Hi. Just a quickie!
We have a 97/98 Pennine Fiesta 2+2,with full awning and two additional skirts (all hand made by a local seamstress). The original transformer is on its way out - both connections have had the solder joints crack and had been difficult to re-solder. Anyway, a direct replacement is far too expensive for what is, essentially, a 12v transformer!
Could you advise me what the spec is for this transformer? I understand that it is, obviously, a 240v to 12v but what sort of amps should it be able to handle? I can easily put my hands on, either, a 10amps or 20amps (or greater, if needs be!), all with built in cooling fans, etc, at very reasonable prices.These would need to be connected directly to the on-board mains to convert down to 12v,I would imagine? Any technical advice would be greatly received!
I look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Oh, and btw, I am keeping this nice and simple:Always stay on sites with EHU, therefore the hook up is purely to get mains into the camper, so we can use the fridge, the sockets, etc. It, also, supplies the 12v system (via the transformer) for the water, some LED lights, etc. We don't have (and never will) a leisure battery installed. We don't go down that road....! So, the transformer would be there to, purely, look after the 12v system and would not be used to 'trickle charge' a battery. Hope that helps, if any are curious before asking questions.
Regards.
A 20amp transformer would do the job. If you have electrical knowledge then you will know how to wire it up, the same way as the existing one is wired.
Excellent! Thank you. I am amazed at how difficult it is to find out certain things. It has been a long learning curve over the last year or so. Knowledge is power, as they say.
That is good news, regarding the info you gave. I can get my hands on a nice, compact, stainless steel bodied, 20A transformer with a built in cooling fan. Just what is needed where Pennine locate (and hide!) those electrical devices.
Thanks again. But, will always be open to learn new knowledge!
Yes I would recommend 20A as well. Make sure you fit it where it will be well ventilated and not covered by bedding storage or the like. Needs to be a stabilised 13.8volt output as well.
Yep. Will be ventilated as much as it can be in the position where the original transformer sits. Hence, the idea of using one that has its own cooling fans.
As for the voltage stability, can I ask why this needs to be? As I'm not using (and never will be using) a leisure battery (as I only go to sites with EHU), I would have thought that this may not be that necessary. Or, am I missing something???
Thanks, in advance.
Spot on! That's exactly the news I wanted to hear!
I only go to sites with EHU = Don't have a need for a leisure battery connected.
Only use water pump on the 12v supply.I think.... or, does the fridge run off that as well? Oh, and the wardrobe light. Can't think what else runs off the 12v. As for my LED light system this runs off the mains sockets anyway.
And, as for using radios, TV and what not,we have none of those trappings of modern life:That's the whole idea of us having the freedom that the Fiesta can give us. (But, that's another subject, isn't it!!! 😤).
Thinking about it, now, what a palaver and kerfuffle just to run a wardrobe light and a water pump! 😄
Post last edited on 20/03/2016 11:37:36
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Force81
If you have the usual 3way absorption fridge then this runs off mains while on site as well so all you will be using 12v for is water pump & wardrobe light. If you use a water can with spout to fill sink then you probably don't need 12v.
In case you don't know, 3way fridge means that it runs on mains plugged into ehu, or gas on non ehu site. 12v mode is only for driving & needs twin cables plugged into car or more modern 13pin to work with relay cutting 12v power when engine is stopped. It cannot be used on site with 12v.
If you want to run a 12v electric fridge or cheap coolbox then even these can run off mains with adaptor.
Yep. I forgot that I already knew all that about the fridge. Duh! 😆
Yeah, so it really does look like I'm doing a lot of kerfuffling, just to run the water pump and wardrobe light. But, hey! It will be a good exercise to replace the on-board transformer, anyway, as it is nearly 20 years old, I like to fiddle/update the camper, plus we'll have a nice, new, shiny, better-than-original transformer at the end of the day. Oh, and a 20A with cooling fan, for less than £30 has got to be another reason! 😅
------------- Loved by few, hated by many, respected by all.
Force81
One already knows about Alan: He sourced, bought, repaired and updated our wonderful camper for us! It is good to see hrs gone from strength to strength and that his knowledge is being put to immense use here.
------------- Loved by few, hated by many, respected by all.
Force81
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Fiesta 2+2 transformer
