Battery Question

[SilverRanger]

The fan in my 05 bambi is in the top compartment, is rather noisy, is thermostatically controlled, and has an illuminated cut off switch on the left as you enter the trailer. As usual, I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that they were standard, and Airstream added the cut off switch later as a result of complaints about the noise. I read an earlier thread about replacing the original fan with a computer fan of the same voltage and more CFM, which I am considering. Some contend that they are more efficient, and are significantly quieter. Some of them also have those cool LED lights built in.

[tpi]

I also have an '05 Safari SS. Check your Dometic installation and operating instructions page 11 under "climate control." This is a resistance heater designed to evaporate moisture on the metal frame of the fridge. This resistance heater is operated from 12V. and draws extra power. It should be turned off when running from battery.

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by tpi

I also have an '05 Safari SS. Check your Dometic installation and operating instructions page 11 under "climate control." This is a resistance heater designed to evaporate moisture on the metal frame of the fridge. This resistance heater is operated from 12V. and draws extra power. It should be turned off when running from battery.

Yep I forgot about this one. All the newer fridges have this switch and once turned on, you have no other indication that this heater is running. The switch is usually around the refrigerator door frame and easily overlooked. Many a battery has been run down by this being left on. One reason why many of us use the master disconnect switch to remove any chance of something being left on (other than the propane detector which is not in the switched circuit). Good catch tpi!

Jack

[kevino]

Thank you all!!

I totally forgot about the evaporator. I can't remember if I have one of these or not. I specifically remember reading about it in the instructions of my previous camper and it indicated it should be turned off when on 12v. I'll have to take a look at the new fridge. I would imagine it has one of these as well.

Kevin