Forum Discussion

HighwayJunky's avatar
HighwayJunky
Explorer
Jul 15, 2017

Domestic fridge

Ok, so I sold the 35ft gasser and purchased a new diesel with a domestic fridge. Now wife is worried that we only have one source of power. 110V shore power. I know the generator will product the need power but do I need to run it constantly between campsites?

Doesn't the inverter convert to 110v for the fridge while on the move.

Troubling issues but I know its just a simple lack of understanding. Please offer your insight to help us understand..

Signed, Still learning!!
  • If it's a new Diesel Pusher with a residential fridge, you have no problem going down the road. The fridge will be running on the inverter. The batteries and alternator will be more then enough to power the fridg. You may not be able to run your roof airs on the alternator (we can run 2 of the 4 off the inverters and alternators). When we get to a campsite,the batteries are fully charged and will last to morning before we have to run the generator. Yours may not last as long, but the batteries should be fully charged when you stop for the night, even with the fridge running.
  • Alvin, your 2017 Newmar Ventana came with either six or eight (6) volt batteries and a large inverter. Your coach will run down the road all day, charging your batteries and powering your residential refrigerator. If you don't run the generator and don't go crazy using other items, you should be able to go about 24 hours on your batteries before you'll need to plug in or start your generator.

    When we boon dock, I run the generator for about 2.5 hours in the morning (during breakfast and showers) to bring my batteries up to full power and for about 1.5 hours in the evening during dinner.

    You'll be surprised how simple it is to manage an all electric coach unless you plan on boon docking weeks at a time.
  • Most motorhome that come with a residential fridge are newer models. There should be at least 2, if not 4, 6 volt batteries as well as an inverter of sufficient size to power the fridge. Since newer gas motorhomes are all on the Ford chassis these days, they are packing a 175 amp alternator which will have no trouble keeping up with the inverter draw. That said, I've run into so many people who don't even know how to turn on the inverter and just think they have to either plug in or run the genny to operate the fridge.