zoomorphic Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 were going on our first outing this weekend so, does the fridge automatically come on when im traveling or do i have to switch the electrics over to car? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyJover Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 How old is the van? If it doesn't have a Car-Off-Van switch then it's automatic. If it does then it needs switching. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianI Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 On most fridges you have to select the 12v option, usually indicated by a battery symbol. Your car has also to be fully wired to provide power to the fridge. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoomorphic Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 hi van is 12 years old,it does have: car /off /van switch. ...would i have to switch it to car then? thanks for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianI Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 hi van is 12 years old,it does have: car /off /van switch. ...would i have to switch it to car then? thanks for the advice! That has nothing to do with the fridge. The supply to the fridge is a separate circuit on its own. You just need the selector switch on the fridge selected to 12v. Your fridge may be of an age when they came fitted with indicator lights to show power is there. If so the red light should come on when connected to the car with engine running. Modern fridges don't have these lights so it's difficult to tell if they are working. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Lord Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 How old is the van? If it doesn't have a Car-Off-Van switch then it's automatic. If it does then it needs switching. Tony I have had caravans with both systems and providing the towing electrics have been setup correctly and the switch on the fridge for 12v supply is turned on the fridge worked no matter where that switch was. Quote Bill Growing old is compulsory, growing up is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoomorphic Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 right,so if i just select 12v on the fridge setting,oppose to gas or mains supply then the battery from my car will power it,i have the twin sockets fitted to car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F185 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 right,so if i just select 12v on the fridge setting,oppose to gas or mains supply then the battery from my car will power it,i have the twin sockets fitted to car Yep just switch the red rocker switch over to battery symbol, thinking about it I'm pretty sure I leave mine in that position all the time and the red light comes on when connected to the car. Quote Compass Corona (Magnum) 524 (2003) -----------VW Passat Alltrack 170 BHP DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoomorphic Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 excellent!....thanks all for your input!.....its not going to be a disaster if i get it wrong as were not travelling too far for the first attempt lol regards Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F185 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 excellent!....thanks all for your input!.....its not going to be a disaster if i get it wrong as were not travelling too far for the first attempt lol regards Dave Good luck with your first journey Dave, hope it goes ok Quote Compass Corona (Magnum) 524 (2003) -----------VW Passat Alltrack 170 BHP DSG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OWOMW Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Be aware that running the fridge on 12 volts when towing will not cool it down very much - it will only maintain the coldness already in it. Best to cool the fridge overnight on mains at home if possible, otherwise put in a couple of frozen ice packs or similiar. Quote Land Rover is now back towing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasoes Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 we put our fridge on night before and don't bother with the 12 volt setting just put a couple of ice packs in and we have travelled about 4 hrs with frige still cold inside. Quote The more I learn the more I know,the more I know the more I forget,the more I forget the less I know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyJover Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 That has nothing to do with the fridge. The supply to the fridge is a separate circuit on its own. You just need the selector switch on the fridge selected to 12v. Brian My bad. Apologies for the bad advice. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesF Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 Hi there Just a point that perhaps needs to be clarified, the fridge will only work on 12volts when the grey connector is connected to the car AND the engine is running (there's normally a relay in the car's wiring to switch on when the "ignition light goes out" ) so you don't drain the car battery. Consequently you can only check if the fridge is working (red or green light on 12v) with it connected AND engine running. (BTW My 9 year old Dometic fridge has green lights to show which supply is on ( Gas, 230v & 12v) ) Jim Quote "keep your motor running" caravan: Avondale Avocet ( 2006) - tow car: Renault Laguna (2007) - play car: Mercedes 300SL (1988) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Lord Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 right,so if i just select 12v on the fridge setting,oppose to gas or mains supply then the battery from my car will power it,i have the twin sockets fitted to car You can leave the other swiches in whatever place you like they do not function when on 12v, judt turn the 12v on. I leave the mains switch and the 12v turned on all the time. Quote Bill Growing old is compulsory, growing up is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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