In my previous RVs I liked to travel with propane off at tanks as safety measure.
The older fridge models had manual switches that when I opted for 120v from inverter - they would stay or die on this mode.
Motorhomes had bigger charging wires, so running fridge for couple of hr on house batteries, still would recharge them when I continue driving later.
Now I would like to do the same on TC and having built-in inverter on my truck, would be nice to take advantage of it and secure 120V cable from truck directly to the fridge plug.
My dilemma is the computerized system, that when I stop at gas station and turn the truck off - in lack of 120V the computer will start sparking the igniter and with lack of propane it will spark for a while.
That brings safety concern at gas station as well.
So for those who are good with computer controls - how to override the propane option and let the fridge go off or into 12V mode when 120V turns off?
The older fridge models had manual switches that when I opted for 120v from inverter - they would stay or die on this mode.
Motorhomes had bigger charging wires, so running fridge for couple of hr on house batteries, still would recharge them when I continue driving later.
Now I would like to do the same on TC and having built-in inverter on my truck, would be nice to take advantage of it and secure 120V cable from truck directly to the fridge plug.
My dilemma is the computerized system, that when I stop at gas station and turn the truck off - in lack of 120V the computer will start sparking the igniter and with lack of propane it will spark for a while.
That brings safety concern at gas station as well.
So for those who are good with computer controls - how to override the propane option and let the fridge go off or into 12V mode when 120V turns off?
AnEv942 wrote:
I'm not clear on how an AC relay would cause refer to come on
It will parallel fridge main switch.
I did not check it yet, but I hope it is simple switch.
stevenal wrote:
When I had a gasser, I routed the DC to an external switch to easily disable the fridge. Remembering to turn it back on after fueling was a problem. After seeing how difficult it is to ignite diesel, I no longer bother. .
So did I for last few years.
I've been doing lot of stupid and danger things in my life, that now I no longer would do.
Point is that with retirement I have more time to play it safe, instead of being (potentially) sorry.
Once again, my goal is not only avoiding flame during fueling, but cutting propane off period.
Like I said in other topic, I have seen or hear about too many cases when overheated brakes totaled whole DP simply becouse the propane piping was under pressure.
TC is safer in this case only to some point.
AnEv942 wrote:
IF your getting into refer outside-you don't need to reroute inside switch-just add another switch on the 12v input to turn off. Turn back on when ready to start truck (or after starting). You have a minute or 2 before the check light comes on if AC not available yet.
I'd do the relay (see previous post edit) but on the 12v side to turn on/off refer (control from cab, keeping fridge from looking for alternate source). If you want to make it auto could power the cab 12v switch that triggers relay to an ignition source. Truck turned off, power to relay cut/refer off. Start truck power to relay/fridge comes on. I don't know what controls your inverter but if it comes on before fridge goes to check-done.
Only problem with cab controlled relay- need to add a bypass when camped.
I am visual man and I better understand schematics, than descriptions, but what I understand - this idea requires getting into camper during fueling and other stops.
Having relay on 120V side makes it coming on automatically with truck/inverter start.
I'd parallel the relay with original on/off switch and all I have to do at the end of the day is open the propane and push the main switch on. That in lack of 120V will fire the burner.
Obviously with shore power, I have to replug fridge cord from truck to original outlet.
I understand your design used for 12V operation, but my goal is use truck inverter I already have with small cord.
IF your getting into refer outside-you don't need to reroute inside switch-just add another switch on the 12v input to turn off. Turn back on when ready to start truck (or after starting). You have a minute or 2 before the check light comes on if AC not available yet.
I'd do the relay (see previous post edit) but on the 12v side to turn on/off refer (control from cab, keeping fridge from looking for alternate source). If you want to make it auto could power the cab 12v switch that triggers relay to an ignition source. Truck turned off, power to relay cut/refer off. Start truck power to relay/fridge comes on. I don't know what controls your inverter but if it comes on before fridge goes to check-done.
Only problem with cab controlled relay- need to add a bypass when camped.
I'd do the relay (see previous post edit) but on the 12v side to turn on/off refer (control from cab, keeping fridge from looking for alternate source). If you want to make it auto could power the cab 12v switch that triggers relay to an ignition source. Truck turned off, power to relay cut/refer off. Start truck power to relay/fridge comes on. I don't know what controls your inverter but if it comes on before fridge goes to check-done.
Only problem with cab controlled relay- need to add a bypass when camped.
Got another idea during the exchange.
How about pulling on/off switch out of fridge panel, extend the wires to back panel, when I will have extension cord with 120V from truck and install 120V relay who will turn the fridge on when 120V is available?
More work than I anticipated, but I think I can do that, can I?
How about pulling on/off switch out of fridge panel, extend the wires to back panel, when I will have extension cord with 120V from truck and install 120V relay who will turn the fridge on when 120V is available?
More work than I anticipated, but I think I can do that, can I?
The whole idea is to make foolproof system that will require nothing to do while on the road.
Opening the propane at my destination and switching fridge to propane is the only thing I am willing to do, when having fridge shut-off during small day stops is acceptable.
Opening the propane at my destination and switching fridge to propane is the only thing I am willing to do, when having fridge shut-off during small day stops is acceptable.
