Residential Fridge Practicality

pcm1959 wrote:
We ordered our 2014 with the 12 cut ft Norcold 4 door RV fridge. Nothing but trouble. We sold it and replaced it with a 18 cu ft Samsung. LOVE IT!!! We only have 2 6 volt batteries and a 1k watt Go Power inverter. There is an auto-change over between shore power and inverter power. We are not boon- dockers, however. In non-air conditioned rig in 90+ degree heat, the fridge/ freeze will stay at proper temps for about 5 hours NOT running.
We pre-cool the unit for about 90-120 minutes prior to trips with no problem. The truck will keep the batteries from discharging any further during travel. Leaving camp with fully charged batteries and running the fridge the entire way home (8 hour trip so far) will maintain the batteries full upon arrival.
The Samsung is one of the most energy efficient residential fridges out there. Therefore, I think that is why it is so common with manufactures. My Progressive Industries power monitor shows a draw of 2 amps.
We have had the residential for 15 months now without issue. I have thought about adding an 80-100 watt solar panel to the roof in the future. Others experienced with this refrigerators power needs say that would be plenty to keep from discharging the batteries with the fridge running in the storage lot prior to trips or for extended daylight stop-overs as you describe. But so far, I have found that I don't need that option. If I full timed, I would definitely add that as I have no generator BUT will probably add one once I retire.

Did the new Samsung fridge fit into the old fridges cutout ? Do you know if it was lighter then the Norcold ? I also have the 4-door Norcold in a slide-out. It has never given me any problems but if it ever does, I will strongly consider replacing with a residential unit.

Thanks.

Tim