Refrigerator running off batteries

Cyndi · 07-08-2017, 08:44 AM

Can anyone tell me how long the refrigerator will run off batteries? Appreciate your input- thank you- safe travels!

Cyndi

Toddupton · 07-08-2017, 08:49 AM

Depends on the temperature and your battery/batteries. The more batteries the better.

raspivey · 07-08-2017, 09:01 AM

Also depends on the type of refrigerator. I noticed you posted in Vibe / Vcross so, unless you've got a residential refrigerator running off an inverter, I don't think it will run on battery alone.

On a three way with battery only (12V), a single 12V will die very quickly...a couple of hours if it's hot outside.

On a two way in propane mode, probably three to five days on a single battery (keeping in mind there are other things using the battery).

On a residential unit running off an inverter...I'm not positive. Someone else would have to answer that one.

amullis · 07-08-2017, 09:04 AM

I have a full size residential Frigidaire in my coach. It only runs on 110V. I use the inverter to run it with no shore power and it runs overnight with a half to 2/3rds charge still remaining on the batteries. I have 4 x 12v batteries for the coach. I could probably run it for another day on batteries before starting up the generator to recharge the batteries.

Cyndi · 07-08-2017, 09:06 AM

We have 2 batteries and a residential fridge. Experiencing an electricity outage due to a storm- hopefully we can hold out till it comes back on.

**Flybob** · 07-08-2017, 09:16 AM

Monitor your batteries carefully. If you draw them down too low, you can damage them. They will appear to charge back up, but not carry a load like they did when they are new. Keep fridge door closed as much as possible. Try not to use batteries for anything else ( lights, water pump etc.). Flush with a bucket of water vs water pump.

ScottBrownstein · 07-08-2017, 09:58 AM

On my 335 I can comfortably run the residential reefer for 24 hours before resorting to generator or shore power. That would take me to 50% SOC with 4-12 volt batteries.

Krazo · 08-23-2017, 08:54 PM

I have a 10cf whirlpool 110 volt that I run on a single 27 group deep cycle battery and a 1000watt inverter. Battery is new, and mine ran for 6 hours without opening it. I still had 1/2 battery left. I plan to add another battery but that will be down the road a bit. One thing to remember is if you are not running a deep cycle battery and you drain it numerous times it will have to be replaced prematurely.

bowebow · 08-24-2017, 09:31 PM

2 12v battery's 9 yrs old. Dometic 8 cu ref. Remove radio fuse and propane gas detector fuse. Turn on power 12.9 volts, run ref. 4 days before leaving. 11.8 volts. Works for us.

**Flybob** · 08-24-2017, 09:44 PM

11.8V is very low. See below.

bowebow · 08-24-2017, 09:51 PM

I would say 4 days is the limit. There 9+ years old. I don't think I have shortened there life yet.

Krazo · 08-24-2017, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowebow

I would say 4 days is the limit. There 9+ years old. I don't think I have shortened there life yet.

I don't think anything I have has a battery older than 6 years old. Haha...that chart is not as accurate as one might think. There are tons of different types of battery's and some can be completely discharged multiable time without sunificant wear on the battery. There are several types battery's that people use in their campers. a deep cycle battery which is one of the most common that people use, and they are often discharged to less than desirable voltages. Telling the state of battery is very difficult because a bad battery can still measure 12.8 volts but be bad. The most accurate way to measure the state is by weight and it's so difficult to measure that because the average joe doesn't have the equipment to do it. The gauge in a camper is simply a volt meter with pre determined voltage settings that light up an LED. Really it is useless, it should just have a green or red light and that would let you know it is ok or needs charging. So with all that said if it works for you keep on keeping on. I'm just amazed at the 9 year old battery's.

The_Rhino · 08-24-2017, 11:25 PM

I replaced a failing Dometic 8 cu. ft. RV fridge w/$300 roomy 11.8 cu. ft. Whirlpool residential, $100 2000W inverter & $75 2nd 12V deep cycle battery. The original battery is now 4 years old & 2nd, 2 years old. At the beach they keep my fridge & (2) Maxxair fans running 12-14 hours (evening/ night/ morning) before I need to start the generator, during non-quiet hours, and charge everything back up using the TT's (inadequate) onboard converter/charger. I eventually plan to upgrade to (2) 6V golf cart batteries w/better charger, but I try to ration my TT mods to $500 - $750 each season... At that time I will also investigate best bang/buck solar panels...

bowebow · 08-25-2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krazo

I don't think anything I have has a battery older than 6 years old. Haha...that chart is not as accurate as one might think. There are tons of different types of battery's and some can be completely discharged multiable time without sunificant wear on the battery. There are several types battery's that people use in their campers. a deep cycle battery which is one of the most common that people use, and they are often discharged to less than desirable voltages. Telling the state of battery is very difficult because a bad battery can still measure 12.8 volts but be bad. The most accurate way to measure the state is by weight and it's so difficult to measure that because the average joe doesn't have the equipment to do it. The gauge in a camper is simply a volt meter with pre determined voltage settings that light up an LED. Really it is useless, it should just have a green or red light and that would let you know it is ok or needs charging. So with all that said if it works for you keep on keeping on. I'm just amazed at the 9 year old battery's.

I am amazed also. Their deka gel.

spidey1972 · 08-25-2017, 09:44 AM

Arent new fridges just propane or electrical (shore power) not battery? I know old fridges were three way.

Wouldnt it be more efficient to run them off propane. Ive camped without power for a long time and propane always seemed to work for me

eye95 · 08-25-2017, 09:50 AM

My brand new camper with a brand new fridge is 3-way.

Battery during travel.

Electric with shore power.

Propane while dry camping.

spidey1972 · 08-25-2017, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eye95

My brand new camper with a brand new fridge is 3-way.

Battery during travel.

Electric with shore power.

Propane while dry camping.

They must of went back to 3 way then. Ive read on many rv forums and talked to techs, that you can have propane going while traveling. I was always a firm believer in shutting propane off when traveling. But The last few years Ive just left the propane on for the fridge

eye95 · 08-25-2017, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spidey1972

They must of went back to 3 way then. Ive read on many rv forums and talked to techs, that you can have propane going while traveling. I was always a firm believer in shutting propane off when traveling. But The last few years Ive just left the propane on for the fridge

You can, but it is just one more risk factor that is unnecessary if fridge can run off batteries.

spidey1972 · 08-25-2017, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eye95

You can, but it is just one more risk factor that is unnecessary if fridge can run off batteries.

True, if you have that setup :-)

Our current trailer is 6 years old, no 3 way. Maybe our new one we will be getting will. For the most part unless its really hot and a really long drive. I find having nothing on is fine, things are still cold and the freezer froze, since they stay shut the entire trip

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