Forum Discussion

thethrillofspee's avatar
thethrillofspee
Explorer
Jul 09, 2014

Drycamping + house refigerator

I just purchased a 2014 Thor Four Winds 33SW. When I was going over what to buy I was concerned with layout and towing capacity. Very happy with the layout and the Super C Diesel 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. During the walk through I asked how to start the refrigerator and was told you don't it is a "house refrigerator" that runs off 120 or the inverter...no propane. I had no clue they put those in RV's, I guess people who go to RV parks like them. I don't like RV parks. I called Thor and was told to "plug it in or start the generator".

Does anyone have any solutions to dry camping for 3-4 days and using a house refrigerator? I don't want to run the generator for an extended period of time and don't have the option of plugging it in. I upgraded the 12V batteries to two 6 volts which helped, but still isn't near enough.
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    The only alternative I am aware of would be to add a solar system.
    There are several members here that have done so that do boondock with a residential including myself.
    With only two 6 volt batteries I would suggest the largest array the roof and budget will allow.
  • John___Angela's avatar
    John___Angela
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    Put s 400 watt solar array on tge roof and you should be fine. We dry camp routinely with ours. We only run our genny during breakfast and supper preparation.

    Good luck and let us know how it goes.
  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    Yep. Solar.

    Good news is... panels have come down to about a buck a watt. And you can get by with an inexpensive controller or opt for a better, MPPT controller and squeeze a little more out of 12V panels or use it to control 24V panels which tend to be a little less expensive.

    Most folks run their genny for an hour or two every morning and let the solar work the day away. Then another evening boost might be in order depending.

    If you don't want to run the genny at all, then as Harold mentioned... stuff the roof which as much as you can and pick up the appropriate controller.

    After a gas explosion ruined his day, MrWizard opted for an AC fridge for his full-timing. With solar and the genny time mentioned above, he's happy with the safety and lack of trips to fill up the propane bottle.
  • mena661's avatar
    mena661
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    X2 KP and others. Solar. I would add a couple more 6V's too.
  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    mena661 wrote:
    ...I would add a couple more 6V's too.

    Great idea!

    (I must be slippin'.)

    Depending on your furnace... on a cool night... I could see you waking up to an inverter alarm with a cold house and a warm fridge.

    Sooner the better. It's best to have your bank pretty congruous whenever reasonably possible.

    Oh... and let's not forget your converter and its wire to the battery. There's a fair chance that it's not up to the quick-charge challenge. Post the make and model plus 1-way length and wire size from it to the bank and we'll let you know if you need to drop another 2 or 3 bills there too.

    Also post the furnace make and model.
  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2014
    Check out this thread. It confirms much of what has been said thus far. Looks like 400W of solar should be enough. I would set it up so you could add more down the road if you like. The more you have the quieter the campsite (less genny.)

    Also, your alternator should help you arrive at the campsite with a cold fridge and a full battery bank.
  • GOTTOYS's avatar
    GOTTOYS
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2014
    You need to update your signature since you sold the toyhauler!
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 10, 2014
    Well. if you do not want to run propane you could trade it in on a Norcold OR Dometic high effiecney all electric Fridge..

    Norcold at American RV

    Dometic at Dometic

    I hope these links are still good.. These draw less than 50 watts (About 3-4 amps at 12 volts) so run a LOT longer on batteries.

    I would also upgrade at least one more pair of sixes, perhaps 2 pair.
  • mena661's avatar
    mena661
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2014
    wa8yxm wrote:
    Well. if you do not want to run propane you could trade it in on a Norcold OR Dometic high effiecney all electric Fridge..

    Norcold at American RV

    Dometic at Dometic

    I hope these links are still good.. These draw less than 50 watts (About 3-4 amps at 12 volts) so run a LOT longer on batteries.

    I would also upgrade at least one more pair of sixes, perhaps 2 pair.
    I always forget about these fridges!!! Yes, those links are good. These are great alternatives to 120V fridges. Saves having to buy a large inverter if you don't have one.

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