Sep-06-2014 03:29 PM
Sep-08-2014 08:28 AM
Sep-07-2014 06:46 PM
CA Traveler wrote:
John,
Impressive numbers but I'm not sure we're speaking the same language. Firgidare lists a 22.6 cu ft side by side refer as 8.5A/120V. A cool down in 40 minutes with 35 minutes of running seems impossible to me unless the refer is already cold. The freezer drops from say 70F (typical temp) to 0F in 40 minutes at startup? I'm confused.
Sep-07-2014 06:22 PM
Sep-07-2014 06:20 PM
Sep-07-2014 05:09 PM
CA Traveler wrote:John & Angela wrote:It depends upon the actual model which the poster did not specify. One model of the previously mentioned Samsung RF197 indicated it draws 15A at 120V which may well include the worse case scenario. But I gave the poster the formulas he can use for his application.CA Traveler wrote:rsbabson wrote:Never is that a good idea. The contents will warm up before they cool down in the warm refer and that is asking for bacteria problems.
Im looking to buy a Columbus 320rs with the residental fridge also. So you cant load the fridge up and roll down the road with your groceries?
Using a 300W refer draw for example you would need to supply 300W/12V = 25A so use 30A to allow for losses including the inverter. Your alternator may/may not have that extra capacity. Typically a truck and trailer wiring will not have the capacity to carry that amperage without significant voltage loss. One option is to have an inverter in the truck and run a 120V line back to the refer.
Almost any option includes a precooled refer. This also allows the refer to cycle on/off which reduces the overall power over a period of time. Plus once cooled you may be able to turn it off for a period of time while driving.
Your power usage estimate is off. Typically they draw about 1 amp at 120 volts. They will run for about 5 to 7 minutes and then cycle off for 10 to 12 minutes. No problem for an alternator in a truck. I agree with earlier comment insuring that the charge line to the trailer be of sufficient gauge. The running lights on the trailer will draw as much or more than the fridge.
Refers do cycle on and off which certainly helps reduce power. But this poster wanted to start with a warm refer which won't cycle until it cools. However I certainly hope no one does that as bacteria develop quickly with warm food.
Sep-07-2014 01:33 PM
pcm1959 wrote:
Chris, ORDER THE RESIDENTIAL refrig! You won't regret it. We are pretty much the same type of campers as you.
I ordered a 2014 Lifestyle LS36fw with an optional Norcold 1210 side/side refrig which was a $2800 option. I took delivery of the rig in early March. The Norcold has been nothing but trouble. I should have saved my money! But that is all another story. I pulled-out the Norcold and sold it on CList for $1750. That paid for a 1000 pure sine wave inverter, transfer switch, cables, a Samsung RF197 French door refridge and anything else I needed to do the mod. I already had 2 deep cycle 6 volt batteries. So I just added an inverter with a dedicated line to the refrige with the transfer switch.
I don't know what model refrig you will be getting but the Samsung draws 3 amps upon compressor start-up and about 1 amp while running otherwise. The inverter has a 1.4 amp no load draw.
We live in FL and it will take about 3.5 hours to cool down from the mid 90's to -2/37 degrees!!! Starting out with full batteries they are drawn down to about 2/3 to 1/2 in that time. Once hitched up the truck prevents any further draw. If you keep the doors closed, it will stay at safe temp for hours during travel IF you don't want to run the inverter. We leave the inverter on without issue. you could always add 2 more batteries or a solar panel if your reserve battery power concerned you. If is not a problem for us.
Ours has the ice maker but no filtered water. That is fine as we don't use a lot of ice and filter all the water coming into our rig. We are not big ice users either but make ice in the old-fashioned ice trays. We have five of them and we just dump the ice from them in freezer ice bin and use a scoop when ice is needed. Like you, we are not full timers and didn't want the stale water setting in the lines between trips nor the worry of winterizing.
We LOVE the latest mod and feel such freedom from the NO-Cold. I can't imagine you'd regret going the residential route. Good luck. Phillip
Sep-07-2014 12:21 PM
missourijan wrote:It's been discussed a lot here too.
Just my 2 cents, this has been discussed a lot over on another rv forum, IRV2.com..
Sep-07-2014 12:19 PM
Sep-07-2014 12:09 PM
'06 GMC DMax CCSB 594,545 km
(368,890 miles)
2003 Citation 26RKS
.Sep-07-2014 11:59 AM
lynndiwagon wrote:Which post are you referring to?
Sorry John, your calculations are incorrect..
Sep-07-2014 11:56 AM
Sep-07-2014 11:27 AM
cgaskins wrote:
All, I really appreciate the input and guidance. You are all awesome! As you can tell I am a little nervous about switching over but am rapidly getting more comfortable.
Sep-07-2014 10:38 AM
Sep-07-2014 10:23 AM