I just bought a 1992 Roadtrek 210 Independent and this is my first full RV. I will probably have a lot of questions but my first are:
1. Is there a way to shut off power completely from the battery if the van isn't going to be driven for a while so there is no drain from the Propane detector? My old no frills truck camper had a master power push/pull switch.
2. Do most turn the propane tank off at the valve between trips or not?
3. The Dometic refrigerator has two settings. One with an electric plug symbol and the propane flame symbol. When driving will the electric plug symbol be better to use i.e. will this draw power from the coach battery even though the battery is charging or is it ok to just use propane all the time except when shore power is available. I don't see a third setting for battery. I don't know if this means the battery option is unavailable or ir the electric plug symbol means battery and/or shore power together depending on if the shore power is hooked up.
Here is a link to the Roadtrek Owners Manual Page: LINK
Just scroll down until you find the 1992 pdf.
If there is no battery disconnect switch, one can be easily installed, and if you are concerned about parasitic draw, you can simply pull the fuses out of the main panel for the propane detector etc.
With regards to the propane, you will get many answers. Personally, I turn it off when not in use.
I believe the Dometic you have is propane or ac only. To be sure, check Dometic to see if they have older manuals online.
Have fun in personalizing your new rig and hopefully someone with your model will provide you with better answers.
I had a '99/'00 190 Versatile, so these answers are based on that.
1. Unplug from shore power, than flip the 'battery' switch on the monitor panel to off. This should disconnect the house battery from both the charger and the the coach fuse panel. If you lack a battery switch, you may hav e to pull fuses to take all the loads off the house battery. Chassis drains (radio memory, etc) will continue.
2. I don't. It might be a good precaution on a little-used unit, since a regulator diaphragm can rupture and let a propane cloud form.
3. Sounds like an LP - AC only. You'd need to install a 12 V - 120V DC to AC inverter to use it when driving, or run the generator. It's intended to run on LP when moving.
You'll want to check the Roadtrek website to see if they have a user's manual online & downloadable. I know they have them for newer models.
Welcome!
Jim, "Stop continental drift!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
If you have a battery master switch that should stop all drains, look at the led indicator lites to see if they go off. If no such switch, install one. Propane should be off when not needed, especially when moving. Safety first, open flame at a refueling stop is not a good idea and illegal in some areas. When parked and not in use, why have it on? Agree with above, sounds like you don't have a 12 volt option for the fridge, an inverter would solve that when moving (remember propane off), but if you forget and leave it on when stopped, it will drain your batteries fast, as it will probably draw 15 amps or so.
Whether or not to use LP when in motion is always debated. I favor using it, since your reefer is obviously intended to. But the reefer and any other LP appliances should be turned off when refueling either gas or LP.
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