Long Term Storage, Xploter Pkg and 12v Fridge?

[cvd]

With prior coach (propane fridge), when not using it for more than a few days, I would cut all power to the coach and store it with the refrigerator doors open.

New coach (2025 Europa, w Explorer package) has the 12v compressor refrigerator. The solar/battery combo, with So Calif sun, has the ability to run the fridge when stored indefinately. So, should I leave the power "on" and fridge running? Or, shut down all power and open fridge doors? Coach will sit for a month or two between trips.

[NewToTheForce]

I don't have any experience with the 12v fridge, but would think either way is fine. Have you checked the manual regarding long term storage?

[bclemens]

When I took the last 5 Series Explorer out with the 12V fridge and Midwest sun, I was only running fridge and lights mainly. It kept my batteries at 100% SOC. I was quite impressed with the power draw of that 12V compressor fridge. Mine was the 10, yours would be the 15, but should be same effect. Especially when the doors are not opening and closing. The only issue would be if you had a week of bad weather? Does that happen in SoCal?

[cvd]

So, little concern w fridge draw and solar/battery ability to keep up.

Next question - what is best long run performance for that solar controler/charger, batteries, inverter, fridge combo? Turn it off for a month at a time, or keep it exercising a little every day?

[bclemens]

Not sure anyone really knows. They say not to store lithium at 100% charge, but if you leave the fridge ON, it will have a draw on it, so it would keep it moving.

On some specs, they say they will last 5,000 cycles. That is all the way down, all the way up (in theory) Thats a pretty long time

[Aussieguy]

I have my 12v fridge ON in storage at home
my solar keeps up with it no problem

will your's? depends what solar you got

My = 2x 370w panels + 50amp MPPT
finishes replacing battery discharge from previous night @ around 1 pm
battery will last about 3 days if solar is drastically cut by rain etc

[png31]

Originally Posted by bclemens

When I took the last 5 Series Explorer out with the 12V fridge and Midwest sun, I was only running fridge and lights mainly. It kept my batteries at 100% SOC. I was quite impressed with the power draw of that 12V compressor fridge. Mine was the 10, yours would be the 15, but should be same effect. Especially when the doors are not opening and closing. The only issue would be if you had a week of bad weather? Does that happen in SoCal?

Here in SoCal, if there is no sun for more than 5 days, it means the sun has burned out.

In all seriousness though, and I have said it here before, the Xplorer package/12v refrigerator combination is very effective. Unless you need the A/C or are baking in the convection oven, you can boondock generator free in anything approaching nice weather. In outdoor storage, I would be confident you could keep the refrigerator running indefinitely.

That said, and based only on personal preference, I would not be comfortable leaving any RV powered up and unattended for weeks at a time. It would likely be fine, but just something I would rather not worry about. Conversely, if the RV is stored at your home or is otherwise convenient to check on every couple of days, go for it!

[jimmoore13]

Some Variables are Missing:

Where will it be stored? Where it's easy to monitor or at a remote location?
How long will it be stored? A couple weeks or longer?

Generally, with a 12 volt compressor fridge, the primary concern is the battery bank. If your solar craps out for any reason, the fridge will quickly drain the battery bank...and depending on the batteries, the batteries may be damaged.

Your mention of solar hints at no shore power and that hints at being in a remote location that prevents easy monitoring of your solar system.

The advantage of shutting it down is a complete, thorough defrost. The advantage of keeping it running is that it's ready to go on a moment's notice.

But if you are stored in a remote location and can't keep an eye on things, I'd turn it off.

That said, I can monitor my rig, and I start the fridge in the spring and turn it off when I winterize. My absorption fridge runs on shore power when parked at home (auto) and on propane when in the field (gas). But I'm around to keep track of things.

It's kind of a subtle choice...not really clear cut.