Residential Refrig, not enough power

[mksmitty1960]

I have a residential refrigerator in my fifth wheel and running out of electricity in about two days. Currently running 2 six volts and have a 200 watt solar panel putting out about 8.7 Amps. I am considering the following upgrades, 4 Six volt batteries, adding a second solar panel and the possibility of adding a secondary battery charger to a 20 or 30 amp. I also run a generator about 3 to 4 hrs a day. In regards to adding a second battery charger, do you need to disconnect the original factory charger? Would this work?
Thanks, Mike

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[TXiceman]

Need 2 more 6 volt batteries and another solar panel or two. maybe a small generator to help recharge on overcast days. Also monitor all 12 volt use.

Ken

[djousma]

I'd also suggest focusing on ALL 12V consumption, not just the refrigerator. Could be something else with a big drain that you arent even aware of.

[kellertx5er]

garyp4951 wrote:
Just switch it to propane.:)

It is a RESIDENTIAL unit. AC only, no propane.

[full_mosey]

mksmitty1960;

If you are a weekend camper/RVer you can extend your days by adding batteries.

When that is not enough, you add solar or run a generator.

However, you are already running a genny 3-4 hours daily.

You need to get a handle on your daily AH consumption or you will keep adding components with no clue.

What are your goals? Weekends or what?

HTH;
John

[garyp4951]

Just switch it to propane.:)

[time2roll]

I agree with 4x GC2. I agree with adding 200+ watts solar... max out your controller or the entire roof. For better charging I recommend a PD9280-14.8 converter upgrade. Upgrade your battery charging loop to #4 wire.

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD-9280C-148-80-Amp-RV-ConverterCharger

[1492]

Moved from Forum Posting Help and Support

[theoldwizard1]

pianotuna wrote:

I'd go to 600 to 800 watts of solar. Upgrade to four jars.

Concur !

GordonThree wrote:
Turn the fridge off at night to conserve power?

Excellent suggestion !

[GordonThree]

Turn the fridge off at night to conserve power?

[pianotuna]

Mike,

I'd go to 600 to 800 watts of solar. Upgrade to four jars.

What type of converter is currently being used?

Often battery chargers and converters may "play well together".