Residential fridges

[Pete Masterson]

Newer refrigerators have (1) more efficient compressors and related components and (2) have better, more effective, insulation. It may be possible to swap out the compressor, but the related components may not support the latest design features. The type and quantity of insulation is what it is...

I didn't say "windshield," I said, "window." One of the side windows, presumably the one that's also an emergency escape can be removed so that a refrigerator can be tilted on its side, and in through the window. Since I've remodeled the forward area (removing the sofas), we actually now have the room to maneuver a refrigerator across the floor, once it comes in through the window. However, the job would be a real PITA. So, unless the darn thing dies on me to the point of being unrepairable, it's not at all likely that I'll be removing it anytime soon.

Let's just say, I'm a little disappointed that the coach doesn't handle boondocking any better than it does. I can be done, but it requires more running of the generator than would be the case if the coach had some LP gas appliances. I've adjusted to the situation and don't mind the implications that it has. I'm just a little less likely to stay in a Walmart for an overnight stop than might have been the case if the coach was a little less demanding in its electrical needs. I'm also unlikely to spend much time in California State Parks (that don't generally handle a coach the size of mine very well anyway). In contrast, I've stayed in several Texas state parks with no trouble (except getting to the sewer dump in one of them would have been a bad joke, had I tried).

This thread has gotten me to reconsider the situation with the batteries -- and the controller may not be charging them correctly, now. Over the next few days, as other matters allow, I'll spend some time re-reading the Link 2000R manual and compare it's various charts, etc. with the information pamphlet for the batteries. 

There are a lot of phantom loads in the coach. I've tried to get everything turned off -- and it appears to be impossible. To really isolate the batteries, I'd need to install one of those marine battery switches (I think Tommy Two Shoes has one) -- but that's down a ways on my 'to do' list. In the mean time, it's no big deal for me to keep the coach plugged in while it's in front of the house.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 7, 2008, at 2:21 PM, Gregory OConnor wrote:

Pete it is good that you look for the cause of a failure like your 

assumption that the batteries were not maintained while at the 

dealership. On an old bus like yours there are phantom loads that 

require more attention than new high end coaches.  I do think that 

there would be more incentive  to switch out a 140#/ $400.00 battery 

then a 45#/$70 battery. either way it was likely discharge that 

compramised the set that followed your coach.

I wonder what makes a newer compressor style fridge more efficient 

than the pre 134 '95 in your bus????  Maybe you can just change out 

the compressor and not remove the icebox cabinet???? avoid removing 

the windshield and all that.

GregoryO'Connor

circa 1994pt

RomolandCa

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Pete Masterson 

wrote:

FWIW, the batteries I received in my coach were the very ones 

that  

the previous owner installed. DEKA brand AGMs. At 140 lbs. each 

and  

with their huge size, they're not that practical for a dealer to 

swap  

in-out of the coach. So long as the batteries seem to work, a 

dealer  

isn't going to fiddle with them.

Of course, smaller, more common size batteries might give a 

dealer  

more incentive to mess with.

===============================================

Pete Masterson, Author of

Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers

Aeonix1@...

Aeonix Publishing Group    http://www.aeonix.com

===============================================

On Feb 6, 2008, at 7:41 PM, Gregory OConnor wrote:

When a motorhome passes from dealership to dealership the good

batteries dont pass with the motorhome. not saying that dealers 

are

bad or in the wrong just saying you should ask to find a coach on

the lot to switch batteries with befor you write the check.

GregoryO'Connor

94ptRomolandCa