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Old 06-30-2019, 11:34 AM   #1
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Red key on to run fridge on gas?

Hi my fridge didnt seem to get cold on gas...I dont have the red key on. It's a 2009 sunseeker 3100ss with a dometic fridge. Just worried with red key on for a day or 2 it will drain batteries or is there not that much draw? Does in fact the red key need to be in or is there another means to get the fridge to run on gas. Thx!
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Old 06-30-2019, 11:40 AM   #2
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If you are calling the battery disconnect switch "the red key" then yes it must be on for the fridge to operate on propane. The fridge controller needs 12VDC to operate the fridge on propane. It uses very little battery and it will have a significant impact on battery life.
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Old 06-30-2019, 11:42 AM   #3
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Ok so 2 days or so with red key in for fridge doesnt matter?
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Old 06-30-2019, 11:56 AM   #4
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If yours is working correctly, you only need maybe 8 hrs to cool it down.
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Old 06-30-2019, 01:43 PM   #5
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I guess nobody has the rig books or _orgot how to read them,this is always explained in manural s
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Old 06-30-2019, 01:48 PM   #6
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You are such a valuable member of this community Santara!
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Old 06-30-2019, 01:48 PM   #7
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If he bought it used, the op may have thrown them out! 2009 and his questions, sounds like he bought used!
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Old 06-30-2019, 01:50 PM   #8
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Correct. I did by used and did not get a manual...
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Old 06-30-2019, 01:53 PM   #9
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With the batterys on for a couple days and limited use of 12 volts just the reefer, you should be fine. Mine takes less then 4 hours to get the bottom part to 32 degrees. We fill with cold things from house reefer and leave the next day.
You can go to the different manufacturers of the equipment and print out the necessary general manuals they have.
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Old 06-30-2019, 01:56 PM   #10
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If you are calling the battery disconnect switch "the red key" then yes it must be on for the fridge to operate on propane. The fridge controller needs 12VDC to operate the fridge on propane. It uses very little battery and it will have a significant impact on battery life.
I think he meant an "insignificant" impact on battery life.
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Old 06-30-2019, 02:08 PM   #11
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X2!
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Old 06-30-2019, 02:28 PM   #12
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Correct. I did by used and did not get a manual...
Many accessory and appliance manuals are in the Library section of the forum. Or you can find them on the manufacturers site if you can't find the manuals that cover your specific appliance in the Library. You will need the manufacturers name and model number from the appliances name plate. Most manuals will cover several model numbers. The manual you get from FR is generic and does not cover appliances.
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Old 06-30-2019, 02:41 PM   #13
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Before a trip, we always cool down our fridge on 120 AC while still plugged into house power at home. Then sometimes run on gas while travelling. If already cold, it won't take much to keep it cold until we can plug into shore power at a campground. Up to a couple days away from shore power the drain on the battery isn't a problem.In fact, I've never installed a cut off switch on the small trailer we travel with mostly.
Another trick--we freeze a bunch of bottled water at home, then leave it in fridge while traveling. Works like a big ice chest.
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Old 06-30-2019, 02:45 PM   #14
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Before a trip, we always cool down our fridge on 120 AC while still plugged into house power at home. Then sometimes run on gas while travelling. If already cold, it won't take much to keep it cold until we can plug into shore power at a campground. Up to a couple days away from shore power the drain on the battery isn't a problem.In fact, I've never installed a cut off switch on the small trailer we travel with mostly.
Another trick--we freeze a bunch of bottled water at home, then leave it in fridge while traveling. Works like a big ice chest.
Good ideas
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Old 06-30-2019, 02:47 PM   #15
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Only time I turn mine off from propane is for going in tunnels. Other wise its on all the time we are driving.
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Old 06-30-2019, 03:16 PM   #16
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Correct. I did by used and did not get a manual...
Sorry abt that but everybody should post all info that will help get a good answer if they can
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Old 06-30-2019, 04:22 PM   #17
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With a strong battery, you can go several days (week) or so with lp fridge. Battery only ignites lp for cooling fridge. Other things will use battery also. Water pump, lights, slides, awnings, etc. Good luck.
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:04 PM   #18
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Fridge Process

When leaving on a trip I turn on the fridge (and the red key) in the storage lot, drive the three miles home, add a frozen gallon of water to both the freezer and fridge, pack in the frozen/refrigerated food and head out. By evening everything is cold in the fridge and frozen in the freezer. Works well for us.
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