Pete Masterson
02-07-2008, 13:48
Newer refrigerators have (1) more efficient compressors and related components and (2) have better, more effective, insulation. It may be possible to swap out the compressor, but the related components may not support the latest design features. The type and quantity of insulation is what it is...
I didn't say "windshield," I said, "window." One of the side windows, presumably the one that's also an emergency escape can be removed so that a refrigerator can be tilted on its side, and in through the window. Since I've remodeled the forward area (removing the sofas), we actually now have the room to maneuver a refrigerator across the floor, once it comes in through the window. However, the job would be a real PITA. So, unless the darn thing dies on me to the point of being unrepairable, it's not at all likely that I'll be removing it anytime soon.
Let's just say, I'm a little disappointed that the coach doesn't handle boondocking any better than it does. I can be done, but it requires more running of the generator than would be the case if the coach had some LP gas appliances. I've adjusted to the situation and don't mind the implications that it has. I'm just a little less likely to stay in a Walmart for an overnight stop than might have been the case if the coach was a little less demanding in its electrical needs. I'm also unlikely to spend much time in California State Parks (that don't generally handle a coach the size of mine very well anyway). In contrast, I've stayed in several Texas state parks with no trouble (except getting to the sewer dump in one of them would have been a bad joke, had I tried).
This thread has gotten me to reconsider the situation with the batteries -- and the controller may not be charging them correctly, now. Over the next few days, as other matters allow, I'll spend some time re-reading the Link 2000R manual and compare it's various charts, etc. with the information pamphlet for the batteries.Â
There are a lot of phantom loads in the coach. I've tried to get everything turned off -- and it appears to be impossible. To really isolate the batteries, I'd need to install one of those marine battery switches (I think Tommy Two Shoes has one) -- but that's down a ways on my 'to do' list. In the mean time, it's no big deal for me to keep the coach plugged in while it's in front of the house.
Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
"aeonix1@mac.com"
On Feb 7, 2008, at 2:21 PM, Gregory OConnor wrote:
Pete it is good that you look for the cause of a failure like yourÂassumption that the batteries were not maintained while at theÂdealership. On an old bus like yours there are phantom loads thatÂrequire more attention than new high end coaches. I do think thatÂthere would be more incentive to switch out a 140#/ $400.00 batteryÂthen a 45#/$70 battery. either way it was likely discharge thatÂcompramised the set that followed your coach.I wonder what makes a newer compressor style fridge more efficientÂthan the pre 134 '95 in your bus???? Maybe you can just change outÂthe compressor and not remove the icebox cabinet???? avoid removingÂthe windshield and all that.GregoryO'Connorcirca 1994ptRomolandCa--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Pete MastersonÂwrote: FWIW, the batteries I received in my coach were the very onesÂthat Âthe previous owner installed. DEKA brand AGMs. At 140 lbs. eachÂand Âwith their huge size, they're not that practical for a dealer toÂswap Âin-out of the coach. So long as the batteries seem to work, aÂdealer Âisn't going to fiddle with them.Of course, smaller, more common size batteries might give aÂdealer Âmore incentive to mess with.===============================================Pete Masterson, Author ofBook Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and PublishersAeonix1@...Aeonix Publishing Group  http://www.aeonix.com===============================================On Feb 6, 2008, at 7:41 PM, Gregory OConnor wrote:When a motorhome passes from dealership to dealership the goodbatteries dont pass with the motorhome. not saying that dealersÂarebad or in the wrong just saying you should ask to find a coach onthe lot to switch batteries with befor you write the check.GregoryO'Connor94ptRomolandCa