"Thank You" and an update:
We want to thank you all so much for your responses. The wealth of information and tips here on the forum are much appreciated! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and taking the time to post.
We wrote to the manufacturer about the fridge, haven't received a reply as yet. We aren't expecting much in way of a response but we wanted to register a complaint about the installation of that particular fridge in a Tent Camper and also about the dealer's lack of knowledge of the problem and the lack of any operating instructions in the owner's manual.
My husband (who is brand new to RVing world, BTW) had to troubleshoot the reason for the battery drain. It was a stressful few days of phone calls to the dealer, removing fuses, testing if the battery was charging at all, more calls to the dealer and finally removing and unplugging the fridge. I know this is an entry level camper but to us $9,000 it is not small change.
We are considering replacing the Koolatron with an old-school ice box such as this:
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Ice_Box_Small_p/vts-712.htm
We will post a photo if we install it. DH is also adding a knife switch to the battery to turn off everything (lights, radio, etc) while the camper is in our garage.
The good news is we are having a great time planning/doing small mods to the camper - things like hanging a flashlight by the door, velcroing a small first aid kit for easy access, velcroing cushions to seats, figuring out storage solutions, etc.
We actually took "her" out this week for the first time and absolutely loved it! We brought our ice chest along and it worked quite well for 3 days - just plopped in atop the picnic table in the shade. We camped at Idyllwild Park, only 1 hour away from home. It is a gorgeous park! Almost had it all to ourselves. Huge granite boulders, tall pines, tons of birds, bushy tailed gray squirrels (our dog Maggie's first squirrel sightings) and a pack of coyotes we didn't see but heard - so eerie when they were howling together at 2 a.m. Can't wait to go out again soon. The heater works like a charm to take the chill off the cold mornings.
Hebrew National Brats, grilled, cut-up, mixed with a can of Ranch Beans and a can of Pork and Beans and heated over the campfire. There is no better eating. :) Except for breakfast - pancakes, eggs, sausage, maple syrup - heaven!!!
Cheers,
Linda
