Inverter question

GHOST1750 wrote:

Sam Spade wrote:

GHOST1750 wrote:
is it OK to run with the inverter on without running the house batteries down?

Yes. YOu use only a slight bit more energy going through the inverter.

But....gotta ask.....are you SURE that the fridge has a mode where it runs ONLY on 12 V ? Possible but not common.

The ref. runs on AC when plugged into 30 or 50 amp. then when it is unplugged from the 30 or 50 amp source it is supposed to switch automatically to gas which it did for 12 years then for some reason it forgets to switch. Maybe it has the same problem remembering as I do "AGE".:B

They do NOT switch until a Cool cycle is called for. So, until the refer needs to start running, the controls will NOT show LP until then. Doug

Many new motorhomes and fifths have residential fridges as standard equipment. Assuming the OP has one of these then yes, run with the inverter on. Residential fridges don't use much power so the engine alternator will have no problem keeping up with the power needs.

Off. On only when needed. Usually to watch TV if boondocking.

I leave mine on all the time.
Found out just this past weekend that some coffee makers don't like inverter power. It'll smoke'em.:)

We are almost always on shore power but when unplugged/traveling inverter is always on.

GHOST1750 wrote:
it is supposed to switch automatically to gas which it did for 12 years then for some reason it forgets to switch. Maybe it has the same problem remembering as I do "AGE".:B

Thought that would be the case.

Maybe you just need to get in the habit of manually switching to gas whenever you go off shore power. OR just leave it on gas all the time. If I will be parked for 3 days or less I just leave it on gas.

Or replace the control board in the fridge.
Or consider replacing the whole fridge. At 12 years old, it probably has lost some efficiency.

Anyway, I do NOT think that running it all the time via an inverter is the prudent thing to do. It will complicate the management of your 12 V power.

Going to add 30 to 35 amp load to your alternator is all.

+1 to switch the fridge manually to propane before you leave and check the operation. It may need service to clean the igniter etc.

If you have your inverter on when you pull the shore power it will invert for the refer, if you have the inverter off when you pull the shore power it will switch to gas. If not the control board may have a problem. I would reseat all the connections to the control board, worth a try. If it still does not switch to gas with the inverter off you can do it manually. One other thing do you have the refer on auto?

LEN