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17a. 12 VOLT ELECTRIC OPERATION
When the caravan is on tow, it is recommended that the refrigerator is operated electrically, i.e. from the
12V battery in the towing vehicle, and not by means of bottled gas. It is important to understand that 12V
operation is intended only to be used whilst the car engine is running and charging the battery, and for
short periods when at rest, otherwise the battery may be discharged to a point where it will not re-start the
engine. When the caravan is at rest for more than a relatively short period, say about half an hour, the
caravan should be levelled, the refrigerator disconnected from the 12V supply and if required, started up
on bottled gas or mains electricity.
For operation on 12V, the boiler of the cooling unit is fitted with an 75 watt heating element (2, fig. 10),
connected to a two-way terminal block (3) at the back of the refrigerator. 12V operation is not
thermostatically controlled therefore the cooling unit will operate all the time the refrigerator is connect to
the 12V supply. (As 12V operation is intended for use only while the caravan is on tow, over-cooling is
unlikely because of the comparatively short time involved. If overcooling does occur during extended
towing periods, the refrigerator may be disconnected periodically as experience proves necessary).
The wiring in the car and caravan to supply the refrigerator from the main battery in the car should have
been installed in accordance with item 10 on page 6 of the installation section.
To use the refrigerator on 12V, check that the gas is turned off, then connect together the plug(s) and
socket(s) fitted during installation, and switch on any switches in the circuit to the refrigerator.
Note: Before operating the refrigerator on 12V, it should be pre-cooled, together with its contents, by
running it on bottled gas for a few hours before changing over to 12V and starting on a journey.
18. TEMPERATURE REGULATION
After starting the refrigerator, it will take about an hour before the ice-tray shelf shows signs of cooling.
The gas control knob (4, fig. 14) has four positions, marked 'Off', and 3, 2 and 1, representing three sizes
of flame - Maximum, Medium and Minimum. The amount of cooling produced in the refrigerator will
depend on the size of flame used.
It is preferable to start the refrigerator with the control knob set at the Maximum flame position (No. 3).
After an hour or so, it may be turned to the Medium (No. 2) or Minimum (No. 1) positions, to provide the
cooling required under the prevailing conditions.
In warm weather, or with a heavy food load, or frequent door openings, the Medium or Maximum position
will usually be needed, but, in cold weather it may only be necessary to use the Minimum flame position.
Remember to alter the setting, as necessary, if there is an appreciable change in room temperature or
conditions of use.
When operating on mains electricity, the refrigerator temperature is thermostatically controlled and the
thermostat dial (6, fig. 15) should be set with No. 3 or 4 against the indicator mark. Suitable temperatures
will then be maintained in the fridge for general use but, in hot weather, or if more cooling is required, turn
the dial to a higher number. For less cooling, turn it to a lower number.
19. STORING FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR
Four half-depth shelves are provided. Two can be used together to form a full size shelf (with the rear one
reversed so that its raised edge is at the back), or they can be used separately in the four locations in the
lining to leave space for bottles at the front.
To prevent drying out and the transfer of flavours from one food to another, always store foods in covered
containers or plastic bags. When 'on the move', crumpled pieces of clean paper may be wedged
(temporarily) between the various items to retain them.
Never put hot food into the refrigerator.
Remember to engage the travel catch when the caravan is to be on tow (see next item).
20. ICE-MAKING
Fill the ice-tray with water to within 3/16 ” inch (5mm) from the top, and place it on its shelf inside the
refrigerator. When the ice has formed, the tray can be released from the shelf simply by lifting one corner.
When operating on gas, ice will be made more quickly if the control knob (4, fig. 14) is temporarily turned
to the Maximum flame position (No. 3).
21. TRAVEL CATCH
The travel catch (fig. 16) is to keep the refrigerator door securely
closed when the vehicle is on the move. Remember to push the catch
down so that its lower end fully engages the plastic bush in the top of
the door, before moving off.