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Old 10-22-2015, 06:37 PM   #1
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Question Q:Does generator override propane refrig?


It’s been a while since we “dry camped” in our Rockwood A frame. It’s equipped with both 12 & 120 electric and propane refrig.


Q: Does generator automatically override propane refrigerator? Or do we have to turn off propane & relight it every time we run electric gen?.



Thx, J.
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Old 10-22-2015, 06:51 PM   #2
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I have always turned off electric as it states in the manual and then turn on the propane
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Old 10-22-2015, 06:52 PM   #3
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I'm not sure, my fridge auto detects whether there is gas or electric present.
One thing I learned is you have to start your fridge up 24 hrs before use. It take 24hrs to get cold. after 12 hours my fridge was only 30 degrees.
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Old 10-22-2015, 07:26 PM   #4
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Yes generator over rides gas.

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Old 10-22-2015, 08:44 PM   #5
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The 120 V / generator does not over ride the propane on a A-frame. There are switches for 12V and 120V. Top vent on out side of trailer. If you turn on the 12V or 120V and the propane is lit, I do not know if the 120V would turn it off. The refrigerator uses so little gas on the A-frame I would not worry about it. I have gotten 3 weeks on one bottle and there was some cooking and a little heating during that time.
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Old 10-22-2015, 11:13 PM   #6
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No override. The frig is manually controlled by the switches behind the frig outside cover.
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Old 10-23-2015, 06:00 AM   #7
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Wonder why that is?


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Old 10-23-2015, 06:18 AM   #8
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Our popup was that style fridge, only a small half fridge if you will and a small freezer, like a dorm fridge.

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Old 10-23-2015, 11:28 AM   #9
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Wonder why that is?


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Turbs

The fridges in the normal Pups and Aframes have totally manual 3 way fridges. No thermostat control, continuous run, and no auto-start. Some high wall models have more conventional RV fridges.

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Old 10-23-2015, 11:29 AM   #10
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Turbs

The fridges in the normal Pups and Aframes have totally manual 3 way fridges. No thermostat control, continuous run, and no auto-start. Some high wall models have more conventional RV fridges.

Fred W
Ah thought it was a two way.
I'll try to distinguish that better next time!

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Old 10-23-2015, 02:02 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoArt View Post

It’s been a while since we “dry camped” in our Rockwood A frame. It’s equipped with both 12 & 120 electric and propane refrig.


Q: Does generator automatically override propane refrigerator? Or do we have to turn off propane & relight it every time we run electric gen?.



Thx, J.
Mine does if I have the refrigerator set to "AUTO" and every time I start my generator for the microwave the Refrigerator switches to electric. If my refrigerator is set to "GAS" it stays on propane and does not switch.
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Old 10-23-2015, 02:29 PM   #12
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The OP is talking about 3-way fridge, NOT a typical 2-way fridge.
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Old 10-23-2015, 02:34 PM   #13
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Got it
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Old 10-23-2015, 03:19 PM   #14
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Mine does if I have the refrigerator set to "AUTO" and every time I start my generator for the microwave the Refrigerator switches to electric. If my refrigerator is set to "GAS" it stays on propane and does not switch.
Unless the OP has a High Wall model, the standard height A-frames have small 3 way fridges with the following "features":

- there is no "Auto" or "Automatic" setting. You must individually turn on/off/start the desired mode - 120V AC, 12V DC, or propane. In most of the standard A-frames, the AC and DC on/off switches are behind the upper outside panel, and the propane valves and starter are behind the lower outside panel.

- all modes are continuous run. The fridge runs continuously until the power or propane runs out or is shut off. Temperature regulation is by varying the gas flame with a valve (propane). On AC, newer fridges of this type have a control that functions just like a house light dimmer, changing the power to the AC resistance coil. DC is unregulated on these fridges. As a result, it takes some fiddling over several days to get a constant temp inside the fridge.

- no inside controls. All controls and switches are accessed from the outside vent panels.

Before camping: 12-36 hours prior to departure, trailer is plugged in, fridge set to max on AC. When hooking up to depart, trailer unplugged, fridge switched to DC. Tow vehicle powers fridge (5-6 amps) and keeps batteries at full charge. Propane does not stay lit for me on the road, and there is no auto-restart. At camp, switch to AC or propane depending on power. Set to one number below max cool. After 2 days camping, dial cool back to about 2/3.

Fred W
Now: 2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame (12ft box)
Then: 2000 Coleman Westlake PUP (12ft box)

Now: camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time
Then: 10 days at Lake Tahoe each summer plus occasional weekends in California
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Old 10-23-2015, 05:17 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pgandw View Post
Unless the OP has a High Wall model, the standard height A-frames have small 3 way fridges with the following "features":

- there is no "Auto" or "Automatic" setting. You must individually turn on/off/start the desired mode - 120V AC, 12V DC, or propane. In most of the standard A-frames, the AC and DC on/off switches are behind the upper outside panel, and the propane valves and starter are behind the lower outside panel.

- all modes are continuous run. The fridge runs continuously until the power or propane runs out or is shut off. Temperature regulation is by varying the gas flame with a valve (propane). On AC, newer fridges of this type have a control that functions just like a house light dimmer, changing the power to the AC resistance coil. DC is unregulated on these fridges. As a result, it takes some fiddling over several days to get a constant temp inside the fridge.

- no inside controls. All controls and switches are accessed from the outside vent panels.

Before camping: 12-36 hours prior to departure, trailer is plugged in, fridge set to max on AC. When hooking up to depart, trailer unplugged, fridge switched to DC. Tow vehicle powers fridge (5-6 amps) and keeps batteries at full charge. Propane does not stay lit for me on the road, and there is no auto-restart. At camp, switch to AC or propane depending on power. Set to one number below max cool. After 2 days camping, dial cool back to about 2/3.

Fred W
Now: 2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame (12ft box)
Then: 2000 Coleman Westlake PUP (12ft box)

Now: camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time
Then: 10 days at Lake Tahoe each summer plus occasional weekends in California
I do have the HW and three way fridge A194HW and I use the Auto most of the time. I am not aware of the 2 way fridge, thanks for info.
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Old 10-23-2015, 10:16 PM   #16
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One thing I learned from someone that rents out RV. That is, don't run fridge on auto when traveling. Leave on gas till set up with shore power, then switch. He said traveling and running gen. for a few minutes for micro, does small damage to electric side and gives problems later. Gets worse a little at a time.
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Old 10-28-2015, 11:18 AM   #17
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Thank you all for your info on propane switch. It seems our 2012 Rockwood does need to be manually switched 12V to propane or vice-versa. All your comments helped on our recent weekend trip of "boon-docking".
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