195bh Refrigerator modification

[jm14246]

Would like to install inverter to run fridg on battery while traveling.
Anybody tried this?


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

I've thought about the same thing. I like the simple and cheap to replace fridge that's in there now but cooling while under way or boondocking would be nice. According to this article a fridge can be pretty power hungry although our smaller ones should use less.

How to Run a Refrigerator on an Inverter | Home Guides | SF Gate

Here's some more good info: https://www.batteryweb.com/pdf/inver...sizing_faq.pdf

[Golfnbike13]

Forgive me as I'm new and looking for my first TT. But does this mean that while towing the fridge will not work? If it runs on propane shouldn't it always be working?

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Golfnbike13

Forgive me as I'm new and looking for my first TT. But does this mean that while towing the fridge will not work? If it runs on propane shouldn't it always be working?

It depends on if the fridge is a 2-way (or 3-way fridge). Given the nature of the question, my guess is that the 195bh is simply a 120v dorm fridge and not a 2-way fridge that can run on propane.

[jawga]

was wondering the same thing, so who is going to take the plunge first? i was thinkg about putting the converter behind the fridge. ut it looks like under the cabinet where it plugs up might be best. when i was looking at the amps and power requirements it looks like a 400-600 watt inverter is all we would need. ut sould rather someone else check my math

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

Unless something has changed the 195 can be had either way, propane/electric or 110 volt. Just like the a/c can be had either thru-the-wall or typical rooftop rv style. Mine has 110 volt fridge and thru-the-wall which simpler and cheaper to replace, which I prefer. We have boondock camped using a large cooler. As they say to each his own.

[rockfordroo]

Forgive me as I'm new and looking for my first TT. But does this mean that while towing the fridge will not work? If it runs on propane shouldn't it always be working?

Many smaller popups, that have very small fridges, can fun on 12VDC while going down the highway, in addition to running on 110VAC and propane (i.e., 3-way). However, the larger fridges in TT's are too big for running on 12VDC, thus they are only 2-way, 110VAC and propane.

If your fridge will run on propane, then you can run it driving down the road. The issue with that, though is that you've got to have the propane valved in while driving down the road, which is seen by about 50% of those of us on the forum as a negative safety concern, while the other half don't seem to mind and do it all the time.

You'll have to judge for yourself.

Running it on an inverter, IF your TV alternator can keep up, would be a safer option than using the propane, hence the reason someone would like to do it. It's a big IF, though. If 12VDC is too much of a current draw for a larger fridge, then using the 12VDC to run an inverter, which will ultimately need the same amount of power for the larger fridge, (plus losses in the inverter) also isn't going to work.

[Wa11y757]

I have a 300 and a 400 watt inverter and neither would kick my 120v only fridge on......waiting on a bigger inverter to try before I buy one....it's the start up of the comp that needs the higher wattage. Mine says 2.1 amps to run the fridge.....but again...my 400 watt would not start it....just my 2 cents.


Happy camping.

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

Found this today:

TruckFridge

I've not checked the measurements but I'm sure one of their models would be close enough to work. Can be optioned for 110VAC and 12VDC power.

[rockfordroo]

2.1 amps to run the fridge.

2.1 amps at 120 VAC is about 21 amps at 12VDC. That's HUGE!!!!!.

Found this today:

TruckFridge

I've not checked the measurements but I'm sure one of their models would be close enough to work. Can be optioned for 110VAC and 12VDC power.

6 amps at 12VDC is also HUGE. Might be OK for a tractor-trailer, I don't know; but for a normal tow vehicle????? Not sure.

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

Gotta admit I'm not an electrical whiz, can you school me on the details? I used batterystuff's calculator and thought it was easily doable with 2-110AH 6v batteries. 8 hours run time @ 6 amps. Always willing to learn

calculator-sizing-a-battery-to-a-load

[rockfordroo]

Fridges usually need several hours to get down to temperature. Let's say 3 hrs. That leaves you a total of 5 hours of "run time" while you're camping, say 2 hrs/day for 2-1/2 days. That would get you through the weekend, but it's assuming you're not running ANYTHING else. And I don't have a clue if 2 hrs run time a day is enough.

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Fridges usually need several hours to get down to temperature. Let's say 3 hrs. That leaves you a total of 5 hours of "run time" while you're camping, say 2 hrs/day for 2-1/2 days. That would get you through the weekend, but it's assuming you're not running ANYTHING else. And I don't have a clue if 2 hrs run time a day is enough.

Understood, I was thinking similar to jm14246's original question which was cooling while traveling on 12v then switching to AC at the campsite. Solar and batteries for the 12v would be cool for boondocking, if doable.

[Golfnbike13]

Just curious if anyone did this? I have the 195bh with the 120v only fridge and was wondering about installing an inverter to run it on short boondocking stays. Is it possible?

I have a 1000w inverter (not installed yet). Currently just have one 12v deep cycle battery but I'm sure would need to add a second. How long could the fridge run off a two 12v battery system with inverter before needing to recharge?