Hi Alan and welcome. Congratulations on your new ownership – good questions. Here are some answers, in the order you asked them…
- The water heater will not light with the cover on (the cover stifles the fresh air it needs). I’m not sure about the ‘fridge winter cover… I don’t fit them because I camp in winter. Perhaps someone who has the ‘fridge winter covers can confirm, please? You may have a rare air heater cover (Richard, I think, has one) – again, I don’t know, though my guess would be that it stifles the burner so wouldn’t permit operation. You could always just try them, to see if they work?
- The ’12v switch’ only operates the ‘fridge when the engine is running, when it should light up. If the engine is not running, it should NOT light up even though it is switched on.
- My Exsis is not fitted with the same dash as yours (mine had the Fiat gps fitted instead) so again I can’t help you, Alan. I’m sure someone will be along who can assist with this. Guys, please?
- Driving with gas switched on… This has been the subject of much discussion on the various motorhome forums. Strictly speaking, NO, you shouldn’t drive with the gas bottles switched on (which you would need if you’re running the ‘fridge) but I know of motorhomers and caravanners who do drive with gas on and ‘fridges working. The problems start should you have an accident and the gas pipe becomes severed – gas would be free to escape. With the bottle switched off, that can’t happen and it’s much less likely that a bottle would rupture (though that has happened, I’m sure!). Its up to you if you are willing to take a (extremely remote) chance. One other consideration often forgotten, is pulling onto a garage forecourt with the ‘fridge pilot burning – I know for certain that explosions have occurred this way.
Good luck, Alan, and safe, happy Exsis-ing!
Barry