Residential fridge... love or hate it???

[PDR John]

Papa, if you read back through this thread. You will see that even those with propane frigs are starting their gennys twice a day.

That's what I don't understand about the debate. They say it a waste and stupid to do what they are already doing.

I keep reading, hoping somebody will clarify the hypocrisy.

[Scottybdivin]

Originally Posted by PDR John

Papa, if you read back through this thread. You will see that even those with propane frigs are starting their gennys twice a day.

That's what I don't understand about the debate. They say it a waste and stupid to do what they are already doing.

I keep reading, hoping somebody will clarify the hypocrisy.

You are correct. My generator will be pulling at least two, if not all three AC's, at a couple venues. It will run up to 128 hours straight, only stopping long enough to check the oil.


.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by PDR John

Papa, if you read back through this thread. You will see that even those with propane frigs are starting their gennys twice a day.

That's what I don't understand about the debate. They say it a waste and stupid to do what they are already doing.

I keep reading, hoping somebody will clarify the hypocrisy.

You're pretty much right about that. Example: Glacier NP and where you're allowed to run your genset 3 times a day for two hours. Most had them going during those times and pretty sure most everyone had a propane fridge as well, some years ago. They were either making coffee and toast, running the microwave for dinner or heating up leftovers with the microwave. If AC is ever needed there, then that too.
Keeping the batteries charged, was just an added benefit actually.

[HVAC Bill]

Why is it a simple like it or hate it post brings the engineers out of the woodwork.:/

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by PDR John

Papa, if you read back through this thread. You will see that even those with propane frigs are starting their gennys twice a day.

That's what I don't understand about the debate. They say it a waste and stupid to do what they are already doing.

I keep reading, hoping somebody will clarify the hypocrisy.

To clarify, some are running their genset and some are not. If they are they are not running long enough to fully charge the batteries. What they are doing is getting 120 AC long enough to do other things and bulk charging the battery bank in the process. That will not be a full charge. It is also often in smaller units. If you read closely you will also find a mix of folks with big battery banks and solar feeding the refrigerator while others are running on two deep cycle batteries and whatever generator and driving time they get.

Those very different conditions dictate very different responses. They also represent very different cost outlays to get the system they have. That is why neither answer is perfect for everybody. The only bad answer is "everybody should do what I do".

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by HVAC Bill

Why is it a simple like it or hate it post brings the engineers out of the woodwork.:/

1. OP left out understand but do not want as an option.

2. Assumes it is a rational option for everyone. It's not.

3. Some of the answers clearly have technical problems.

[PDR John]

Originally Posted by nothermark

To clarify, some are running their genset and some are not. If they are they are not running long enough to fully charge the batteries. What they are doing is getting 120 AC long enough to do other things and bulk charging the battery bank in the process. That will not be a full charge. It is also often in smaller units. If you read closely you will also find a mix of folks with big battery banks and solar feeding the refrigerator while others are running on two deep cycle batteries and whatever generator and driving time they get.

Those very different conditions dictate very different responses. They also represent very different cost outlays to get the system they have. That is why neither answer is perfect for everybody. The only bad answer is "everybody should do what I do".

I understand what they're doing and how long they run their genny. I had a coach that required running the genny for those same things. To say it's silly to have to run a genny in the morning, then say "I choose to run mine, so it's OK" is funny.

My statement doesn't apply to the others that do different.

[Freightrain]

We are just about to ditch our Nor(not)cold for a residential unit and it seems that this might be the way to go for us. We rarely drycamp and I am encouraged by the reviews from those that already have switched. Thanks for the good input!

[RanCarr]

We never had anything but the gas/electric combo so can't compare.

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by Freightrain

We are just about to ditch our Nor(not)cold for a residential unit and it seems that this might be the way to go for us. We rarely drycamp and I am encouraged by the reviews from those that already have switched. Thanks for the good input!

You'll have no regrets. If you install a pure sine wave inverter your food will be a bit safer on long trips in hot weather. Some folks say the newer refrigerators will run on Modified Sine Wave Inverters but I just would not chance it. Beside, pure sine wave inverters have will run anything within their power range. I like the Magnum MS series: Home - Magnum Energy, Inc.

Happy trails,

Rick Y

[Audzatstods]

We just purchased a MH with a residential fridge and love it. But we installed a solar panel and two extra batteries to cope with it and after a 5 day trip never needed to use the genny for it at all. And it has an ice maker so delighted with it, loads more room too

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by Audzatstods

We just purchased a MH with a residential fridge and love it. But we installed a solar panel and two extra batteries to cope with it and after a 5 day trip never needed to use the genny for it at all. And it has an ice maker so delighted with it, loads more room too

Got pictures??

[zman-az]

I just put four cases of beer in my residential fridge and still have plenty of room for the wife's food and water. It's also dialed in at 34* cause I got to have it cold.

[EDALLSAILS]

Only problem... We should of switched Sooner. Put in Samsung 197 & Love it. Traveled 350 miles, zbout 6 1/2 hours without genny. Food was still cold, refrig was up to 39 F. Stuff in freezer was still frozen, even the ice cteam. Safe travels.. ed