I am currently on my first adventure and I am half way through a 12 day road trip .I had the fridge working on house batteries and propane and the battery switch was on connect to make the fridge work as it would not work on battery disconnect when we were driving.When we ended our day in a Walmart lot the house batteries were completely dead and nothing worked.I had to start the engine to fire up the generator to plug in a battery charger to charge the house batteries.Is this normal procedure?What do others do if they want the fridge working while they drive and there is no plug in at the end of the day.

You really did not give us much info on what you have. But it appears that your batteries are not being charged as you travel. Need more info. JMO

If it not a three way fridge , 120v 12 v, and propane, then it won't work when driving.

It is a 1999 Damon Challenger Model 330 A class

Ava,it is a 2 way fridge.Thanks for the information.While we are driving we have been alternating battery connect/disconnect at 1 hour intervals.

Battery connect/disconnect and fridge | Good Sam Community

BTPO1
Explorer
Aug 03, 2015
You really did not give us much info on what you have. But it appears that your batteries are not being charged as you travel. Need more info. JMO
enblethen
Nomad
Aug 03, 2015
What is make and model of rig?
Ava
Explorer
Aug 03, 2015
If it not a three way fridge , 120v 12 v, and propane, then it won't work when driving.
RetiredHoser
Explorer
Aug 03, 2015
It is a 1999 Damon Challenger Model 330 A class
RetiredHoser
Explorer
Aug 03, 2015
Ava,it is a 2 way fridge.Thanks for the information.While we are driving we have been alternating battery connect/disconnect at 1 hour intervals.
1492
Moderator
Aug 03, 2015
Moved from Forum Technical Support
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Aug 03, 2015
You have either a diode type isolator or a solenoid type isolator. They serve the same function in that both battery banks will be charged while driving. So you have some bad parts, wiring or connection.

Plus the house batteries should easily keep the refer on propane running all day and longer even if they aren't charged all day. Sounds like you also have weak batteries. Have them load tested.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Aug 03, 2015
RetiredHoser wrote:
Ava,it is a 2 way fridge.Thanks for the information.While we are driving we have been alternating battery connect/disconnect at 1 hour intervals.

WHY?
Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 03, 2015
Your engines alternator should be charging the house batteries automatically while driving. You need to fix this problem so your batteries will be fully charged at the end of the day. Holding the boost switch down half the time should've charged the batteries. Doubt that solenoid is working properly and doubt you can take it apart to clean the contacts like I did on mine.
enblethen
Nomad
Aug 03, 2015
The battery disconnects should be left in the on position while the rig is in use.
Shutting off the chassis battery disconnect, requires the rig to run off the coach batteries with no charging.
Use a volt meter to check battery voltages while the engine is off. Then start engine with battery disconnects both on, then check battery voltages. they should be around 13.5-14.0 volts.
Only problem is operator error by cycling battery disconnects. Leave them on while rig is in use!