar power system with lithium batteries, but have no battery to see what works and what does not. I also need to look around and find out where the converter is.
Do you recommend me installing a new converter and circuit panel to provide better performance from the electrical power. I feel that the converter since it is a 63 era may be in need if an upgrade.
Dennis
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Post by vikx on Jul 16, 2016 21:26:43 GMT -8
Hi Dennis,
I would test the systems first. From the look of the exterior, it appears the PO did a pretty nice job on the trailer. It's certainly possible that they did some upgrades.
Yes, plug in and see what works. I'm guessing the lighting is 110. There may be one or two 12 volt lights, but probably not. Few 63 trailers had a 12 volt system. Do you have a water pump? That would be 12 volt or air powered. If the pump is 12 volt, you know that the power comes from somewhere.
Compression systems have an "air pump" to pressurize a large round metal tank. You will see 1/4" copper tubing going from the pump to the tank and probably notice an odd water fill with a little air fitting on the side.
Please post some photos of what you have. I can give a lot better information.
I doubt your circuit panel needs to be replaced, but again, have to see what you have. Same for the converter (if it exists)
A solar panel is great in full sun. Not so great if not. Solar panels should NEVER be mounted on the roof. They vibrate going down the road; a leak waiting to happen.
Do you have a build sheet from the PO or is it possible to contact him/her for info? That would be a huge help.
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MojoRisen
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1963 Boles Aero Princess
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Post by MojoRisen on Sept 20, 2016 9:39:06 GMT -8
Still busy out flying, but I think I am narrowing it down. The PO had wired from the battery trunk to the bathroom, blue and white wires to a dc fuse panel from the battery. Then he ran wires through out the trailer to a few dc items. I have pulled all the non period items and associated wiring out of the trailer. It looks like all dc associated items have blue and white wiring only.
This was for all the small dc lights and the fan and lights above the oven and also the 12v water pump. The water pump was connected to a switch for as needed I guess.
When I plug in the shore power I get power to all my outlets, and larger lights distributed through out the trailer. Non of the dc associated stuff comes on.
I also do not know if the dc stuff is working because I have do not a battery yet. I am ordering a lithium battery for dc power.
Can you tell me if is common for the power to be separated as such, dc and 110v. And if the old style breaker panel would recharge a battery off of shore power?
I have ordered a Progressive Dynamics lithium breaker panel that will recharge the battery from shore power. I am also planning on getting portable solar panels to recharge the battery as well.
I have pulled all the wiring back into the trunk area and plan on testing the dc system on the new battery when it arrives.
Sorry about so many questions. I will try and limit them in the future.
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MojoRisen
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Posts: 35
Likes: 9
1963 Boles Aero Princess
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Post by MojoRisen on Sept 20, 2016 9:46:06 GMT -8
I guess I should clarify some things.
First there are dc items installed from the factory. Oven fan and lights as well as small round lights like tail lights in areas above the bed, living area, bathroom. These are all associated with the blue and white wires run behind the walls and into the trunk battery area. I did see a wire attached to the frame as well.
I have removed all wiring and items not associated with the factory install.
Thanks. Dennis
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Post by vikx on Sept 29, 2016 21:51:34 GMT -8
Sorry, Dennis, I missed your post. And questions are ALWAYS welcome here, the more the better. It shows a person is trying to learn. We like to help.
Some answers:
Many older vintage trailers had no 12 volt system. There might have been one 12 volt ceiling light that operated only when the vehicle parking lights were on.
That being said, I believe your Boles did have a complete 12 volt system and a converter originally. Not sure on wire color, but I would guess they weren't all blue and white. Most of the time, white is ground in a 12 volt trailer system. The 110 system would have been there as well; but most of the lights may have been 12 volt and powered by the converter when on shore power.
Old style breaker panels do not charge the battery. If your trailer has a small 110 box, I'm guessing there was/is a converter somewhere. Some of the early 60s trailers were experimenting with the two systems. Airstream had a "Univolt" converter in 1964, but they were not the most reliable. Many used 110 type wiring even for 12 volt fixtures.
Be careful when reconnecting the battery to the wiring. You should do a continuity test to ground (earth) to determine which wire is the ground. Also be sure the other wire is not grounded. (remove all bulbs to do this)
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