Date:         Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:02:59 -0400
Reply-To:     Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Subject:      Re: Future propane changes planned. Prepare in advance?

I'm preparing another Westy to be my temporary camping rig while I build my
Monster Syncro-16 highroof (
http://westyventures.com/Syncro16highroofcamper.html ) The plan is to move
over my Vitrifrigo fridge, and install a Propex under the fridge. There is
room, just need to be careful that the pipes will clear correctly
underneath. I'll also add the 7-day programmable timer so I can demo this
combination around the country as I begin to travel a bit once again.
Battery usage: I ran mine on an analog timer to measure exact 'on' time over
24 hours, during mid-80's days with 60's nights, it ran exactly 1/3 of the
time. I also connected an ammeter, it showed as high as 3.3 amps on startup,
but would drop back as low as 2.3 during running. I therefore calculated
20-22 a/h usage per day. Since I still haven't found time to build a solar
charge system, I rely totally on battery. In that regard, I installed a
group 4D Interstate deep cycle under the back seat - 230 whopping a/h,
pictures on my site. Not for everyone, but hey, I can go off-grid for up to
10 days without worry.

Karl
www.westyventures.com

On Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:25:06 -0400, B Feddish <bfeddish@NETREACH.NET> wrote:

>>>
>>Also consider ditching the Westy fridge for a Vitrifrigo and remove the
>>fridge line altogether. :)
>
>
>Only if you have a deep-cycle house battery and are willing/able to
>recharge it every ?2-3? days off grid.  Richard Jones and others have
>installed them and can tell you what their average consumption is.
><<
>
>In real world reality on really hot days 36 hours is the most out of a
>battery for the Vitrifrigo. I carry 2 deep cycles and solar panels. I was
>able to add a half day to each batter with the 30 watt panels last year and
>this year I have an additional 50 watt panel that I am dying to try out.
>