Residential fridge

laknox wrote:

Coach-man wrote:
That is the downer to residential fridges! If you stay put for long periods, and only move occasionally then they are great! Now, if your on the move a lot, your going to have to become an “expert” on batteries, and inverters. Starting with the alternators, yes plural. In your truck. Did your rig come with an inverter? What size is it, does it power more than the fridge? Perhaps, you need to upgrade it, or add one if not present? What is the amp rating on your house batteries? Typically, the factory ships their rigs without batteries, which are provided by the dealer at the time of sale. Again, they typically install the smallest, cheapest batteries they can get away with providing! Some people install a couple of 6 volt golf cart batteries, to ensure they are providing enough amps to run things! That would then require, looking at your charging systems, both in the trailer, and in your truck, keeping the batteries charged! Yep a residential fridge can become an expensive option, if you outfit your truck and rig to support it! Good luck!

Actually, 2 12v "marine" batteries will usually provide a few more amp hours of storage than the typical 6v golf cart batteries but will require more frequent charging to avoid damage. In my experience, it's usually 225-230 Ah for 2 12v batteries (voltage stays at 12v but Ah doubles when connected in parallel), but the typical 6v golf cart batteries are around 210 Ah and stay at that level when connected in series for 12v power. The =real= advantage to deep cycle 6v golf cart batteries is that they can be drawn down a lot further than so-called "deep cycle" 12v batteries without damage, and can do so many, many times.

Lyle

As long as we are splitting hairs, I have found Marine type batteries just a little better than useless! The so called “marine” battery is part “deep cycle” and part starting battery. Designed for people with trolling motors, as well as the “big” out board. Instead of getting the best of both worlds, you wind up with the worst of both worlds. A good deep cycle will not have a cold crank rating, used for starting. Your RV environment usually consists of the batteries sitting with a trickle charge for long periods, followed by running them way down. Only big draw back with the 6 Volt golf cart batteries is you must keep an eye on the water level, “high maintenance”. Good luck.