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BPD138 · 03-31-2023, 01:37 PM

I've got another question. lol We bought our first motorhome last November. It's a 2010 Fleetwood Encounter 30SA and it's been winterized since we bought it. We have not used it yet but we've planned several trips this year. Can someone please tell me how you use the fridge. It's my understanding that it will run on propane and/or electricity. I assume that you would want to turn the fridge on the day before you leave so that it gets cold? When you're driving does it run off the engine electrical system or do I need the generator running? Does it switch from electricity to propane automatically? Sorry for all the questions, I've been reading a lot about our motorhome but there's just so much to absorb. Thanks in advance for any help.

Tha_Rooster · 03-31-2023, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPD138

I've got another question. lol We bought our first motorhome last November. It's a 2010 Fleetwood Encounter 30SA and it's been winterized since we bought it. We have not used it yet but we've planned several trips this year. Can someone please tell me how you use the fridge. It's my understanding that it will run on propane and/or electricity. I assume that you would want to turn the fridge on the day before you leave so that it gets cold? When you're driving does it run off the engine electrical system or do I need the generator running? Does it switch from electricity to propane automatically? Sorry for all the questions, I've been reading a lot about our motorhome but there's just so much to absorb. Thanks in advance for any help.

If not on shore power or genny it will run on house batteries and propane.

Elwood58 · 03-31-2023, 06:29 PM

Your fridge is likely new enough that it has a way to select Gas, AC or Auto. On Gas it uses 12v and Propane. On AC it uses 110v AC and 12v DC. Most travel with the fridge in Gas/Auto mode using propane. If in Auto mode, and the generator is running, AC will be the main power source, with some 12v DC for the control side.

Propane should be off when refueling. Also, some tunnels require propane to be turned off.

Be careful with how level you are when parked for any extended period of time. The fridge likely wants to be within 3 degrees of level.

SavnTheWales · 03-31-2023, 11:04 PM

Turn it on a couple days before you need it. Also turn on in the afternoon because many models do an auto defrost after 40 hrs… so that will trigger it to happen during the night. Make sure food is already cold before putting in fridge or it will struggle while it gets food cold.

Also keep an eye on the internal temps with a thermostat. If driving in windy conditions make sure the flame does not go out… ask me how I know.. there should be an error code on display… just turn off and back on should fix it.