Date:         Thu, 15 Jun 2000 21:09:54 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
Subject:      Re: dual battery? hobigesuss!
Comments: To: Marc Perdue <marcperdue@adelphia.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> The fridge?  Why would you want to run the fridge on an aux. battery when
you've
> got the propane to run it while camping?

I've found running the fridge on the auxiliary battery to be the thing that
is best about having an auxiliary battery... the very best!

I run the fridge on 12 v while driving both because my propane will blow out
on the highway and to save the propane form my extended stays at remote
camping spots. When you stop the engine the alternator stops generating  12
volts and if you don't have an auxiliary battery to provide 12 volts to the
fridge then the cooling cycle stops...  even if you just stop for gas....
the cooling cycles stops and it takes the fridge about 1/2 hour to start
cooling again. I tend to travel in the summer in the southwest. In that half
hour the fridge temperature can go up by several degrees... In fact, if you
stop very much all your food is ruined. Yes, you cold start the propane
every time you stop... but that is a pain in the butt and you still have to
wait 1/2 hour for the cooling cycle to start again when you switch back to
12 volt for the road.

With the auxiliary battery I can stop for two or three hours with the fridge
on the auxiliary battery... do grocery shopping, laundry, tour a visitor's
center, etc., etc., and my food stays cold.... not starting the propane and
then switching back... and worst of all having to remember.

Also, remember one of the best tips for starting a suborn fridge on
propane??... run it on 12 volt for 1/2 hour first.... I can do that without
running the engine.

Also, for the purposes of power draw discussion and drawing down a battery
let's not forget that some people (I won't say who) may stop after driving
with the fridge on 12 volt and FORGET.... this in itself can deeply
discharge the auxiliary batter in a matter of a few hours... not bad for a
deep cycle battery, but when you start the van you do have that situation
we've been discussing regarding a deeply discharged auxiliary battery.

Bill