Reefer Operation in Motion

[Ray,IN]

Amanda H.
The only time our refrigerator is not set to "auto" is when we have limited power at a CG. That is what that setting does, switch to whatever power source is available, with 120VAC primary source; if that is unavailable LPG is next.

[amanda_h]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Amanda H.
The only time our refrigerator is not set to "auto" is when we have limited power at a CG. That is what that setting does, switch to whatever power source is available, with 120VAC primary source; if that is unavailable LPG is next.

Right, but what I guess I didn't make clear in that post was that for some reason, we've set it on AC while underway and moving (don't ask why we've done that) and as such, when the engine is shut off and we go for lunch or whatever, the refrigerator continues to run off the inverter thus running down the batteries. If gone for too long, we come back to batteries at a harmful level of discharge. If we had it set for "auto," it would have shifted to LP, correct?

If we don't plan on being too long, we will shut the inverter off and just let the refrigerator sit idle while we're gone.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by amanda_h

Right, but what I guess I didn't make clear in that post was that for some reason, we've set it on AC while underway and moving (don't ask why we've done that) and as such, when the engine is shut off and we go for lunch or whatever, the refrigerator continues to run off the inverter thus running down the batteries. If gone for too long, we come back to batteries at a harmful level of discharge. If we had it set for "auto," it would have shifted to LP, correct? Correct!

If we don't plan on being too long, we will shut the inverter off and just let the refrigerator sit idle while we're gone.

That is the purpose of the "auto" setting.

[amanda_h]

lol, I know. But for some reason, we sometimes forget to do that and that was the premise of our comments in our first post. I think we're going around in circles here.

[redfire312]

I think the auto setting wouldn't help your battery situation unless the inverter shuts down, it would only kick the reefer into auto if it lost ac power. As long as the inverter is supplying power the fridge will continue to use it until the batteries are depleted to the point the inverter shuts off, then it would switch to propane.

[anotherone]

If your batteries run low just while your eating lunch you have a different problem. Your refer doesnt draw that much.

[amanda_h]

Well, lunch was just an example. We did stop for lunch once and it turned out to be a three to four hour stop-over as we did some sightseeing and shopping, etc. When we came back, not realizing we left the fridge on the inverter, the house batteries were less than 30% and reading under 11.5v. It was a hot day so maybe that helped too?

[robt]

I don't trust the auto function on our frig so I nremember to switch from ac to gas if we're not hooked to shore power or have the gen running. Doesn't take long to run down the batteries with the frig, besides propane is not that expensive and the frig does't us that much. Better safe than sorry when dealing with the batteries.

[csrrsr]

I don't use "auto" either. I can't seem to remember a lot of things anymore, but for some reason I always know when I'm unhooking the shore power and I manually turn on the LP before I unhook. Same goes for the reverse. I could use the inverter, but I keep it turned off unless I need it....usually boondocking so we can use the satellite and TV. Besides, the frig hardly uses any gas. I guess it's the old school in me.....auto means "trust me"...and I don't.

[BryanB]

My interpretation of your original post is that you are comfortable running the fridge on ac/12volt because the chassis alternator is charging the batteries.....be careful using this comfort factor if you tend to boondock or walmart camp. The chassis alternator is wired a number of different ways depending on manufacturer, but many times only trickle charges the house battery. The efficiency and better cooling on lp even during transit saves those precious coach battery amps for the all essential lights, water pump and maybe even a tv if no shore power is available.

[stink]

I have two outlets in the back aria of ref. one goes thru the inverter for the ice maker (so you get ice while on lp). And one does not go thru inverter. This gets the auto setting to work without draining battery's. Maybe yours has the two plugs and the plugs are reversed. Just a thought

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by KSCRUDE

You must have a kinky fridge, three way. Ours in the 1994 and in the 2013 are both just 2 way. 110 or gas. Unplug and it goes to gas. No 12 volt draw to worry about. Plug back in and it goes to 110. No 12 volt draw to worry about.

If you unhook your 12 volt from the refer you will find it quits. The refers nowadays require 12 V for the controls so there is a 12 V draw.

["007"]

amanda h, the inverter outlet is for a ice maker only and your fridge should be on AUTO so when you disconnect the shore line at campground fridge will automatically switch to gas.
The heating elements draw to much current off your inverter connected to your batteries and if the batteries go low enough the fridge will shut down because it needs 12v's to operate the control board in the fridge.

[amanda_h]

The entire unit is running off the inverter, so yes, that's why our house batteries will deplete so quickly once the engine is off.