Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 17:55:31 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Bentley fridge mod (and Syncro thrills)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
The air supply mod is only to overcome lighting problems. The fans have
nothing to do with this. They only cool the rear of the fridge after it
has heated up.
Mark
Brent Christensen wrote:
>
> At the risk of rekindling the springtime fridge threads, I think I may have
> to pull my fridge out for service, and I want to kill as many birds with one
> stone as possible. Has anyone done the Bentley fridge mod AND any of the
> other mods that have been discussed ad nauseum? I'm wondering if I upgrade
> the fan(s), should I still bother with the Bentley air supply modification?
>
> Brent Christensen
> '89 Syncro Westy
> ---------------
> If you have time, read on for more gory details...
> ---------------
> After working beautifully since I got it, the fridge suddenly became
> noticeably less efficient at cooling during the latter part of our
> just-completed 2,500 trip through the Southern Cascades/Northern Sierras. I
> think it may have something to do with a stunt I pulled on a STEEP off-road
> trail. While trying to "see what it'll do" I got the Syncro to stick both
> pax side wheels up in the air (no joke - about 6" up front and about 1" in
> back). At this apex of this thrilling moment (while things seemed to stop
> in time, including my heart) I heard a "thunk" from the vicinity of the
> fridge. This could have been a can of beans shifting position, but I know
> that the fridge doesn't seem to work as well now. It will cool down to 37
> degrees or so, but only if the outside air is less than 70 degrees. With
> the air temp at 85, it will only cool to the high 40's/low 50's. It used to
> cool right down to 30 degrees or so, and a high of about 45. Propane/AC/DC
> all seem to have been affected - that's what seems strange.
>
> BTW, of course, the first thing I did when the wheels came up in the air was
> yell to my passenger to reach for the camera in the glove box, but damn-left
> it at camp!!! I have to say, though, I was downright AMAZED and the
> traction these babies can muster up with the diff lock on! I was climbing
> up a loose, scary-steep hill that turned a corner then ended abruptly,
> forcing me to back down (not easy to do with a Paulchen hanging off the back
> on a trail about 8" wider than the Vanagon on each side). As I was backing
> down, I had to back over a large water bar (a trench followed by a hill
> about 8-10" high running perpendicular to the trail at an angle). The rear
> pax side tire went up over the water bar first, since it was angled that
> way, and that lift combined with the steepness of the trail literally
> launched the front pax side wheel into the air. I stabbed the brake to give
> me time to assess the best course of action, and the front end just kind of
> bobbed in space as my passenger leaned out and looked back to make sure we
> could continue backwards (after unpuckering enough to move). As I gently
> let off the brake, the rear wheel eased over the water bar, and the front
> end came back down just as gentle as you please. I sure wish I had pictures
> to prove it! After that, I have absolute faith in this Syncro!
>
> Brent Christensen
> '89 Syncro Westy "Klaus"
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