Forum Discussion

dnmccoy's avatar
dnmccoy
Explorer
Sep 08, 2015

Refridgerator issue

We have a Jayco 19XUD and before our last trip I noticed the battery was dead as it had not been plugged in while in storage :(

I brought the camper home and plugged the camper in for a couple days before we left. We precooled the fridge for our trip. I noticed once we hit the road the fridge says its not getting any juice while plugged into my trucks hitch, but will only cool off propane.

Any advice? Would a bad battery not allow it to work off the trucks power?
  • That's what it's supposed to do unless it is a 3 way unit(doubtful). They run on either 120v or 12v&LP gas.
  • It would never work off of trucks power!

    The 12V from truck is just to help maintain the trailer battery voltage. The wire size/length from truck to trailer limits the DC to trailer.

    The trailers battery supplies the trailers DC system when not connected to an AC power source

    If you have a 2-way fridge it will operate on AC using the electric heat element OR off propane (both need 12V DC power for control module --- circuit board)

    If you have a 3-way fridge it will operate on the AC, propane OR using a DC heat element.

    Regardless..........trailer battery has to supply the needed DC voltage. Truck DC just helps maintain trailer battery.
  • You may be right, but I would've sworn that it would run on ac mode while going down the road. Weve got a couple weeks until our next trip so I'm going to test the battery and get a trickle charger
  • dnmccoy wrote:
    You may be right, but I would've sworn that it would run on ac mode while going down the road. Weve got a couple weeks until our next trip so I'm going to test the battery and get a trickle charger


    It can't run off AC power unless you are supplying AC power to the RV. That is done by plugging into AC, running your generator, or operating from an inverter.

    A tip;
    Create a profile or signature line so responders know what RV you are asking questions about.
  • dnmccoy wrote:
    You may be right, but I would've sworn that it would run on ac mode while going down the road. Weve got a couple weeks until our next trip so I'm going to test the battery and get a trickle charger


    It won't be running on AC while going down the road, unless you 1) have a big inverter or 2) have a generator running.
  • coolmom42 wrote:
    dnmccoy wrote:
    You may be right, but I would've sworn that it would run on ac mode while going down the road. Weve got a couple weeks until our next trip so I'm going to test the battery and get a trickle charger


    It won't be running on AC while going down the road, unless you 1) have a big inverter or 2) have a generator running.

    Or, a VERY long extension cord! :B
  • Well I think we've gotten the problem figured out then...thanks for all the help
  • dnmccoy wrote:
    Well I think we've gotten the problem figured out then...thanks for all the help


    Well..........

    Gonna let us know what you found out?
  • Yeah, I must have been mistaken thinking it was running on ac going down the road. Battery checks out fine :)

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,188 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025