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Topic: 1984 Foretravel Charging System. (Read 354 times) previous topic - next topic

1984 Foretravel Charging System.

In my 1984 Foretravel, can anyone tell me exactly where the built in battery charger is? And I think there is also an
Inverter in here, can anyone tell me where that is located? Thank you, some of these things are in cases that don't look familiar to me , so they are hard to identify.

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System. Where are some parts?

Reply #1 –
Does this unit have basement storage compartments? Back in that era it was common for the manufactures to use an RV specific power distribution system the included 12 volt and 110-volt breakers and the 110 volts to 12-volt converter/charger built into the distribution center. Look for this and see what is included. If this is what you have upgrades are in order.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #2 –
Quote from: quickmagic –
In my 1984 Foretravel, can anyone tell me exactly where the built in battery charger is?
I think there is also an  Inverter in here, can anyone tell me where that is located?
...some of these things are in cases that don't look familiar to me , so they are hard to identify.
Converter/chargers and inverters from that era were fairly large (physically) and required cooling airflow, so they would be hard to hide.  Look in every storage bay.

On your 40 year old coach, items like converter/charger and/or inverter might be original, or they may have been replaced by a previous owner.

The cases of electronic devices typically have a label with ID info.  It may be difficult to see the label in confined mounting locations.

If you could get some photos of any "mysterious" devices you find, and post them here, we could help with identifying them.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #3 –
My '81 had the charger under the bed behind the circuit breaker panel. It was just a transformer no inverter.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: craneman –
My '81 had the charger under the bed behind the circuit breaker panel. It was just a transformer no inverter.
Same with my 87 except it was in the roof of the utility bay
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #5 –
My charger is above the tank blade valves.  I have a switch  at the bedroom door that says "inverter" but I have never found one.  Maybe in the little box near the ATS , near the bed. Or maybe under the closet floor. Seems like there was a box of some sort there. \
  I added 2 inverters  along with circuits, to drive the AC,resi fridge and work station .

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #6 –
Dennis, when you said upgrades are in order, what exactly  are you talking about?

Crane man, what is the difference between an inverter and a transformer?

  Thank you for your answers.

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #7 –
I did find the battery charger, under bed in rear, and Dennis, you were right, it looks like that should definitely lshould be replaced. Does anyone have any recommendations what to use for a replacement?

Re: 1984 Foretravel Charging System.

Reply #8 –
Quote from: quickmagic –
Does anyone have any recommendations what to use for a replacement?
The original factory specs for your coach show it was equipped with a 70A converter/charger.  Usually it is a good idea to stick with close to the original size, unless you need "bigger" for some reason.

1984 Foretravel Specifications

A converter/charger serves two purposes.  The primary purpose (especially in your situation) is keeping the batteries charged.  The secondary purpose is the "conversion" of shore or generator supplied AC power to 12V DC, thus providing power to the 12 volt circuits in your coach.  Modern converter/chargers include a "smart" 3 or 4 stage battery charger function that will properly charge your batteries.  They are usually very simple to install, only requiring a nearby 110V outlet to accept the power plug, and two cables connected to your coach batteries.  Once the converter/charger is in operation, you can use it to charge all your batteries by employing the boost switch.

There are a number of high quality converter/chargers on the market from reputable manufacturers.  You can either do the prepurchase research yourself, or follow the recommendation of other ForeForum members, or call an expert such as Randy at BestConverter.com.  Randy is a good guy who will answer your questions truthfully, and won't sell you junk.  I derive no personal or financial benefit from recommending his company.

BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"