Community Forums

wbcamper · 03-19-2017, 10:15 AM

I recently purchased a 2015 Tiffin 36LA. I found out after talking to Tiffin that my Residential Refrigerator would not run off of my converter.I would have to upgrade the batteries and the inverter. Looking for advice on this project. Has anyone done this what is the cost and what are the benefits.Thanks Mike

Lv2Roam2 · 03-19-2017, 10:30 AM

Mike

On many rigs with a RR the power sources are shore power, generator, and the inverter (drawing from the batteries). Are you saying that you do not currently have inverter power as one of your sources?

Do tell us what size / type inverter and batteries you do have. With that info contributors can provide better responses. And keep the questions coming ...

wbcamper · 03-19-2017, 12:46 PM

I have two 6 volt battery and a 750 watt inverter converter combo. After talking to Tiffin I need to upgrade to a 4 battery system in a 1250 watt inverter converter combo. To be able to run the refrigerator when driving down the road instead of using my generator.

computerguy · 03-19-2017, 01:10 PM

So many configurations and variables. On my coach the alternator will charge the house batteries. So in theory I could use a really small battery. Now, that said, if I want to park over night and have the inverter run the residential refer I need a bigger bank. Minimum 4 batts are suggest. But it comes down to math. How many watts does your refer take to run? My Samsung uses 132 watts (120volts*1.1amps). Convert watts to DC Amps and you get 11. 11*12 (# hours you want to overnight on the inverter) and you get 132 amp hours. That is just for the residential refer. That does not include the water pump, the tv, the lights, and anything else that will suck juice out of the batteries. Never mind the parasitc load on all RVs like the EMS system , the LP detector, the CO detector, etc.
A 2 x 6volt battery bank has about 110 usable amp hours in it. See the problem now?
So, the advice the person gave you is sound but for the wrong reasons.

Lv2Roam2 · 03-19-2017, 03:29 PM

As computer guy pointed out there are a lot of variables in these situations. As you consider moving forward keep an open mind about alternative solutions. For instance, some coach models have two separate inverters.

Clearly - you need a larger battery bank. From my experience I suggest even larger than ~ 220 useable amps. It may benefit you to research some of the better solar installers, like AM Solar. You may not choose to install solar panels, but these companies are usually much more conversant about batteries / inverters, etc. You could also approach the Tiffin factory service center.

This is a very doable project - let us know how it all works out.

wbcamper · 03-19-2017, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the info I'm new at this RR thing. Coming from a 2003 Jayco 31 Granite Ridge. A lot of things to learn with this Tiffin. My wife and I can't what to go camping.