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Subject:Re: Fridge topic
From:Bill Davidson
Date:Sat, 13 May 2000 10:47:44 -0700

Hey!
You're right Alfred.... I haven't ever heard of any problems on the list
from driving with the fridge on propane. Never thought of that.

But.... then.... Hmmm....
Maybe there's a reason we never heard from them... :)

Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alfred Bagdan" <abagdan@POWERSURFR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2000 9:55 AM
Subject: Re: Fridge topic

> Hi Marc
>
> I used to turn off the propane and run the fridge off the battery while
> driving when I first got my Westy in 1985.  But as you know, the fridge is
> hard to get going on propane.  I used to fiddle sometimes for 15 minutes,
in
> the parking lot, to light it.  Once I forgot to put the fridge back on
> battery while driving, and low and behold, the van did not go boom and
> explode.  Also, I did not have to relight the fridge when I parked.  Great
> reduction in stress.  Have been leaving it on propane for the last 15
years
> now, on all my camping trips, I seldom use the Battery.  I use the 110
volt
> setting when I am at home and getting ready for a trip.  I also found out
> that by keeping the outside vent properly sealed the pilot light won't
blow
> out when driving.  Of course, I shut off the propane when I park in my
> garage or get a propane refill.  I do not shut off the fridge when I get a
> gasoline refill.
> Anyway, I have not heard of any actual case, where a VW van has blown up
due
> to the fridge having been left on while driving or getting a gasoline
> refill.  Has anyone on this list have any such proof?
> Anyway, we take far greater chances with our lives while simply driving
the
> van, eating improperly, smoking, drinking, etc... I am willing, for the
sake
> of convenience, to keep on driving with my fridge on propane, even if
there
> is a very miniscule chance of some kind of harm.
>
> Take a chance and live!
>
> Alfred
> 85 Westy
>