.  So

> Don, I'm curious to know how it is that you have experienced flat batteries
> running the fridge on 12 volts?  Have you altered the factory wiring
> configuration for the refrigerator?
>
> Bill
>
  I don't run my fridge on 12v in the vanagon.

  I've had other Dometics:  an Alaskan camper, that used to drain
batteries.  A 12v-only fridge in a Dodge camper van.  Another Dometic in my
wife's Jayco pop up camper and one in an Argosy trailer.  I encountered flat
batteries in all those rigs, sometimes at very inconvenient times.

  We spent many winters in Baja, living in our various rigs for 2,3, even 4
months at a time and 12v fridges suck, as far as I am concerned.  I probably
could 'work around' and make the necessary additions and modifications to my
vehicle and camping technique to use the 12v function on  a fridge, but
why?  I just light the fridge and keep the propane tank full.

  I will comment that the Dometic I have in this vanagon has the best "Is
Lit" indicator of any I've ever used.  Many have that dorky little round
window that shows a faint blue glow, if you get your eyeball just right,
when the flame is going.  The one I have in this van has an analog dial
(flow meter?)  that moves into a green zone when you light the fridge..You
can actually see it, all the time, even in bright sun with your finger on
the thermocouple override safety switch as you light the unit.

  Don Hanson