Fridge question

Another point to consider is that absorbtion fridges, as fitted to most caravans,as opposed to compression fridges, like you have at home, need to be level in order to work best. Travelling uphill and down dale and round winding roads, is never going to get the best out of them.

Its true, the flame does go out sometimes, but as we have a thrmometer inside the fridge and a gauge on the outside we see if the temp starts to rise, so it's not a problem for us, its certainly better that using 12v.

As to the level of the van on the move, I dont believe this to be a problem as its due to liquids refusing to go up hill that is the problem when parked but on the move the liquid sloshes about.

 

When 3 way absorbtion fridges are set to 12v, AND the vehicle relay is working correctly, the fridge WILL cool , and no thermostat will control it, the 12v element will be active all the time the alternator is turning. At all other times the 12v switch is inoperative, so neither battery will be used. Using Gas while travelling without a Tripstop regulator is very dangerous, especially on garage forecourts, where naked flames(your pilot light) are illegal.   Hope you dont park alongside me on a garage forecourt, as i fill my car with petrol !!   

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The comment on fridge on gas when in a garage is a fair one and I will make sure I don't do from now on, I don’t understand the word tripstop, can you explain please.

I have to disagree with “When 3 way absorption fridges are set to 12v, AND the vehicle relay is working correctly, the fridge WILL cool” discussions with other MH's indicates efficiency of these fridges do decline with age

As to use on ferry’s, if the ferry company don't provide electricity plug ins 22 hours or even 50 hours on one occasion is too long plus the ferry company never state “turn of the gas” that I have ever seen but I know the Euro tunnel does.

Don't ferry operators question you as to whether your gas is turned off? They used to and there used to be warning notices to that effect. It's a common sense safety issue. Burning gas means a naked flame - hold of a ship, close proximity to other vehicles..... 

P & O website

 

   vii.            On Short Sea and North Sea routes, gas with a weight of up to 47kg (excluding the weight of the gas receptacle) may be carried. On Irish Sea routes, up to 3 gas cylinders of no more than 11.2kg may be carried. All cylinders must be adequately secured against movement of the ship with the supply shut off at the cylinders during the voyage. Leaking and inadequately secured or connected cylinders will be refused shipment. Any gas cylinders to be carried must be declared at the time of booking. Partially full or empty cylinders will be treated as if they are full. A maximum of 6 cylinders of medical oxygen for personal use may be carried, provided a letter from the user's doctor is provided stating that they require medical oxygen.

"The comment on fridge on gas when in a garage is a fair one and I will make sure I don't do from now on, I don’t understand the word tripstop, can you explain please."

not familiar with Rays specific name but i guess what he is alluding to....

and that is a safety system that allows you to drive with the gas on...Trumas latest names for these is (AFAIK) 'drive safe' and consists of a hose with a rupture detection cutoff button and complementing regulator.

in effect, you need to press the green button on the hose and then the green button (and release slowly) on the regulator.

if a crash is detected, and a pressure drops suddenly, the button closes and, effectively, seals the gas cylinder.

a pretty std system on new/recent vans....

Seems it's legislative -

Under International and UK legislation passengers wishing to carry gases in cylinders (pressure or gas receptacles) need to comply with the following provisions which the Company are obliged to apply in accordance with the appropriate regulations.

See -

http://www.stenaline.co.uk/FAQs/shipment-of-firearms-and-dangerous-goods/can-i-travel-with-gas

 

i wouldnt have a problem complying, on short crossings, turning the fridge off for a couple of hours isnt an issue...if we are on a long crossing we just wouldnt be carrying very much in there anyway.

its not difficult to get fresh supplies on arrival....