converter inop - best mode to operate fridge?

[tnsharon07]

Hi all,

While I await the arrival of the new converter for my 1997 DS DP, I need to take an overnight trip. Though not mandatory, I'd like to use the fridge. But it won't operate without the battery disconnect switch on (in the "use" position). I always assumed the fridge used battery power to kick on and off when it ran off of propane, like the furnace does, but I did not know the fridge used battery power when running off AC power. Am I missing something?

What kind of load am I putting on my house batts when I run the generator, and run the fridge on AC? How does this load compare to the propane-powered method? I'd need to run my fridge maybe 6-8 hours minimum before arriving at my destination.

I can recharge the house batts when I get where I'm going, though for this trip it won't kill me to use a cooler, either. So I thought I'd seek opinions.

Thanks! Sharon

[tnsharon07]

Hi all,

While I await the arrival of the new converter for my 1997 DS DP, I need to take an overnight trip. Though not mandatory, I'd like to use the fridge. But it won't operate without the battery disconnect switch on (in the "use" position). I always assumed the fridge used battery power to kick on and off when it ran off of propane, like the furnace does, but I did not know the fridge used battery power when running off AC power. Am I missing something?

What kind of load am I putting on my house batts when I run the generator, and run the fridge on AC? How does this load compare to the propane-powered method? I'd need to run my fridge maybe 6-8 hours minimum before arriving at my destination.

I can recharge the house batts when I get where I'm going, though for this trip it won't kill me to use a cooler, either. So I thought I'd seek opinions.

Thanks! Sharon

[Spikester]

I believe the refer control circuitry DC current draw is about the same whether you are running it on propane or AC. The largest current draw on your batteries would be the draw from starting your generator. If your house batteries are in good shape and fully charged you should be able to run your refer on propane the whole time without any problems what-so-ever.

Spike

[GaryKD]

Hi Sharon,
Spike is correct. With fully chaged batteries the fridge should work fine. However, do not use your furnace. The blower will drain the batteries quite fast. Can you take your portable charger with you? If you have any shore power capability, you could put the charger in a safe from water place and use it to keep the batteries charged.

The fridge requires 12VDC power in all of its' modes of operation. In A/C mode the A/C is used to power the heating element.

["007"]

Sharon,while your driving the coach I believe your alternator is recharging your house batteries also.