yet more fridge questions zzzz

[rainman]

I'm slowly doing bits and pieces to the van and need now to decide how to put the interior back in. The only original part I want to keep is the Autohomes cooker and sink unit. It had a 2 way (gas + 12v) fridge but I was never that happy with it as it didn't hold much, didn't work very well and was poorly ventilated at the back. So now I've got a nice big top-loading 3 way thing and I'm thinking I won't try to fit it into the furniture but just have it as a removeable accessory.
Am I right in thinking that, provided air can circulate around the back, it would be ok to run on electric inside the van - i.e. no need to connect the flue (sp?) if not running on gas?
I wouldn't be too keen on running it on gas inside the van anyway but if doing so in an awning, how bothered should I be about the exhaust?
I haven't removed the old flue from the van yet but am fairly sure that I won't be using it. Before I do anything though, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts and any experiences of running like that.

Oh and one last question - I want to be able to get electric to the awning when on hookup but can't figure out the safest/neatest way to do it. The connection for hookup is on the opposite side of the van to the awning. Other than running an extension from a socket inside the van out to the awning, which is not ideal, I can't think of any options. I did consider putting an outdoor socket on the awning side but the sliding door would make that tricky - any suggestions?

[1664]

I think you can get hook-ups designed for tents etc. Make sure it has an RCD on it though and I don't know if the camping park owner's would like you effectively using two hook up points.

[Stefvan]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/splitter-Genera ... B001CDFI1A
Then a couple of short cables one to your van socket and one to the awning ??

Stefvan

[Vanagonman]

As for your fridge, keep it separate. That's what VW did when they installed it as an optional accessory in the VW Wolfsburg Weekender models of the Vanagon/T3.

[AngeloEvs]

You can run the fridge on 12/240V in the van but some modest air circulation around it will help to keep it cooling efficiently. If you have hook up or an extension lead in the awning why not just run the fridge on mains?

[rainman]

Thanks guys. That mains splitter thing looks the business and it's called 'commando' so must be good. As for running fridge on mains, I was just thinking of times when hook-up isn't available which is actually more often. TBH I can do without a fridge most of the time but it's good to have the option.