Fridge operation while boomdocking

What most people don't realize is that you can always go back and correct your mistake(s). Most people never do even after being alerted to the problem. Using Grammarly helps quite a bit.

Nothing worse than a spelling error to detract from your post.

Listen to what Huntingdog has said.

If you have a single stage converter it will charge you battery when plugged in. The problem is that these can't tell when your batteries are charged so they continue to charge them at a high rate. The results are overheated batteries where the fluids will actually boil off.

A three stage converter will slow the charge down by steps until it will simply maintain your battery until you need to use it again.

You might want to check on what kind of converter you have.

I hope eye didn't mispel any wurds in this post.

turbojimmy wrote:

JBarca wrote:
But... the fridge can kill a battery in short order if is has a "Climate Control".

On some of the Dometic fridges (I do not know if Norcold has it) there is a small rocker switch up in the gasket area of the freezer. When turned on, it creates heat in the gasket area to evaporate off excess moisture. This heat is created from 12 VDC and it will draw a lot of power. Make sure it is turned "off" if yours has it.

It's a "High Humidity" switch on my NeverCold. This is my 5th season with it and I finally decided to look into what it does. It's exactly as you described. And it was the difference between my fridge being high-30s/low-40s inside to being low-mid 30s once I shut it off.

Not sure about the battery draw since I run the generator a couple of times a day while boomdocking, but if it's a 12V heating element then I can see how it would impact that, too.

Thanks or letting us know. Now we know the Norcold way of creating a high power draw when boondocking...

JBarca wrote:
But... the fridge can kill a battery in short order if is has a "Climate Control".

On some of the Dometic fridges (I do not know if Norcold has it) there is a small rocker switch up in the gasket area of the freezer. When turned on, it creates heat in the gasket area to evaporate off excess moisture. This heat is created from 12 VDC and it will draw a lot of power. Make sure it is turned "off" if yours has it.

It's a "High Humidity" switch on my NeverCold. This is my 5th season with it and I finally decided to look into what it does. It's exactly as you described. And it was the difference between my fridge being high-30s/low-40s inside to being low-mid 30s once I shut it off.

Not sure about the battery draw since I run the generator a couple of times a day while boomdocking, but if it's a 12V heating element then I can see how it would impact that, too.

CavemanCharlie wrote:
..I often have to type my subject line in the box for the thread to make sure it is spelled right. Then I can type it into the subject line and delete it from the box for the thread..

Cut-n-paste works well for that.

leatherhead612 wrote:
I have a question. While Boondocking does the fridge need a battery to operate properly when running on propane. My battery went dead and it appears the fridge stopped working. Probably a dumb question but I’ve never had the batteries go dead before While boondocking. TIA

As others have said, a fridge can run on gas a good long time, normally and not drain the battery. And it does need a battery if it has electronic ignition.

But... the fridge can kill a battery in short order if is has a "Climate Control".

On some of the Dometic fridges (I do not know if Norcold has it) there is a small rocker switch up in the gasket area of the freezer. When turned on, it creates heat in the gasket area to evaporate off excess moisture. This heat is created from 12 VDC and it will draw a lot of power. Make sure it is turned "off" if yours has it.

We never asked and you never said, some of the older fridges run on just gas with no 12 volts. Those you have to light the pilot on them. I'm assuming you do not have one of them.

Also while boondocking make sure all of the other 12 DC loads are not on in the camper. Like the roof antenna power booster, the lights inside the radio. I myself leave the LP gas detectors live all the time even while boondocking. You may have some other 12 VDC load drawing power. Find it and see if you can do without it.

Hope this helps

John

2oldman wrote:
Why people misspell words in the Subject but not again in the body is a mystery to me.

Yes, your refer needs 12v.

Because "Spell Check" does not work in the subject line on this site !!!

I am a poor speller and I often have to type my subject line in the box for the thread to make sure it is spelled right. Then I can type it into the subject line and delete it from the box for the thread.

To the OP yes you need a battery to make the circuit board work for the fridge.

mat60 wrote:
LOL..And I really cant Spell..Do I need to say Im sorry to you.

Heck no. I should be thanking you for a new buzz word!

Hi,

I love boomdocking! lol

add a modest solar panel system.

It sounds as if you may have marine batteries. These require lots of extra care and ought not to be discharged more than about 20%. (i.e. 80% of fully charged).