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Post Info TOPIC: 12V Fridge in Bailey Senator Series 5?
jrk36


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12V Fridge in Bailey Senator Series 5?
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Just purchased my first caravan, a 2007 Bailey Senator Louisiana Series 5 and checking everything works :)

The only thing causing confusion is running the DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR MODEL RM 8550L in 12V mode. I'm parked up and connected to 240V mains and not connected to the car. The fridge works fine when switched to 240V, but doesn't work when switched to 12V.

I know fridge draws a lot of current so just wondering if it is designed to only work when connected to the car and motor running? If so then it doesn't make sense, for when connected to 240V the van battery is automatically charging in this van.

NB: all fuses are sound and all trip switches are on, as is 12V Master Switch.

I do have the manual but it doesn't help in this matter. Any help you goirng folk can give would be must appreciate.

Thanks, John Kennedy



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aussie_paul


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Hi John, fridge from 12 volt is usually only run when connected to tug AND engine running.

Aussie Paul. smile



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banjo


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More than likely the 12v element blown, a very common item on these fridges, another reason I would never have another 3 way fridge.
We went through 2 elements in the last van with one of these inefficient dinosaur tech things. Wont call it a fridge, more a cool box. )

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brian
oldtrack123


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HI John

Have you read the user manual??7 UNDERSTAND THE CONTROL SWITCH FUNCTIONS

That model has an auto energy select mode

If 240v is available it will run on that

If no 240v available AND IF IT IS WIRED CORRECTLY, it will only run on 12V when the battery is receiving  a charge from the vehicle alternator

 

It should NOT run on 12v from the house battery with just the mains charger connected,the 12v operation is for on the move use

This is to PROTECT the battery from over discharging

It will go to gas if neither 240v or 12V is available

However to do all those functions it also needs a permanent 12V supply from the van /house battery, for the control system

I very much doubt that the 12V element has failed, so do not waste your money racing out & buying one.

They usually have loooong lives, although that cannot be said about some of the 240V elements



-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 10:19:50 PM

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PeterD


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John, from the handbook it appears that your fridge is a 110 litre MES (manual energy select) model. If the van has been wired correctly you can not run your fridge off the house battery. If you wish to run the fridge from 12 V it the van needs to be connected to the tug. Don't run the fridge for long without the motor running, you can flatten the starting battery in less than an hour in some vehicles.

Dometic fridge identification.GIF



-- Edited by PeterD on Thursday 22nd of October 2015 10:28:09 PM

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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 
jrk36


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Oldtrack123: I have read the manual (and you don't need to SHOUT at me thank you). My caravan (Bailey Senator Louisiana Series 5) DOES NOT have auto power select on the fridge. It is a purely manual process to switch between power sources. Thank you for you help (!)

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kesa32


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Hi John , we have a Bailey as well , and yes , as others have mentioned , 12v is only for towing , otherwise you'd kill the house battery over time

l found they're a pretty good fridge , and work as intended  ( we run an esky etc for cold beers etc when there's more than 2 of us :)  )

Cheers Ken



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Footprints


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Is JRK short for JERK i don't think you were being shouted at, the important things were being highlighted so that we all can learn from the post that is all. Cheers.



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Footprints  

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oldtrack123


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Footprints wrote:

Is JRK short for JERK i don't think you were being shouted at, the important things were being highlighted so that we all can learn from the post that is all. Cheers.

 

Hi

Thanks for understandingsmilebiggrin



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jrk36


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I'm too old for this, I'll just leave the group, for you obviously have a very warped method of communication. The convention is CAPITALS are shouting.



-- Edited by jrk36 on Friday 23rd of October 2015 06:06:47 PM

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Vince


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Sometime ya got to shout at me because I'm near DEAF

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Cheers from Vince

VK2FBUZ
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