Fridge on the move

RedMick
RedMick Forum Participant Posts: 173
edited March 2016 in Caravans #1

 This is one of those questions that I feel I should know the answer to, but don't Embarassed When travelling, I know to switch the
fridge to 'battery' setting, but should the master switch be on?

Comments

  • Richard M
    Richard M Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited March 2016 #2

    If you have a sargent unit the answer is Yes the black masterswitch should be in (on) It tells you this in the handbook

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #3

    Not on mine.  It's in the handbook. Master off and fridge to battery.  The 12v link to the car is direct - if it was wired up properly!

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #4

    Further to my post above.  Have just looked at my handbook and no mention of master on or off(Worried) but I always turn master off before towing.   But I'm not sure it really matters.   Also, forgot to add that you must have had the fridge on for a number of hours,say 12, beforehand to get it really cool as the 12v will not actually cool the fridge down, it will just maintain it cool. 

  • TheAdmiral
    TheAdmiral Forum Participant Posts: 506
    edited March 2016 #5

    We never switch the Master on whilst towing

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #6

    HappyBack again!  Knew I had read it somewhere.  CC Club Handbook page 633 - "Your Touring Checklist - things to remember before setting off in your caravan"; item 9 "Set 12v control panel to 'car' or 'off' and fridge to 12v too".  Think that answers your question RedMick.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #7

    Lunar (2013 model), Master off and fridge to 'battery', but initially when purchased I didn't know the answer either, dealer wasn't sure so they asked Lunar. It stays cool so must be right in this case.

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited March 2016 #8

    Connect to car....start car...try each switch combination and watch the indicator lights on the 'fridge!!

    Surely it can't be that simple????????

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #9

    Don't have an indicator light on my fridge!!!!!

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited March 2016 #10

    I didn't allow for that as I don't know what model your 'fridge is!Sad

    Suprised that there isn't an indication somewhere!

     

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #11

    Thetford N97.  But I don't have the problem!

  • Richard M
    Richard M Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited March 2016 #12

    I said at the begining of this post that Sargent says for the PSU black button to be in/on, here is a quote from the manual

    2.6 Operation while driving

    The EC400 system is designed to shutdown parts of the system while the engine is running. This is to

    meet Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) regulations and to ensure the safe operation of the

    caravan or motorhome.

    Please ensure the system isolate switch on the PSU is in the on (button in) position before driving (see

    2.2). This will ensure the electronic system is active and will therefore be able to control the charging

    process, supply the refrigerator and monitor other system circuits.

    On motorhomes if / when fitted, designated 12v sockets, en-route reading lights and en-route heating

    will remain operational while the engine is running.

    The manual is available on their site here, choose your specific model, quote above was from the EC400 unit (mine)

    http://sargentshop.co.uk/epages/eshop328964.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop328964/Categories/TechData/"Product Information"

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #13

    Our system (2008 Sterling) selects the on/offs itself, the only thing we need to do is select 12v on the fridge.  The habitation relay takes care of isolating what needs to be isolated.

    When we pitch up, we need to switch the main panel on again to activate all functions, and turn on the water pump.

    "Car" is only selected for emergency use of car battery when connected to car with ignition off.  This does not run the fridge.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #14

    RedMick.  Do you have a Sargent system?

  • RedMick
    RedMick Forum Participant Posts: 173
    edited March 2016 #15

    I'd never heard of 'Sargent' before reading it on here?? 

    I've spent an hour reading the handbook on all the different fridges in the range, but nowhere does it answer my question.

     

     

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #16

    Sargent is the electrical control box thingy not the fridge! Google it and you will see what I mean.  What make/model of caravan do you have?

  • RedMick
    RedMick Forum Participant Posts: 173
    edited March 2016 #17

    Sargent is the electrical control box thingy not the fridge! Google it and you will see what I mean.  What make/model of caravan do you have?

    Yes, I know about the fridge being Dometic.

    Bailey Pursuit 550-4

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #18

    Redmick.  Think I've got it.  The handbook says that when you switch master 'off' 12v power still goes to fridge (Master Control section).  Fridge instructions say that you must only have it on 12v when car engine is running to save discharging caravan battery. 
    I read this to mean that when towing put master to 'off' and fridge to 12v, this is what I do with my Bailey Ranger.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited March 2016 #19
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Richard M
    Richard M Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited March 2016 #20

    I'd never heard of 'Sargent' before reading it on here?? 

    I've spent an hour reading the handbook on all the different fridges in the range, but nowhere does it answer my question.

     

     

    Write your comments here...Hi RedMick the quote above is directly off the hand book for the EC400 range which is listed on the site link I posted (para 2.6 operation while driving) What controll unit do you have ? I am unfamiliar with Baily Caravans.

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #21

    Redmick.  Think I've got it.  The handbook says that when you switch master 'off' 12v power still goes to fridge (Master Control section).  Fridge instructions say that you must only have it on 12v when car engine is running to save discharging caravan battery.  I read this to mean that when towing put master to 'off' and fridge to 12v, this is what I do with my Bailey Ranger.

    The fridge never uses 12v from the caravan battery (assuming everything is wired correctly) .......so that is a bit of a red herring.

    The habitation relay will cut 12v power to everything else while towing, so turning things "off" seems unnecessary to me.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #22

    KjellNN; know that, what just quoting what the handbook said!

  • MrGarval
    MrGarval Forum Participant Posts: 120
    edited March 2016 #23

    Master should be switched off while towing.

    As previously mentioned it is important to bring fridge down to temperature as whilst towing it only maintains, with luck, the fridge temp.