Community Forums

Mody n Domy · 07-10-2016, 08:14 PM

We are looking at buying a new motorhome. We would like a residential refrigerator. The sales person told us not to get a residential fridge because we would need more batteries in the system to run it. Could I forgo the inverter and batteries and just plug it into a 110v and run the generator if we are not plugged in to shore power for a few hours? We don't boon dock and only travel 4 to 5 hrs. a day before we pull in for the night. If its hot out we run the generator so we can use the house air to keep the coach cool.

Skip426 · 07-10-2016, 08:57 PM

Yes you could forgo the inverter and batteries, and just run the genset .
Residential fridge should hold the cold for 2>3 hours; with no power; unless the coach is very hot. In that case like you say you'll be running the roof A/Cs.

JMHO: Sounds like the salesman was trying to get you to buy a unit he had in stock rather than factory order what you want.

MtnTrek · 07-10-2016, 09:05 PM

Hi,
Not sure what coaches you've been looking at but most are already going to have an inverter and enough batteries. 2 ea. 6V. is ample, and just driving keeps those up to snuff.
The residential fridges are so well insulated that leaving the doors closed for a few hrs. even with no power (should it happen?) has little effect. Go for it. We opted for the no exterior dispensers for that reason. We really, really like the change.
Perhaps a different salesperson would be a better choice. IMO
Happy motoring.

Old Scout · 07-10-2016, 09:09 PM

Agree--think he is trying to sell you something he wants, not what you want. We have had a resid. fridge for 13 years--don't dry camp much so it works fine for us. Bottom line is: a resid. fridge doesn't use that much power to begin with. Second, an inverter and a couple of 6-volt battery [in series to provide 12volts], is a really good feature to have in a MH--especially if you plan to full-time. Think I would find another salesman--quick!

dpinvidic · 07-10-2016, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Agree--think he is trying to sell you something he wants, not what you want. We have had a resid. fridge for 13 years--don't dry camp much so it works fine for us. Bottom line is: a resid. fridge doesn't use that much power to begin with. Second, an inverter and a couple of 6-volt battery [in series to provide 12volts], is a really good feature to have in a MH--especially if you plan to full-time. Think I would find another salesman--quick!

+1 also helps for resale.
I have 6 batteries standard, but 4 batteries would be fine for your needs since you don't boondocks. Running the generator is a little noisy and better the less you need to run it.

Regards,

Dan

2 Stroker · 07-10-2016, 09:28 PM

Run Forest Run to another dealer. I installed a RR Frig 3 years ago and my inverter has been on 100% of the time with 4 6volt batteries. Just did 6 day at the FMCA Rally in Albany boon docking plus heading out this coming weekend for another 5 days BD. Like the idea of not setting the microwave clock all the time and being able to us the slow cooker going down the road.
2 stroker

vsheetz · 07-10-2016, 09:55 PM

RR here. Dry camp often. It's not a problem. Much preferred over our two previous coaches with RV gas/electric refrigerator.

dan-nickie · 07-10-2016, 09:58 PM

Get the batteries and inverter.

Ranger Smith · 07-11-2016, 05:07 AM

The salesman is an IDIOT. Get what you want and don't listen to him. We love ours and won't go back to a NoCold

Dr4Film · 07-11-2016, 05:26 AM

The residential fridge is the ONLY way to go especially if you have any plans to do the Full-Time RV Lifestyle.

I would also get a Pure Sine Wave Inverter and room for four 6 Volt GC-2 batteries. It will add to the value of your coach and trust me there will be times when you will use it regardless of what you may think today.

It will be more difficult to add the inverter later.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

nothermark · 07-11-2016, 05:50 AM

It's interesting looking at the sig lines for the folks telling you how great a residential refrigerator is. The one's I saw were dp's. It you go looking you will also find threads from folks with a C trying to make it through the night with a residential fridge. That puts out the issue of battery capacity. It the unit you are looking at has the extra capacity for a dedicated battery just to run the refrigerator all night and if you have any thoughts of boondocking then go for it. I won't buy a unit with a residential refrigerator because we boondock and we do not have a unit big enough to have a 4 battery slide out tray. I am perfectly capable of adding more batteries to about any RV but I also understand that adding batteries subtracts for space and weight capacity for other things.

I would say the dealer may not be nearly as bad as some folks are trying to paint him. For me a residential refrigerator is a no sale for anything under 30 ft and probably for any gas motor home.

Scottybdivin · 07-11-2016, 06:03 AM

Residential fridges have became a very common option, even in 5th wheel trailers. Usually that option includes an inverter and additional battery capacity. If you are buying a new MH with a factory installed RF, I would be very surprised if it came w/o an inverter and additional batteries.

mel s · 07-11-2016, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mody n Domy

We are looking at buying a new motorhome. We would like a residential refrigerator. The sales person told us not to get a residential fridge because we would need more batteries in the system to run it. Could I forgo the inverter and batteries and just plug it into a 110v and run the generator if we are not plugged in to shore power for a few hours? We don't boon dock and only travel 4 to 5 hrs. a day before we pull in for the night. If its hot out we run the generator so we can use the house air to keep the coach cool.

Mody n Domy
You could...but ONLY if the coach maker will custom build a coach for you with a residential refrigerator, without an inverter and without the necessary batteries.

However if they will.... it will most likely cost you a lot more $$ than a coach built correctly.

Mel
'96 Safari

G.G. · 07-11-2016, 06:51 AM

We've traveled many times 4 to 6 hours without power to the residential fridge except for maybe 30 minutes when we stop for lunch and turn on the genny. It does just fine.

We will never have anything but a residential fridge. We also will never boondock, so except for the traveling part, always have shore power.