Trying to run refrigerator on the road

Notanlines · 04-23-2018, 12:21 PM

We are getting ready to leave south Florida and head home to Tennessee. Of all the things we went over with the walk-thru tech we did not ask if it was possible to run the refrigerator while travelling down the highway without the generator running. This is our first RV with a residential fridge and I never gave it a thought on the walk-thru. I have my doubts, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

**wingnut60** · 04-23-2018, 02:07 PM

It will run ok for about 4-6 hours, then the batt(s) will be getting low. The truck will help some, but it didn't keep up on ours. If you are going from FHU to FHU, the converter will recharge easily overnight. It will help to shut the fridge off while traveling, and not open it--everything will stay cold for several hours. If you aren't going to have power at the next stop, then the gen will be necessary. Also, probably need to shut the icemaker off if not hooked up to elec. Keep in mind, every time you discharge the batts, you are using up some life.
Do you have any solar?

Notanlines · 04-23-2018, 02:48 PM

Joe, we do not have solar. We virtually never boondock so saw no need. How will I know if the fridge is running off the batteries (inverter) after we unhook and hit the road?

**wingnut60** · 04-23-2018, 04:05 PM

The fridge control lights will remain on if you have it on the inverter. Should be automatic, you would not know the difference.
In our case, the fridge was the ONLY item in the trailer running off the inverter, and there should be a small monitor in the electrical operating area closet to turn the inverter on/off and check status. Ours was the small 1000watt Magnum inverter; some of the newer ones have a larger inverter/converter combined.

Notanlines · 04-23-2018, 04:22 PM

Joe, now we are getting somewhere. I think I have a good handle on it now. And yes, we have the electrical closet controls. Thanks!

**wingnut60** · 04-23-2018, 04:46 PM

You may have a manual buried somewhere in the lit package. The remote control is an MM-RC and the inverter is a Magnum Energy MMS1012, if it is like ours.
This may be changed/different in a '17 over a '15 model like ours.
Joe

Notanlines · 04-23-2018, 06:03 PM

Nope, you're correct. It is a MMS1012 model. Our package had "disappeared" while sitting on the lot. Imagine that! but we have done an admirable job of running down and replacing most of the literature.

porkchop · 04-23-2018, 06:12 PM

Mine is 100% factory stock everything. It always runs 8-12 hrs with no problem, just with the truck charging things. FHU most every night, but I would not hesitate to let it sit over night. Good luck

Bill

Dapperdan · 04-23-2018, 06:40 PM

Jim, we have the same model Joe has, we never had a problem running our fridge while traveling. We now have solar on the roof but that was for another reason. Not sure why Joe had troubles with his inverter running the fridge for longer periods, maybe "abuse" to the batteries before he bought his trailer.

Just make sure you have your inverter controller set to the "on" position when you disconnect shore power and you should be ok. The "on" button is in the center and when in the "on" position there is a little light in the upper left that should be lit.

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Dan

Notanlines · 04-23-2018, 07:39 PM

The help I've received today has put a smile on DW's face. Makes for a happier trip home....

Dapperdan · 04-23-2018, 08:24 PM

Glad we could help Jim!

Dan

Cummins12V98 · 04-24-2018, 10:22 AM

Towed from SoCal to DRW area without connecting to shore power once. We stopped for a couple 3 hour naps but left the truck running. Upon arrival the freezer was at 0 and the frig 38 just as they were when departing.

Truck should keep the frig running with no issues!

Notanlines · 04-24-2018, 06:21 PM

We are probably leaving on Tuesday. I'll report back when arrive in Germantown.

clev · 04-25-2018, 07:55 PM

FWIW, I have six 6-volt batteries for a total of 660 amp hours, the ME-RC remote, and the 2800 Magnum. We tried to run our Dometic (non residential) on the inverters while traveling, and the few times that we did that, we arrived with nearly dead batteries. That's not good when you're going into a dry camp rest area, or Walmart's.

**wingnut60** · 04-25-2018, 08:17 PM

clev,
Are you talking about the new solar setup, or previous setup?
Joe

clev · 04-25-2018, 08:21 PM

Hi wing. Previous set up. I think that I posted my complaints on the SOITC forum. I'm getting ready for my first run with the new setup this Friday. We left last Wednesday, but the carrier for our generators broke and we had to return home. Just bought a swivel wheel carrier, so we should be good to go. Looking forward to trying out the solar.

**wingnut60** · 04-25-2018, 10:55 PM

Hope it works as designed. Be safe and have a good trip.

porthole · 04-26-2018, 08:54 AM

Terry, did you look to see if the manual gives a breakdown of energy use between using the Dometic on line power versus 12 volt DC /propane?

Maybe Moore efficient to run on portholedc when traveling?

porthole · 04-26-2018, 08:55 AM

Those of you with the Magnum 1012, don’t you also have a separate transfer switch that is in play?

clev · 04-26-2018, 09:03 AM

No, Duane; although I have read the manual for basic operation and wiring, I haven't noticed anything about power management. I mentioned wiring because the fridge went out last year, and even though a tech repaired it, after he left the gas didn't work. Following wiring diagrams, I found that he had switched a couple of wires on the main panel in the rear.