AROUND-OZ MOTORHOMES

Automatic Fridge Switch

This very clever gadget solves an age old problem for those with a 3 way Electrolux/Dometic fridge. If you are on 12 volt and stop for lunch or a quick sleep for instance and forget to turn the 12 volt off, you will very quickly flatten your batteries as the latest fridges draw up to 15 amps on 12 volt. What the fridge switch does is "sense" whether or not the vehicle is in motion. If it is, and you have set DC on your fridge, it will switch on. When you stop, if it detects no vehicle motion for 3 minutes it will switch the fridge off thereby saving your batteries and of course giving your lots of power for night time battery use. The design is fairly future proof as maximum loading is set at 20 amps. It is very easy to check if the unit is operating properly. An LED lights up on the top panel whenever the fridge is on 12 volt DC. Installation is very straight forward and well explained, and should take no more than 15 minutes. Watch for a DIY article on installation very shortly.

Being inquisitive types, and knowing full well just what Australian corrugated roads can do to anything not robust in an RV, we had a little peek inside! We liked what we saw and can see this unit being very vibration resistant and giving a long trouble free life. A huge plus is it is impossible to forget to turn your fridge off after you come home from a trip - so easy to do! As this is a brand new product you wont find it in Camec etc. just yet. Best to email the manufacturer RV Electronics at rvelect@bigpond.net.au. There is more contact information on their website www.rvelectronics.com.au. Yes the unit is proudly 100% Australian made. The direct from the manufacturer introductory price is $59.95.