Fridge on 12V killing the batteries
Just came back from the shop where I got my new batteries after I toasted my first set. I got them replaced 5 months ago, and already they were performing poorly, even thought they were supposed to be...
Forum Discussion
I measured the fridge in my camper drawing 16 amp on 12V run.
I have been always driving with fridge on electric power and in my last coach the 13 years old batteries still hold some charge. I stop using them last year, but still keep them charged in the garage.
But once I pull to no-hookup site I switch to propane as my goal is to avoid running generator and I want the battery power to last several days.
Other think is that I don't know how the fridge would react to voltage drop when on 12V.
In the past I stretched the limit, but that was fridge with no 12V option, so I run it via inverter and all inverters will shut off before voltage goes too low.
I think it would take some more testing and if in fact 12V operation will keep drawing the power below 10.5V - I would install some kind of automatic disconnect.
I assume 10.5V is still safe voltage for battery as that is what my inverter observe.
I have been always driving with fridge on electric power and in my last coach the 13 years old batteries still hold some charge. I stop using them last year, but still keep them charged in the garage.
But once I pull to no-hookup site I switch to propane as my goal is to avoid running generator and I want the battery power to last several days.
Other think is that I don't know how the fridge would react to voltage drop when on 12V.
In the past I stretched the limit, but that was fridge with no 12V option, so I run it via inverter and all inverters will shut off before voltage goes too low.
I think it would take some more testing and if in fact 12V operation will keep drawing the power below 10.5V - I would install some kind of automatic disconnect.
I assume 10.5V is still safe voltage for battery as that is what my inverter observe.
