Questions from new Boler owner

[morgynm]

I finally got out to explore my new to me Boler today and take some pics. It looks like it has some minor mildew or mould on the inside so I'm going up have to do a good bleach wash soon. Is that normal for campers that haven't been used in a while?

Also, there's some screws or rivets or something starting to pop out on the outside. Easy fix?

And what is the panel in the third pic for? One of the black knobs has a fuse in it and the two white buttons are labelled "20" and "15"




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[morgynm]

I might have put this in the wrong sub- forum. Sorry if I have.


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[morgynm]

Update... I discovered that the other knob has a fuse in it too. I also discovered the deep cycle battery under the seat below the panel and when I connected the wires to the terminal... Presto! Lights inside! The ivory rocker switch has three positions: left turns the power from the battery on, centre seems neutral as the lights go off, and I'm not sure what right does as there's no power that way either. Still trying to solve the mystery of the two little push buttons with numbers on them!


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[Roy in TO]

Rocker switch might be to switch from battery to off to 120 coverting to 12V
Push button swithches could be fuse sizes in amps. give them a push and turn and a glass fuse should be inside.

[morgynm]

Thanks! I'll try that when I get back from camping... unfortunately, not in my new baby!


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[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by morgynm

I One of the black knobs has a fuse in it and the two white buttons are labelled "20" and "15"

oops misread, white buttons are to reset circuit breakers.

[morgynm]

So there are fuses and circuit breakers? Sorry. I really am very new to all this. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people before I jump in and muck about with the different systems in the camper.


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[Roy in TO]

I've got a different converter in a different trailer. In mine the circuit breakers are on the 120V side and fuse on the 12V side. The rocker switch is for 12V from the converter on one side, off in the middle and 12V from the battery on the other. If you are not plugged in, you can test it with your interior lights. On, off, off or the other way around. Plugged in you will get on, off, on.

on edit, reading your post above. It will probably be left = 12V from battery, middle = off, right = 12V from converter.

[morgynm]

Alrighty! Is the big round plug tucked behind a little round flap what I plug in to power the lights direct? This thing has so many plugs and outlets. If that's the case, I'll ask my dad to plug her in!


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[Roy in TO]

Ask your dad to plug her in then.
And the one beside it is a water fitting. If female, it should be water in to the sink, not the tank. Follow the line or hose inside to make sure.

[andrew78]

Originally Posted by morgynm

I also discovered the deep cycle battery under the seat below the panel and when I connected the wires to the terminal...

make sure the battery is sealed and vented if its inside the trailer

[morgynm]

Oh crud. It's not in a battery box. Someone mounted it to one of those holders like in a car but that's it. I was surprised where it was as I always thought they were mounted on the tongue. Adding moving the battery and it's corresponding wiring to my to-do list.


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[andrew78]

not a big deal to buy a vented battery box. i thought it always made sense to have it inside to keep some weight off of the tongue

[morgynm]

Alrighty then... I can cross off the previous and add vented battery box instead. Sound much easier to do!!


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[drdog]

1973 13' Boler new to me. Previous owner put a shelf off the back that holds a plastic box, similar to what you might put on your deck, and the spare. It counters the weight of the front (2 propane tanks) and this is where I plan on putting the battery box. Leave very little weight on the tongue and easy to move around. Makes it a pleasure to drive, but also gives lots of storage space.

[David B.]

Jim, you will need to have at least 10% of your loaded trailer weight, on the tongue, or you will experience trailer sway or "the tail wagging the dog" syndrome.
Dave & Paula

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by drdog

It counters the weight of the front (2 propane tanks) and this is where I plan on putting the battery box. Leave very little weight on the tongue and easy to move around. Makes it a pleasure to drive, but also gives lots of storage space.

You will find that putting to much weight at the rear extreme of the trailer is not a good thing. You really do not want to "leave very little weight on the tongue" as you suggest as that will result in a very unstable tow with lots of sway - not fun! For a safe stable tow you really need to have at least 10% of the axle weight on the tongue.

[drdog]

It doesn't take such a huge amount off the tongue, but appreciate the comments. I'll do some checking on the weight, and this is one reason to put the battery box in the front. The box in the back really only carries the awning, chocks, small bucket, ropes, etc. so not a lot of weight there. But I'll certainly check! Thanks for the input. Jim

[jkmboler]

Rather than going to the trouble of a sealed and vented battery box, get yourself a Optima battery Car, Marine, & RV Batteries | OPTIMABATTERIES they are totally sealed and have no venting. You can even mount these batteries upside down if you want.

[drdog]

The website doesn't mention any dealers, etc. in Canada. Any thoughts there? I do like this idea if it's feasible. Makes the wiring so much easier and could still put it in the front under the bench.
Jim 73 Boler from Grand Prairie