Fridge Question - Gas or 120v?

[Bryan H]

When traveling with the generator running for A/C purposes, what is the preferred fridge energy source, gas or electric?

[Davdeb1]

Most fridges will default to electric whenever they are in auto mode. Generator or shore power.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by Bryan H

When traveling with the generator running for A/C purposes, what is the preferred fridge energy source, gas or electric?

My working theory is...it depends.

If I am running down the road with the genny on to run the coach air conditioner, I would think running the fridge on electric makes the most sense. I feel pretty good about that answer. Not so much on the next...

If I am NOT running the genny then LP seems to make the most sense.

I'm still learning and will change my opinion based on other input. LOL

I suppose the question is whether or not my fridge can be run by the inverter. I am also assuming that the electric heating of the fridge needs shore or genny power. OTOH, if it is on my inverter circuit and the alternator can keep that happy, then I have a new answer.

Told you I was still learning.

[Kazoo Tom]

It's not likely that the fridge is wired to the inverter. Most often the inverter will only power the entertainment areas of the coach. I think the fridge would drain the batteries fairly quickly if run on the inverter.

I leave my fridge set to auto and let it choose the best power source. As stated above, it will usually default to electric when on shore power or running the generator. We run with the generator often in hot weather to have the house a/c running. If the power demand is to high the power management system will shut the fridge down. When that happens the fridge will automatically switch to gas.

[Sundancer268]

My reefer can run off the inverter and if I am not careful can place quite a load on the batteries. Have to remember to place it on gas or when you park with out shore power you will be wondering where your power went. Learned the hard way!

[Cat320]

My refrig will run off the inverter if selected. When running the generator, I run the refrig off it...why use my propane (or battery power via the inverter) when I'm already generating A/C power?

[RickO]

It's a good question. I had been under the impression that my refer defaulted to electric provided by the inverter when traveling. I'll have to check that out and see if that's the case.

Rick

[Bryan H]

Thanks all. My fridge does not run off the inverter....so I'll just leave it in auto mode and allow it to run off the genny when available and otherwise run on gas.

[toneumanns]

My inverter powers just a few plugs. The refrig outlet isn't one of them.