12V refrigerator

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by Mookie58

The tech who did our PDI demo said he would buy a second battery before thinking about additional solar panels (i.e. separate system for the solar on the side). The only thing I'm interested in for the solar is to just keep the batteries topped off and maybe run some lights if we decide to hang out by the camper some night at home. We don't have much, if any, boondocking plans.

I did add a second panel since I new I would boondock over night every once in a while.

So far I have only gotten down to 50% maybe a bit less running the heater and 12V refrigerator on a few cold nights. Less than forty degrees but above freezing. No television running but maybe the inverter for a bit to keep my laptop charged up.

I have two 75 AH AGM batteries. You should be fine by just adding a second battery. I will most likely upgrade if I decide to do more or longer boondocking.

Batteries were back up to full charge by the time I got to my next stops which were only three hours max away.

[tomkatb]

We also thought we would never boondocks much. Then Wham the DW changed that tune.

She discovered Harvest Hosts. We have slept in all kinds of places. The lava flow of a volcano. Next to a museum in Roswell. Toured the place after breakfast. Slept in bar parking lots. On BLM land. At restaurants. Wineries. Horse farm.

Unfortunately you need several batteries worth of power per day. Solar panels can produce about 25 ah per day per 100 watts of panel. I suspect 1/3 of your needs per day. There are not a lot of good days. Here not since Christmas.

Get a big battery bank..

[dangerranger]

Here's what I have learned about our 12v refer. I turn it on a couple days before I load it with food. I load the frozen food first and add the chilled food the day before we leave that lets the refer settle out its temps while hooked to shore power. With these things done My refer runs much less time while on the road.
I have 175 watts of solar on the roof. that is enough to keep up a group 27 battery with only the refer running for several days before I need to run the generator.

on travel days I added a 2000 watt inverter so that I can use the micro wave at meal times. This has worked well for us. But we stay mostly in full hookup campgrounds.
I have used Propane refers in the past and so far this is better for our situation.
I have also stayed in a extended boondocking site for months on end. in that case the gas refer was well worth it! DR

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mookie58

As for devoting a lot of time to forum reading before purchasing - that would be nice, but like others, I had no idea these forums existed until I bought the TT. Plus, we're newly retired and jumping on this was a great new adventure for us. We did our research before buying, but I wanted to avoid the analysis paralysis I saw in so many doomed projects from 40+ years at a major tech company. Even after reading about so many problems encountered with RVs in general we can't wait to hit the road in the spring. Check back to see if I'm eating those words.

When I did my research before buying my first RV, anytime I looked for RV answers or information on the internet, various RV forums would show up. Thre were at least 10 different popular RV forums that came up often, for getting RV information.
Not understanding how you did RV research, without coming across a RV forum.

[Mookie58]

Originally Posted by bikendan

When I did my research before buying my first RV, anytime I looked for RV answers or information on the internet, various RV forums would show up. Thre were at least 10 different popular RV forums that came up often, for getting RV information.
Not understanding how you did RV research, without coming across a RV forum.

The "research" I was referring to was the good old fashioned type. We visited several RV vendors and shows, walking in and out of dozens of campers, making notes on what sizes and features we liked. It helped us to compile a list of "must haves", "nice to have" and "definitely don't want".


Also, I'm not sure what happened to the first paragraph of my original response to this thread, but it was quoted by GolfingDave. Thanks GD.

[MrPukaShell]

I have a Rockwood 2608 and when I ordered it I had them put extra solar on the roof. Have a total of three 190 watt panels on the roof. I did upgrade to a Lipo 228 amp battery since. I have had the trailer for two years now and have only had issues a couple of times with shade. I carry a Yamaha 2000 watt generator for such occasions. I like the 12 volt refer due to its size and ability to keep the ice cream rock hard.

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by Mookie58

The "research" I was referring to was the good old fashioned type. We visited several RV vendors and shows, walking in and out of dozens of campers, making notes on what sizes and features we liked. It helped us to compile a list of "must haves", "nice to have" and "definitely don't want".

That is the research I’d guess most new RV buyers do. I helps them think they chose the right RV, but does not prepare one for the unforeseen problems that can result from those choices, nor open their eyes as to the potential failures and lack of quality that exists in the RV world. Going to vendors and shows, you mostly get your education from salespeople (some which don’t even own an RV), without the additional wisdom from seasoned owners in a campground, out “in the wild”, or on a forum.

[Aussieguy]

Don't let wives look at boondocking spots....
mine found some nice beach locations running from Alabama then down to Texas.


You know how much gas money that is going to take!

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Mookie58

Also, I'm not sure what happened to the first paragraph of my original response to this thread, but it was quoted by GolfingDave. Thanks GD.

That's been corrected. It was a quote function error. Sorry

I sent you a PM.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mookie58

The "research" I was referring to was the good old fashioned type. We visited several RV vendors and shows, walking in and out of dozens of campers, making notes on what sizes and features we liked. It helped us to compile a list of "must haves", "nice to have" and "definitely don't want".


Also, I'm not sure what happened to the first paragraph of my original response to this thread, but it was quoted by GolfingDave. Thanks GD.

But the Internet has been THE best source for information for any subject, for decades. I did Internet research to help guide me to models that met my Must Haves and then I went to dealerships and RV shows. I was much better prepared to ignore the salesperson's BS. Most of the time I was more knowledgeable than the salesperson and had never owned a RV.

