DSDP Don wrote:
To start, you're more likely to get a higher trade in value for a residential fridge. Those who state the opposite must not have looked at what almost EVERY new diesel or high end gas coach comes with.
Your batteries will be sufficient for 24 hours of use.
The Samsung RF197 is the residential refer of choice for RVer's swapping out absorption units. The Samsung uses the least amount of power, runs on a MSW inverter without issue and is just six inches taller than the refer you're replacing. Most rigs have a cabinet either above or below their current refer which can be modified for an easy installation.
I've installed two of the Samsungs and they have been great. They have a huge ice tray and it's easy to turn the ice maker on and off while traveling. I installed a second inverter on my coach to power just the refer. It was a 600 watt Magnum. This gave me a backup in an emergency.
If you're handy, you can do the entire install yourself for about $1400.00, including the Samsung
The reason why most new coaches come with AC powered only refrigerators is because they are cheap in comparison to a refrigerator that can use both. They call it cutting corners by the manufacturer.
Answer to the OP is if you are hooked up to AC power all the time in an RV park, they work just fine. But if you dry camp for extended periods they need solar panels, pure sine invertor and six house batteries.
I do not believe it has any effect if you ever trade it in at a dealer. You might have problems selling it outright.
