As efficient as these units are the "rated" power consumption is not always
the same as actual. Mechanical refrigeration (compressors) will be effected
by loading conditions especially condenser temperature. Considering physics
that lower power setting probably means the compressor has to run longer.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Vanagon
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 5:52 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Vitrifrigo/Truck Fridge power usage

I have the Vitrifrigo refrigerator in Mellow Yellow.

My ammeter showed me that it draws more current that specified: 3.6A instead
of the less-than-3A claimed. There is a resistor/jumper thing on the back
that lets one set it to draw less, or more current. It's unclear to me what
the advantage or disadvantage is by changing this, but it's presently set to
the low-current mode, and draws about 2.8 amps.

Last week, Mrs Squirrel and I camped for several days at East Park Reservoir
in northern California. Daytime temps exceeded 100F, and the reefer ran
almost continuously. But I had a solar panel array to keep it powered.
Nighttime temps didn't drop below 80, and after a full night of operation,
the house battery was down about 28 amp-hours.

Right now I am camping in central Oregon, on the Wickiup Reservoir. Highs
are around 70, last night's low was below freezing -- it was 35 in the van
when I got up.* The battery was drawn down 15 A/h.

======
* But thanks to my brand-new Mr. Heater Buddy, the van warmed up quickly!

Sent from my smartphone with tiny screen & even tinier keypad.