It is about 7.5 amps. Keep in mind that each time you switch from Gas to DC,
you loose cooling for a while. As the battery voltage falls, current and
heating ability will drop rapidly. The propane usage is so small that there
is no benefit to 12 volt and very little if you are paying for the
electricity to go 110v either. If you are paying .20/kwh (loaded after taxes
and summer charges), that 85 watt element will cost ~.$40/day. 2.5 gallons
of propane will run the fridge for say 14 days easy. At $2.50 gallon, that
is ~ $.18/day. And using the alternator to run the fridge and charge the
batter is not free either. It is difficult to measure but the harder the
alternator has to work; the more fuel is needed for the engine to turn it.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Johnson
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 11:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Amp Draw on 12v RM182

I have been searching for a while now, and haven't found a definite
answer.  Does anyone know the real amp draw of an RM 182 fridge in a
Westy when it is running on 12 volt power?  I am considering adding a
deep cycle battery to my '80 Westy, and I am wondering if it is worth
the trouble to try and get enough amp hours for limited fridge run
time, too.  I saw in the 182B manual there is a 10 amp fuse, but that
just means the draw is somewhat less than 10 amps.  Any input would
be appreciated, esp. on the math of the amp draw on the fridge.

Thanks.
David.