[Aussieguy]

There are so many good videos out there too

produced by owners just like us... not hard to spot commercial advertising paid stuff


google search on a subject gives you multiple stuff to sift through if more than one video shows the same ... gives a good indication it just might be true.



and the saying always applies

If it is too good to be true ... probably isn't !
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interweb has saved my bacon a few times having to search on how something is opened up or if a special tool is required.


Or the location of a stupid wiring loom connector for the brake controller.
which in a GM... under the brake pedal (DUH).


Gotta say I am a bit biased... been working on web design since 1998

[danbax]

The topic of safety came up in another post. Gas refrigerators are dangerous. How many remember to turn them off at gas stations? 12 volt, no need. How many fires from gas refrigerators? out of 2,000 in 2022, 260. How many 12 volt? Zero.

It is reported that:
Of the nearly 2000 fires reported by the NFPA, 260 (14%) of the fires were direct results of the refrigerator. These propane appliances are prone to issues, especially in older units, which can overheat or leak. For years, manufacturers installed defective refrigerators in thousands of RVs, becoming the primary reason for these fires. If you have a propane fridge, you should regularly inspect it for leaks and obvious signs of issues. drivinvibin.com/2022/07/07/camper-fire/

[tomkatb]

As to safety.

14% of rv fires are from fridges.

However 59% of fires are from stoves.

I guess we need to ban cooking in rv’s. 4.5 times as dangerous!

Had my unit checked in March by a professional.

[Rocks2Sand]

Lots of great information here, some fact, much anecdotal. However many of the upgrades or changes most are suggesting aren't available from the factory, some not even from the dealer. Where they are available, they are prohibitively expensive. Even a 400W solar system was thousands installed from the dealer, where anyone here could do it for under $500 with some help from the forum and youtube. 200Ah off name lithium batteries were $1k from the dealer, we can have them for less than $500 with the proper controller and charging changes...

Sometimes the failure and lesson learned is more valuable long term. And 2 years of research before buying a TT to some makes sense, to others its overkill. Let them learn along the way and enjoy the TT 20 months longer than the person staring at their computer screen.

[Rocks2Sand]

Originally Posted by tomkatb

As to safety.

14% of rv fires are from fridges.

However 59% of fires are from stoves.

I guess we need to ban cooking in rv’s. 4.5 times as dangerous!

Had my unit checked in March by a professional.

One is passive, one is active. Terrible comparison.

[trailerdude]

A DC to DC charger would keep your batteries charged while driving. It makes a huge difference.

[Aussieguy]

5.25 pm my Solar is producing enough to run the fridge
No power is being drained from battery

Tonight… battery will power the fridge lights etc
And consume about 25 % of my available capacity

Currently camped in shady spot
But some openings during day to allow some charging
This is my third day camped here and have not turned on the converter. Batteries get charged to 100% each day

30 amp hookup running air conditioner and coffee maker Solar only for the battery and all 12v powered stuff

[danbax]

Originally Posted by tomkatb

As to safety.

14% of rv fires are from fridges.

However 59% of fires are from stoves.

I guess we need to ban cooking in rv’s. 4.5 times as dangerous!

Had my unit checked in March by a professional.

Good logic -- how about this:

That means that 73% of RV fires have something to do with Propane gas. Reducing this by 14% would be a really big improvement -- and to improve on that -- turn off the propane and only turn it back on when you have to use it. More and more are using outdoor cooking.

I too had a pro inspect mine, in a previous MH -- all fine. I took it to a Propane refill station. Later the next night I could smell propane. I checked the oven first thing -- note, not the stove. I went outside and it was the pressure regulator had blown. The gas was gushing -- never seen anything like it -- the regulator had blown out around a seam? I manage to get it turned off before the Fridge pilot popped on -- the following day I called a Pro into the RV park to install a new pressure regulator. Pro Tech said it has obviously overfilled. By the skin of my teeth -- all sorts of things could have gone wrong. You are smart to get safety check from reliable sources, trusted RV Pros.

Still, a 14% improvement is big -- I see your reasoning, and on the surface it makes sense, but closer considerations? Maybe we should get rid of the gas top cooker too, and outside? Camping, after all.

[Aussieguy]

5 nights at this nice treelined and somewhat shady campground going home tomorrow

Not once did we turn on the converter
all 12v supplied by solar

Coffee maker and air conditioner from Shore power

Did the solar experiment for my own fun and education we just parked trailer without even considering where/when sun was going to be

Shady campground + standard 12v loads is achievable by well sized solar system


Got a few free campgrounds near my house that have no power …. Gonna try them one day (cooler months)

[DJ252]

Originally Posted by Aussieguy

5 nights at this nice treelined and somewhat shady campground going home tomorrow

Not once did we turn on the converter
all 12v supplied by solar

Coffee maker and air conditioner from Shore power

Did the solar experiment for my own fun and education we just parked trailer without even considering where/when sun was going to be

Shady campground + standard 12v loads is achievable by well sized solar system


Got a few free campgrounds near my house that have no power …. Gonna try them one day (cooler months)

We have a 5 day trip coming up that we'll use to test the system.

Hook ups will be available but we're gonna see how we do without, as a test for our western trip. Forecasted temps look like we might get away without AC but will probably run at least one MaxAir, more or less full time.

Still just using the stock 200 Watts on the roof. Mostly open site, from mid day, to late afternoon.