We are new to Class C and despite listening as well as I could during our walk thru I think I missed the step on turning on the refrigerator while traveling so we dan bring our own food. We have Forrester 25 foot unit. I think the demo guy said we can plug the 30 amp line into the unit itself.f (it has a plug in the back compartment) and then turn on the refrigerator and it will run off the house battery while traveling and charge the battery as the same time. Did I get that right?Thanks is advance.Mike

No, that doesn't sound right. You have a residential fridge?

Yes, it is a residential fridge

If the refer is a typical RV propane type then use propane while driving. Most will use AC when plugged in and automatically switch to propane.If it's a AC only type (res refer) then your AC power comes from: 1. Shore power2. Generator3. Inverter which converts 12V battery power to 120V AC power. Recommend you call the demo guy for clarification. Better ask for instructions via email. Based on your post using the refer may not go well until you get the process down pat. ABOVE ALL food spoils above 42 degrees so get a thermometer. :(

If all else fails don't open the refer while traveling and if not to long or hot you may be OK until on shore power again.

Sounds like salesman was telling you to use generator while traveling down the road to keep residential fridge running if you are plugging your 30 amp cord into onboard receptacle. Generally, our experience is if our fridge is at proper operating temps and contents within are cold we can go a few hours without any cooling and just plug in when we arrive to our site. The majority of RVs have absorption type fridges where they can utilize propane to cool while underway to their next destination, of course on propane mode they should be turned off while refueling.

Utilizing Refrigerator While Driving to RV Park

27 Replies

Cardinals
Explorer
Apr 01, 2021
Thank you all very much
klutchdust
Explorer II
Apr 01, 2021
Cardinals wrote:
I would agree with the 24 hours, same issue with the frig on our travel trailer....never thought it was going to cool down.....thanks for the response.

I use blocks of ice in my fridge and freezer while it's cooling down. Also pre cool any soft drinks etc you may carry in the fridge and keep cardboard out of there as it

absorbs and holds heat. Keep your maintenance up on the heat vent on the backside of the fridge accessible by removing the outside cover.
bobndot
Explorer II
Apr 01, 2021
pianotuna wrote:
bobndot,

Solar is the nearest any of us are like to get to a "free lunch".

Solar, i learned that term from you.:B We have come a long way. Remember Gilligan’s Island where they peddled a homemade bike to generate electricity ?

I now have solar on my roof , solar that i can move around the campsite and more batteries If i ever have to replace my fridge i think i will go 12 v. they draw so little nowadays.
Cardinals
Explorer
Apr 01, 2021
Thank you
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Apr 01, 2021
Cardinals wrote:
So if I only want have the fridge running while in route to our destination I do not need to have the generator running?
Correct, on automatic it switches to propane.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Apr 01, 2021
bobndot,

Solar is the nearest any of us are likely to get to a "free lunch".
bobndot
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2021
Cardinals, if you have a new 2021 Forester you may have the new model 10.7 12 v fridge.
I dont know that fridge. But i assume its a not lp at all. That would a low draw 12 v model that operates off your 12 v system. Solar and a larger amp battery setup would be a big plus for you if thats the case.
Cardinals
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
I would agree with the 24 hours, same issue with the frig on our travel trailer....never thought it was going to cool down.....thanks for the response.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Mar 31, 2021
Cardinals wrote:
Thank you Bob I so appreciate your assistance. Going to test it out this weekend and see how the frig cools down.....you are the reason I like this page.

I did a study on this many years ago. The results were that the fridge ran flat out for 8 hours before the first cycle. A good rule of thumb is about 24 hours for the fridge to become fully cooled.

Enjoy your new RV!
bobndot
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2021
My rig is a 2018. I have a N611 fridge. Norcold automatic. Switches from gas to 120v. 120v is primary if running off the gen or shore power.

Model decal is inside the fridge. Model and serial #.