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ST_Bake · 09-14-2016, 07:56 AM

Taking the 2016 Allegro 32SA on my first trip and have a question about the Res. Refrigerator operation.

My plan is to have the refrigerator stocked before we leave, which require it to be running. Will this force me to run the generator for the 250 mile trip to the camp site or will the vehicle's charging system supply enough current to keep the house batteries charged. Previous owner did not know and never really used the refrigerator on the house batteries.

Another question about the operation of the refrigerator is when I first turn on the 12v switch when entering the RV, the refrigerator turns on even though it was shut off. I then need to turn off the refrigerator at the unit. Now if I switch the 12v Off then back to On the refrigerator is back on. Is this normal?

Thanks...Steve

cruizerEd · 09-14-2016, 08:33 AM

We have a residential refrigerator. You will have no problem with the engine alternator keeping up with the refrigerator especially if your batteries are reasonably well charged before you start.

Be sure to pack your refrigerator for travel. Don't put heavy things in the doors. Put the heavy stuff low and to the back. Put in spring curtain rods to hold things in place. I strongly recommend using a cutting board to secure the doors. I also put a block of styrofoam at the bottom of the door to help reduce the strain on the hinges while driving.

If you will have grid (shore) power at your destination then everything will be fine.

If you are not going to have grid (shore) power at your destination I would suggest you stock your refrigerator 24 hours ahead to let it catch up otherwise you might experience long duty cycles that might require more generator runs.

Just out of curiosity how many amp hours did they give you? I have 600AH and without solar I would need two generator runs a day to keep the batteries from getting to deeply discharged.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 09-14-2016, 08:48 AM

The household refrigerator will have an Inverter and increased house battery capacity. The Inverter will easily power the refrigerator while traveling.

ST_Bake · 09-14-2016, 11:05 AM

Thank you very much for the your answer and advice. I am still in the research stage on figuring what I got here so I do not know what my amp hr is at this time. This forum has been priceless to me because of people like you helping me with questions.

Just brought it home yesterday and the previous owner really did not have much information.

Thanks again....Steve

luvlabs · 09-14-2016, 03:13 PM

Your refrigerator is powered via the inverter and shore/generator power. When shore power or generator is connected, the inverter bypasses the battery and uses the incoming current to directly supply the frig. When you are on any other type of power, the inverter supplies the 120v AC to the refrigerator. This means you can run on battery, engine alternator, generator, or shore power.

When you select the household refrigerator option, you will get 4 house batteries which are normally enough to keep you operating at least 12 hours on batteries. Modern refrigerators are real power misers and the low current draw makes this all possible.