Date:         Fri, 4 Jun 2010 07:25:31 -0700
Reply-To:     Jay lefstein <jleftbrane@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jay lefstein <jleftbrane@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fridge/Freezer energy requirements for a dummy!
Comments: To: mcneely4@cox.net
In-Reply-To:  <20100604101552.BK52E.621206.imail@eastrmwml32>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

thats weird I drove 10,000 miles this spring and it stayed lit the
whole time?????
On 4-Jun-10, at 7:15 AM, <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> ---- Jay lefstein <jleftbrane@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> I have found that my westy fridge's in all my vanagons over the years
>> ( 84, 89, 87 ) have all worked best on propane, i leave it on propane
>> for 2 weeks at a time here and there and even when driving.. the
>> vitrifrigo seems pretty badass ;)
>
> The Dometic works really well on propane, at least mine does, so
> long as ambient temperature is generally below 100 F and the camper
> is parked in the shade (not always available -- in that case I try
> to turn the refrigerator side of the camper away from the sun).  It
> also works really well on A.C., which I use to precool it before a
> trip.  One time I used it on A.C. when camping at a state park.
> That's the only time I have ever camped where A.C. was available (I
> tend to avoid such places).  It works pretty well (keeps cold if
> precooled) on D.C.  However, if I stop for any time at all, say for
> a meal or a rest, it will warm up.  So, if I expect to be stopped
> longer than a half hour or so, I switch it to propane.  I also
> precool all foods and drinks before putting them in the refrigerator.
>
> I never run it on propane when driving, in keeping with instructions
> with the machine, and general expectation that it would not remain
> lit.  I have done so briefly during tests, but I did not drive at
> highway speeds.  The owner's manual explicitly states that it is not
> designed to remain lit while moving, and the propane is supposed to
> be shut off while moving anyway (DOT regulations).
>
> DMc