Fridge changeover switch

[Pat_374304630]

I tow a 2002 Coachman Amara 520/4.When using the grey connections I switch over the following

The main switch from van to car

The switch on the fridge to battery.

Is this correct,as I have a long journey this June to Switzerland and I want to make sure I get it right.

Thank you in advance

 

[bear1]

it sounds ok to me pat its what i do,works fine.

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Pat,

That is the correct procedure, however the only point I would like to make is that when running the fridge off the car, this will only maintain the current temperature. You have to remember to pre-cool the fridge before hand.

As we keep our van in storage, when we travel on long journeys we put the fridge on gas overnight and then switch over when we hitch up at the start of the journey.

If taking the method then REMEMBER to turn the gas off,

have a nice trip and best regards, Martin

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Looks right to me too and as mentioned try to run on max on gas or electric before you leave .

Also you could freeze a large plastic bottle of milk to act as an ice pack.

Brian

 

[Pat_374304630]

Peace of mind at last.I keep the van on our drive and always switch the fridge on the day before we leave( mains).The wife then packs it before we go.

Many thanks for your replies.

 

[rayc]

Can anybody explain why moving the main switch from van to car affects the operation of the fridge?

It certainly doesn't on my 2006 Ace, the position of the switch does not affect the supply on pin 6 [with-ve on pin 7] to the fridge. One of the effects of putting the switch to the car position is that the caravan battery is disconnected from the incoming Battery Charger supply on pin 4 [with -ve on pin 3]therefore the caravan battery would not charge en route.

 

[rayc]

Can anybody explain why moving the main switch from van to car affects the operation of the fridge?

It certainly doesn't on my 2006 Ace, the position of the switch does not affect the supply on pin 6 [with-ve on pin 7] to the fridge. One of the effects of putting the switch to the car position is that the caravan battery is disconnected from the incoming Battery Charger supply on pin 4 [with -ve on pin 3]therefore the caravan battery would not charge en route.

Further to the above if the switch is in the car position and the car engine is not running it would be possible to drain the car battery if an internal light was left on in the van. I may be a worrier but on the ferry I always disconnect the 12S plug during the crossing.

 

[Tankie]

Hi All

I have a 2004 Swift which I bought new. I was told by the mechanic at the dealers, when driving, put the change-over switch to the central position, this way when the engine is running, the battery is being charged and the fridge in working on 12v. When I bought this van there was no way to confirm that power was getting to the fridge, so I fitted a LED I could see in the front window and connected to the fridge 12v circuit.I have never experienced any problem with fridge temps. but the LED just confirms everything is working as it should when the engine is running.

Tankie

Tankie

 

[Tankie]

Further to the above if the switch is in the car position and the car engine is not running it would be possible to drain the car battery if an internal light was left on in the van. I may be a worrier but on the ferry I always disconnect the 12S plug during the crossing.

I do too, its too late when the battery is flat!

Tankie

 

[Tankie]

I have just checked my "Owners hanbook" whichconfirms that I have got it right. the only thing to add is, make sure to switch the fridge to 12v operation.

Should the van battery become flat, and there is no mains available to re-charge it, switch the change-over switch to "Car" and so long as the 12s plug is connected, you can power all the 12v circuits from the car battery. When the switch is in the "caravan" position & the orange cable is connected & the charger is switched on this then powers all the 12v circuits & charges the van battery. If the charger is not switched on then the 12v circuits only, are powered from the van battery

Tankie