Get yourself one of those hobby miniature steam engines
attach a bicycle generator, power it with propane.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jon Brown" <jbrown510@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 2:35 PM
Subject: Re: About them Norcold refrigerators

> One thing to remember is that your solar gen will be highest when your
> fridge needs it most, ie during the day and when the interior of your van
> may be incredibly hot as well.
>
> I have an indoor/outdoor temp gauge that in "warm" weather (80+) regularly
> reads 120+ interior tempature due to the solar heating.  That'll pretty
much
> eliminate any hope of the fridge keeping itself cool during the day.
Note,
> when I'm actually using the fridge I keep the windows open in hot weather
to
> keep the interior somewhat cooled down.
>
> This all makes me want to get a solar powered roof vent/fan that'll fit in
> the sun roof.  I don't like leaving the windows all wide open when I'm out
> away from my van all day.  Invites all sorts of pest to fly or reach in...
>
> There is no perfect solution.  Last week I was camped under the redwoods,
> solar panels would have been useless... as would wind...  The only thing
> that is 100% reliable is a minature generator...  yuk (personally).
IMHO
> I would never count on batteries helping for more than 24 hours between
> being charges...  If you want long term power, you need to generate it on
an
> as needed basis by something other than your engine.
>
> -Jon