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Retired_Sailor's avatar
Retired_Sailor
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016

NORCOLD 1200LIR showing "lo dc"

I'm currently on the road. My inverter went down in remote Colorado (power in/no power out) so I had it bypassed so I can use 120VAC when plugged in to shore power. I bought a battery charger to keep them charged while on shore power. After about a week, now I'm getting the 'lo dc' reading. I have four hour drive tomorrow morning into Missoula and I'm concerned about this damaging my refer before I get to the repair shop to replace to inverter. Battery is hovering around 11.2-11.5. Will I make it into the shop (about 15 hours from now as I type this)?

Thanks

LB
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 27, 2016
    Fridge will continue to work down to 10.5V

    Batteries are being damaged drawing voltage that low (11.2--11.5)
    The lower you drag them the more damage being done

    How long are you allowing portable battery charger to charge batteries???
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2016
    Will your alternator not charge the house batteries when running?
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jul 27, 2016
    SCVJeff wrote:
    Will your alternator not charge the house batteries when running?

    X2 as on most DP's the alternator will charge the house batteries automatically. After 10 minutes of your engine running, what is the house battery voltage? If it has not changed, then I would hold the battery boost switch on, even putting something under it to hold it on for the first hour of your trip.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2016
    A decent fridge will hold temp for four hrs. If you're worried, shut it off. Keep the charger on the batteries for as long as you can before leaving.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2016
    We travel without our 1200 running and it keeps everything cold and in a cool enough range for 6 hours of travel with no problem. Freezer compartment is good for longer. Just keep doors closed and refrain from opening unless you have to. I'd remove any ice cream and eat it though.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2016
    If you "bought a battery charger to keep them charged", why are they dead?

    When driving, the alternator should be charging.
  • Retired_Sailor's avatar
    Retired_Sailor
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2016
    beemerphile1 wrote:
    If you "bought a battery charger to keep them charged", why are they dead?


    That's why I'm on here asking these questions. And they weren't dead, they were low after being parked for 6 days
  • Retired_Sailor's avatar
    Retired_Sailor
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2016
    Thanks all for the positive comments. We made it into Missoula and inverter is being replaced.

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