Date:         Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:52:15 -0700
Reply-To:     neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      VF vs Upgraded Dometic Current Draw
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The recent VF install reports and subsequent current draw math brings
up a crucial point for me.

Is it possible a hopped up Dometic will draw as much or more current
when running on LP than a VF or TF?

Please bear in mind that I did not do an exhaustive amount of research.

Westy mostly under carport, empty Dometic 182B running on LP, 4-5
days, most days really hot out, some cooler. Interior CPU fan on
constantly, rear muffing fan switched on/off by thermo switch, higher
CFM "city water" fan randomly manually on/off. At best (slightly
cooler day, Westy high 80's inside), Dometic pulled a 50F
differential.

Today, much hotter outside. "Added in" real life. Did errands. Parked
in sun. (shade at fridge side). Parked in shade. Added prechilled food
late afternoon. Dometic temps dropped. Hours later, Westy interior
mid-high 90'sF, Dometic: 50F with 4 lonely cold beers inside. (they
won't be lonely long) My point....

Worst case scenario, (hot day/night... food added at "wrong time") 3
fans constantly on, draw is 1 - 1.25 amp per hour. (I need to double
check fan ratings or put a VOM in the circuit) Ironically, my guess is
that a VF or TF fridge might be more efficient even just in terms of
current draw when compared to a hopped up Dometic used in the same
situation. Yes lot's of variables I haven't taken into account. i.e.
"city" fan might be off at night if cooler out, rear fan cycles
on/off, adding food to either fridge will cause it to draw more
current, and temps will drop etc. Still, it seems that the modern
fridge with the Dan Foss compressor *might* win in terms of average
current draw when compared to my setup.

Just my .02 on a minor revelation.  :o)

Neil.


--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines