Residential fridge questions

[texnet]

Originally Posted by Loren Rice

When you say no problem with 4 six volt batteries--I'm wondering if you are thinking in terms of getting from one place with hookups to another? Or are you saying that the fridge really doesn't draw so much power that boon docking doesn't require the gen on all day but perhaps some run time in the evening and perhaps a bit in the morning?

I'm sure that in other power using ways, we all understand that being careful with power use is the watchword.

Loren

Most folks have found the actual powwer used by a RF197 is around the same or less than the power required to run a Norcold 1200 on gas... as the Norcold requires 12vdc when running on gas or AC. Of course if you open the frig every 5 minutes then it will require more power to keep it cool

Our coach has 4 6v golf cart batteries, that are close to needing replaced, I had my coach in for a tag axle problem and went without AC for about 14 hours and the frig was still running fine.

[Coma]

Originally Posted by Loren Rice

When you say no problem with 4 six volt batteries--I'm wondering if you are thinking in terms of getting from one place with hookups to another? Or are you saying that the fridge really doesn't draw so much power that boon docking doesn't require the gen on all day but perhaps some run time in the evening and perhaps a bit in the morning?

I'm sure that in other power using ways, we all understand that being careful with power use is the watchword.

Loren

4 6volts and 2k inverter and both are true, for me. We boon docked at Quartzsite last year for 2-3 days and ran the Genny as you describe. It was chilly so Aqua Hot was running too. Our routine is to start the Genny for coffee and breakfast for~2 hours, then again for 3-4 hours in the evening and batteries never get below ~58%.

[Loren Rice]

Originally Posted by Coma

4 6volts and 2k inverter and both are true, for me. We boon docked at Quartzsite last year for 2-3 days and ran the Genny as you describe. It was chilly so Aqua Hot was running too. Our routine is to start the Genny for coffee and breakfast for~2 hours, then again for 3-4 hours in the evening and batteries never get below ~58%.

So coma,
Thanks for your reply.
I think I understand that the name plate on your fridge indicates around 6 amp ac? I estimate the actual run time of the compressor is less than 50% or so/hr. So every 12 hrs you might draw 72 amp hours out of the batteries assuming 4 6 volt batteries might have 550 amp hours.
If a person had a few solar panels etc , looks like it;s pretty manageable. Besides there are those who are actually doing it and like it without pannels.

I know my wife would like a bigger fridge cause you should see how packed our can be sometimes. I too have the aqua hot and if it's chilly -- it can take a fair amount of power but they do work well and afford better comfort than what I was used to with the gas furnace in the last mh. So the gen does come into play. I have wondered about one of the wind turbines sometimes used on boats. If a person was boon docking for a few days some where, and there was air movement -- maybe that would be something to consider, in minimizing generator use.
Any way I'd appreciate knowing what you manual says the current draw of your fridge is.

Loren

[Coma]

Originally Posted by Loren Rice

Any way I'd appreciate knowing what you manual says the current draw of your fridge is.

Loren

Glad to help. As I recall the manual says something like 11 amps. Here is a measure of what it really does. The thread has lots of info you might be interested in.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Coma

Glad to help. As I recall the manual says something like 11 amps. Here is a measure of what it really does. The thread has lots of info you might be interested in.

Yup ... the 11 amp number is a worst case locked rotor spec .... the real average running is more like 1 - 1 1/2 amps 120vac ... and that's only when the compressor is running. Energy Star reefers are really very efficient.