Apm1201
East coast
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I am wondering when driving if the refridgerator should be on the DC mode or should I use propane?
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bigfootford
Fair Oaks, California
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Apm1201 wrote:I am wondering when driving if the refrigerator should be on the DC mode or should I use propane?
Most of us use the Propane mode.
You really need hefty wiring to run the fridge with your truck and charge your batteries. You may need to upgrade the wiring if you elect to run in the 12vdc fridge mode.
The fridge alone will pull well over 15 amps dc.
If your camper batteries are low, you will be drawing quite a bit of current from your alternator.
My fridge is a 2 way, propane and 110vac.
Some folks here on the TC forum have disabled the 12vdc cooling feature, they do not want it even engaged accidentally.
Lot's of discussions on this subject:
TC to truck wiring discussion
Check Matthew_b's install to upgrade wiring.
Jim
2000 2500 9.6 Bigfoot,94 F250, Vision 19.5, Mich 245/70XDS2's, Bilstein shocks, air bags/pump, EU2000, PD 9260,Lifeline 100ah, 200W. solar, Morningstar Sunsaver 15A/ display panel, Trimetric, Delorme/laptop, Holux gps rec,led lights, Wave-3 heat.
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halibutman214
Oregon
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If you have an Auto mode use it. I'm not sure about the "should" but I run mine on propane and it has always worked perfectly.
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SkipJ
Michigan
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When?
1992 Airstream B-190 van
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Apm1201
East coast
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Thanks for the information.
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Just to add if your fridge is on DC it will draw from the RV battery if there is not enough amperage coming through from the vehicle battery. No fun getting out in the boondock and finding a half dead battery.
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bigfootford
Fair Oaks, California
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mike4947 wrote:Just to add if your fridge is on DC it will draw from the RV battery if there is not enough amperage coming through from the vehicle battery. No fun getting out in the boondock and finding a half dead battery.
Ditto this!
Jim
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Agreed. Either use propane mode, or turn it off.
Some people are not comfortable driving with the propane on.
In fact, I have completely disconnected the DC mode on my fridge. The wiring is now connected to a 12V socket on the kitchen counter.
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hedgehopper
Denver
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When we try to use propane while driving, the flame goes out. So we use 12 volts. We replaced the original wiring from the truck with a heavier gage. This improved the fridge performance while driving.
When we park for an extended period, we orient the truck so the fridge is on the shady side. That makes a big difference.
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bigfootford
Fair Oaks, California
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hedgehopper wrote:When we try to use propane while driving, the flame goes out. So we use 12 volts. We replaced the original wiring from the truck with a heavier gage. This improved the fridge performance while driving.
When we park for an extended period, we orient the truck so the fridge is on the shady side. That makes a big difference.
Ummm only happened to me maybe 2 or 3 times in 12 years and 150,000 miles of travel with the camper.
I did get rid of the factory fridge control board and installed an Dinosaur board several years ago for another reason. It attempts re-ignite and is adjustable.
http://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/
Jim
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