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This query is on behalf of a good friend who recently took delivery of a new Swift Sundance having been a tugger for many years.
He's currently touring abroad and is even less computer "savvy" than me but I'm hoping he'll learn the ropes and join MHF on his return.
Anyway-before he went away he had problems with his Thetford fridge which refused to work (or at the very least was inconsistent in working) on 240v and gas.
He contacted his dealer who told him that the fridge wouldn't work unless his vehicle was absolutely level, or at least not more than 5% "out". (Not sure where he'd get an instrument to measure the 5%? )
Consequently every time "friend" took his vehicle out he was extremey careful in lining it up to ensure it was exactly level.
He was also told on delivery that "in the interests of safety" he should switch off his gas supply when the vehicle was in motion. (He has exactly the same Truma Securmotion system as I have, and his fridge has Automatic capability.)
Now I can't help thinking that this Dealer is talking claptrap on both counts:
a) There are many times when our vehicle has been anything but level (Car Parks, Aires etc etc) and the Fridge (Dometic) has worked perfectly well on both gas and electric
b) The attraction for us (after also being tuggers) is not having to switch gas on and off constantly, and we leave fridge permanently on "Auto" where the system switches fuel accordingly. Isn';t that what an auto fridge is for? (Never switch it off when on ferries either)
I've told our friend of my views but he isn't convinced! He does intend to go back to the Dealer and query the question of "levelness" but in the meantime can anyone tell me if there's something different about the Thetford Fridge(it's the one with the blue LED lights) which would suggest that the Dealers advice on both issues was correct?
Could the owner be "messing up" the fridge system by constantly turning off the gas supply?
If I'm wrong I'll eat humble pie but if I'm right can someone support me and I'll show him this thread when he's returned
Just occurred to me- if JCM is about I'd be interested in Peter's views
Thanks
Last edited by Telbell on Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:26 pm; edited 2 times in total ______________________________________________________________ Chez soi-C´est ou on se stationne!!
There is a very small tolerance in level, something like 2.7 degrees when the fridge is working on gas.
The gas bottle must be disconnected when traveling as should one have an accident anda pipe ruptures you could be in trouble big time (big bang) and you may end up with wings upstairs!.
On New Sundance models it is safe to travel with the gas turned ON as it has the 'Truma SecuMotion' regulator fitted, this meets the latest EU requirements and allows mainly for heating to be on whilst travelling. However there are some local restrictions which has to be complied with e.g.; Petrol stations, ferries, tunnels etc.
In the event of an accident and gas pipe rupture it detects a sudden pressure drop and isolates the gas instantly.
As Andy said it is ok to leave the gas supply. Be aware though that the fridge allows you 10 minutes to fill up at a filling station before switching to Gas so don't stop for a coffee whilst still at the pump!
I have found that my Thetford fridge will take 7 or 8 attempts to light if the gas has been turned off, never had an issue with leveling, certainly doesn't need to be dead flat, if you are happy to sit and sleep on the pitch then the fridge will be fine.
Yes so far as "Secumotion" is concerned, that's what I thought the system was for.....to allow for the gas to be left on when travelling....including when necessary, habitation heating when in motion. I only ever switch ours off (at the bottle) when renewing the bottles. (It has an auto switch-over to a second bottle when first is empty)
Incidentally I've noticed that on our last two or three ferry trips we've never been asked to turn the gas off so perhaps the Ferry Companies are now awre of the "new" Truma system.
I'm still intrigued about the "tolerance" of the level needed for gas useage of fridge. I remember as a "Tugger" the degree of level was vital but certainly since Motorhoming I've found that the fridges we've had would work when we've been far from level. Is this just a Thetrford Fridge idiosyncracy?
Pete(4x4)-so the switching off of the gas could delay the fridge working when the gas is switched on again?
______________________________________________________________ Chez soi-C´est ou on se stationne!!
I too have a Thetford fridge. Mine is not sensitive to level. The fridge works fine at angles of tilt where we could not sleep comfortably. I think the level thing is a red herring, Alan.
Pete(4x4)-so the switching off of the gas could delay the fridge working when the gas is switched on again?
Seems to happen with me, but then I forget I've turned the gas off so it then has to purge the pipe etc, I can hear it light but the ignition keeps sparking for around 40 seconds then the fridge turns off. If i power cycle the fridge around 6 times it will start after that it's fine.
I was going to get the dealer to check it out at it's first service next year.
We have had trouble with the thetford fridge and it is correct that it will not work when not level and also which we didnt find out until it went wrong. it wont work even with electric or gas when the battery goes down which leaves us unable to go to rallies where there is no hook up as the battery will go down past 9 volts which is when the fridge cuts out as the 12 volt powers the thetford "auto" fridge i will not buy another thetford becuase of this problem, also it will not cool food when outside temperature reaches 29 degrees or above as there is no fan on the 12 volt to keep it cool enough, we had no fridge on the latest heatwave which was in June this year
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