Residential Refrigerator: Upgrade or Downgrade

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Sky_Boss

There is no doubt that for most purposes it is an upgrade. For hard core boondockers that don't use solar it could be a problem. Current RV suitable refers are not power hogs and a moderately capable solar system can handle them quite well.

I hope that's true. We rarely "boondock", usually two nights at a Wal*Mart or rest stop, then a campground. We only have 400 watts of solar and the travel time is enough to replenish the batteries.
Any more serious boondocking like a month at Quartzsite would take some diesel I'm sure.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I hope that's true. We rarely "boondock", usually two nights at a Wal*Mart or rest stop, then a campground. We only have 400 watts of solar and the travel time is enough to replenish the batteries.
Any more serious boondocking like a month at Quartzsite would take some diesel I'm sure.

I only have 440 AHs @ 12V thus 220 AHs usable. When we are fortunate enough to not need the generator running for air conditioning we get about 6 hours out of our batteries with the AGS set to start @ 60% SOC and stop @ 90% SOC. However during that time we are not trying to conserve power. For at least 2-3 hours we are running a DirecTV Genie receiver (our biggest power hog especially if 2 or more programs are being recorded), usually 2 TVs for a couple hours each, 2 fantastic fans, LED lights through most of the coach, computer/phone/tablet chargers, Verizon Wifi Router and (of course) the refrigerator with the ice maker off and in energy saver mode.

I truly believe that if we had 50% more battery capability we would get an honest 8-9 hours under the same conditions during over night use. If we had a 400 watt solar system I think we could have a very good day under relatively good solar conditions. We would still have a need for a generator on days of short sunshine supply and/or long nights.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Sky_Boss

I only have 440 AHs @ 12V thus 220 AHs usable. When we are fortunate enough to not need the generator running for air conditioning we get about 6 hours out of our batteries with the AGS set to start @ 60% SOC and stop @ 90% SOC. However during that time we are not trying to conserve power. For at least 2-3 hours we are running a DirecTV Genie receiver (our biggest power hog especially if 2 or more programs are being recorded), usually 2 TVs for a couple hours each, 2 fantastic fans, LED lights through most of the coach, computer/phone/tablet chargers, Verizon Wifi Router and (of course) the refrigerator with the ice maker off and in energy saver mode.

I truly believe that if we had 50% more battery capability we would get an honest 8-9 hours under the same conditions during over night use. If we had a 400 watt solar system I think we could have a very good day under relatively good solar conditions. We would still have a need for a generator on days of short sunshine supply and/or long nights.

I left out that we have 4 8D batteries so some 960 AH @ 20 hrs rate so 480 to 50%. I need to get the auto gen start fixed next. I do have room for two more 8D's in the battery trays if I wanted more capacity.

[IC2]

I've toyed with the idea of replacing our Norcold with a Samsung residential fridge when or even if it fails somewhere in the future. For us, probably not a good choice as our 5er is a free time, with couple lengthy trips a year, and a 3 month set down at a seasonal.

Reasons I have considered and maybe others can think about:
1-We do not nor have any desire to full time.
2-We do not have solar on this unit (had it on the last) and wont on this one. Those dollars can be spent on travel for nice CGs and attractions instead
3-We do not boondock - Walmart and Flying J are not, IMO, boondocking!!
4-The costs to convert correctly are well beyond the cost of the fridge with added batteries, wiring, inverters just to name a few gadgets.
5- Samsung reefers are probably not the best. We have a top of the line one in the S&B. The service people, IF you can convince the Samsung support people to do a service call, the repair folks universally dislike the product and all other home appliances made by that company.

Now with that said, is it an upgrade - of course it is IMHO but not necessarily for a casual weekend, occasional RV user/owner. A full timer - sure it's a great upgrade.

[Pathfinder85]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I left out that we have 4 8D batteries so some 960 AH @ 20 hrs rate so 480 to 50%. I need to get the auto gen start fixed next. I do have room for two more 8D's in the battery trays if I wanted more capacity.

Have you ever thought of changing over to lithium ion batteries?

Rick

[dallasmobile]

Originally Posted by Pathfinder85

Have you ever thought of changing over to lithium ion batteries?

Rick

Slightly off topic, but how much do lithium batteries cost?