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Hi, we have had a great weekend away at the national, but it took a full day for us to get the fridge to cool.

We are considering getting a double socket on the tow bar as we only have the one, so we can run the fridge. What I was wondering is, would we be better lighting the fridge the day before and filling it and running it off the electric at home, then just re light it at our destination, and forget about the double socket.

Or -  Run the fridge of gas the day before, and just leave it running of gas while we drive to our destination. but I don't know if this is safe.

What do all of you do? does the fridge use alot of gas?

We are assuming it is ok to run the fridge while the camper is closed up.

I look forward to reading your replys, on which is the best way to run the fridge.

We have the fridge on mains electric at home and on the 12S plug on tow.

Its not a good idea to have the gas cylinders turned on on tow as in the event of an accident there could be gas leak.It doesn't use a lot of gas.

If you are not travelling great distances the fridge will keep cold especially if you put a freezer block or two inside.

On the ferry it has no power source for several hours.

So if we set the fridge to run  on the 12v off the battery but also plugged  into the electric while at home, the leisure battery should be topped up on  trickle charge. Then we could set off on our journey still running the fridge off the 12v and just leave the fridge alone and hook up to the electric at our destination, so battery still being topped up. Is this ok?

Hi Lopo, my husband & I are totally new to camping & my tummy has been going over after reading some of the reviews on here. We have paid a deposit on a 2004 Conway Cruiser & are picking it up in a few days (that's if I don't change my mind before then)!

How old is your Conway Cruiser please & are you really pleased with it?

What are the downfalls - if any?

Any info very much appreciated. Thank you.

You can only run the fridge off 12V when its plugged in to the car with the engine "running"(and the alternator)as it uses 8amps at least and will soon flatten a leisure battery.

If you have the type of fridge with a seperate 12V switch you can leave it switched on 12V as it will only draw from the car system when its hooked up to the car as above

If you look on the Dometic(Electrolux) website you can download manuals for fridges

http://www.dometic.com/templates/Product,424,1225.aspx

Hi Smudge, We have 1993, and its fantastic, the best thing we ever did!!!

Easy to tow, easy to look after, Hubby didn't want to tow a caravan, so this is superb.

My mum and dad come with us now , plus sister and dads 80 this year. The tents were to cold for them, but they love the cruiser.

You should be so happy being able to get your 2004 model and not haveing to do the constant upgrading like most of us do. We bought ours for £1995 in march and they do hold their values, so you shouldn't be worried at all buying yours. If you look at the conway owners site at the classifieds you will see the prices they go for. We think you have had a good buy.

I can't think of a down side at all, just green round the gills at yours

I would be counting the days, if I was you, and I am sure that you will love every bit of your new adventure with you Cruiser.

Please let us know how you go on, and have a fantastic time, just enjoy

John, thanks so much for the info.

So if I don't get a duel towbar socket fitted just yet, I will cool the fridge on 240v at home, then hook up again on site.

Hope this is right.

I've seen it mentioned on here somewhere (can't remember when) that some folfs fill 2 litre coke bottles with water and freeze them at home just before they travel, these are placed in the fridge whilst travelling to give it a head start.... 2 litres of ice will last for a while...

Andy

I knew that someone had a similar idea to the freezer blocks but it eluded me.

That's right

You are OK for a few hours with a well cooled fridge if the door is kept shut.

For longer distances I would avoid frozen food though !

Hi again Lopo - I can't tell you how relieved I was to read your last post, it was so encouraging, so thank you very much for that! My husband also said that we'll never know what it's like unless we try it....!

After what you were saying about C/C holding their price, I perused yet another retailer/site who advertises on here & noticed a 1999 Conway Cruiser, with awning, skirt & hook-up, for sale at £4,495 & we're only paying £1,500 more for a 2004 one that has many, many, extras too!

I think it's wonderful that your Mum & Dad goes camping with you, 'specially your Dad being 80 this year! 

Once again, thank you for your help & I wish you all a very happy time together in your little holiday home!

P.S. Happy 80th birthday wishes to your Dad.

P.P.S. My husband nor I liked the idea of towing a caravan either, so this is a 'happy medium' for us too!

I'll let you know how we get on after collecting our F/C & after we've erected it & dismantled it on our drive for the first time!!!!

 How can I cure our problem, with pushing our conway challenger back up the drive after a camping trip. its a long slope to get it under our window. Being old fogeys, we find it a bit hard with all our huffing and puffing.   we wont give up - we love our camper.  There is a an electric trolley type thing I have heard about.  Has any-one got any info on this . many thanks for any replies