Thetford 3163 Series - Manuel (Page 6)

Owner’s Manual 6
Start up - DC mode operation:
- Turn the selector switch to DC electric ( ).
The refrigerator receives its DC power from the 12 volt system of the vehicle; either the vehicle engine battery or an auxiliary (house)
battery. The 12 volt system of the vehicle supplies DC power not only to the refrigerator but also to any other DC appliances of the
vehicle. When operating on DC, the refrigerator has a high current draw and can cause a rapid battery discharge.
DC operation precautions:
This refrigerator is made to operate on DC power while your vehicle is “in transit” and AC power or propane gas sources are not
available. Operate the refrigerator on DC power only when the vehicle engine is running.
For the refrigerator to operate correctly on DC power, the battery must be maintained in a fully charged condition.
For the battery to be fully charged at all times during refrigerator operation on DC, the vehicle engine must be running and the battery
charging system must be in good operating condition.
Keep in mind the following electrical precautions for DC operation of the refrigerator:
- Good battery condition is necessary for correct DC operation.
- The capacity of the battery charging system must be more than what is necessary for the refrigerator and other DC appliances.
- While the vehicle engine is running, have a qualified service technician make sure the voltage of the DC power supply leads at the
refrigerator is more than 11.5 VDC.
DC operation guidelines :
DC operation is intended only to maintain the temperature of the refrigerator and its contents when they are already cool.
The DC operation is not intended for the initial start up and cooling of the refrigerator. Always use either the AC operation or propane
gas operation to initially start up and cool the refrigerator. The refrigerator must be cooled and the temperature must be steady before
you operate the refrigerator on DC.
Keep in mind the following guidelines for DC operation of the refrigerator:
- Use DC operation of the refrigerator while the vehicle is in transit.
- Do not use DC operation until the refrigerator and its contents are completely cooled.
- Only use DC operation if the vehicle battery and battery charging system are in good operating condition.
Shut down:
- Turn the selector switch to OFF ( ).
Effects of High Altitude on Propane Gas Operation
When you operate the refrigerator on propane gas at altitudes higher than 4000 feet above sea level:
- You may experience reduced cooling performance of the refrigerator.
- You may experience burner outages.
To avoid these possible problems, Norcold recommends that you operate the refrigerator on AC or DC when at altitudes higher than
4000 feet above sea level. An optional high altitude vent kit is available through your dealer for propane gas operation at altitudes of up
to 10,000 feet above sea level.