Not enough batteries

[Winnipeg]

We are kicking tires on a new MH. Yes, we want a new gas coach, so suggesting a used DP to solve this particular question is not on track.

The Allegro 32 gas coach has our eye, but we are wondering about only 2 batteries. It appears that almost all upper level gas coaches have residential fridges these days, and they mostly all have only 2 batteries. It doesn't seam like enough. We mostly desert camp without hookups.

When residential fridges first started showing up in DP's about 10 years ago, they were adding 2 extra batteries in addition to the typical 4 batteries that DP's had. LED lights have reduced the load, and maybe 6 batteries is not necessary, but 2 seams too little.

The problem is complicated by the fact that simply adding more batteries does not appear to be an easy task. The two that come with it are under the steps. Maybe replace those with lithium? The storage compartments are not very heavy gauge, so simply putting batteries in there may not be a good idea without reinforcing things.

Any comments on dry camping with residential fridge & only 2 batteries? What happens if your furnace comes on and further taxes the batteries? Any good battery upgrade solutions?

[usersmanual]

johnf wrote:
We have a tiffin 2016 32 SA res. Ref. Only problem was leaving the direct tv rec. On while using the inverter for the ref. Overnight otherwise seems to be enough battery power

BUT what if u run the Tv and lites for a few hours in the evening and then add you need to have the furnace run in the cooler nites while boondocking Do your two 12v batterys work ok for the 12 hours?
of this typical usage

[dougrainer]

hanko wrote:
any tiffin you order with a resi refrig will have 4 batteries

NOT the Gas models. They have the 2- 6 volt batteries in the entry step well. Doug

[johnf]

We have a tiffin 2016 32 SA res. Ref. Only problem was leaving the direct tv rec. On while using the inverter for the ref. Overnight otherwise seems to be enough battery power

[johnf]

We have a 2016 32 sa (tiffin) with res. Ref. Only problem we have had was leaving the direct tv rec. On while running the Ref on the inverter otherwise no real problem

[usersmanual]

Sprig wrote:

usersmanual wrote:
...what is the object behind jugs of water in the fridge?

Thermal capacity to potentially reduce shift the actual time that the compressor runs the most; towards may day-time instead of night-time usage.

Total energy use-age may be actually more (as there IS significantly more thermal mass in the unit), however, if that use-age is shifted to the time when solar is available, then less battery capacity is actually needed.

It might also be neat to hack the refrigerator electronics and set a lower interior temperature during solar production, and elevate the temperature during periods without solar production.

Ok that's your version but something in my world tells me jugs of water in a fridge wont reduce the compressor run time. I seriously could not be bothered to waste my time filling water jugs and stuffing them in my fridge all on the premise of possible saving a couple battery amps

[Sprig]

usersmanual wrote:
...what is the object behind jugs of water in the fridge?

Thermal capacity to potentially reduce shift the actual time that the compressor runs the most; towards may day-time instead of night-time usage.

Total energy use-age may be actually more (as there IS significantly more thermal mass in the unit), however, if that use-age is shifted to the time when solar is available, then less battery capacity is actually needed.

It might also be neat to hack the refrigerator electronics and set a lower interior temperature during solar production, and elevate the temperature during periods without solar production.

[usersmanual]

Winnipeg wrote:
We are kicking tires on a new MH. Yes, we want a new gas coach, so suggesting a used DP to solve this particular question is not on track.

The Allegro 32 gas coach has our eye, but we are wondering about only 2 batteries. It appears that almost all upper level gas coaches have residential fridges these days, and they mostly all have only 2 batteries. It doesn't seam like enough. We mostly desert camp without hookups.

When residential fridges first started showing up in DP's about 10 years ago, they were adding 2 extra batteries in addition to the typical 4 batteries that DP's had. LED lights have reduced the load, and maybe 6 batteries is not necessary, but 2 seams too little.

The problem is complicated by the fact that simply adding more batteries does not appear to be an easy task. The two that come with it are under the steps. Maybe replace those with lithium? The storage compartments are not very heavy gauge, so simply putting batteries in there may not be a good idea without reinforcing things.

Any comments on dry camping with residential fridge & only 2 batteries? What happens if your furnace comes on and further taxes the batteries? Any good battery upgrade solutions?

As I have said and I repeat it comes with a std small LPG fridge it does not come with a residential unless ordered as a option also the unit has a 1210 4 door lpg fridge as a option upgrade
the standard issue unit is TWO SIX volt batterys and a small LPG fridge.I believe if the optional residential unit is chosen then it come with 4 six volt batterys

[usersmanual]

Sprig wrote:
I think a residential refer is a GREAT idea, now that there are decent solar panels available. So, that is where I would start FIRST, adding enough extra solar to accommodate the extra demands of residential.

Then, I'd fill both the freezer, and refer, with jugs of water up to the point where the remaining space is more then you normally use.

So, with the solar, and water, the night-time electric usage should be fairly low, provided the internal temps of the RV are reasonable.

Then, if not already, I'd replace EVERY single lite bulb with an LED equivalent to further reduce night-time loads.

I'll follow my own advice above, and put a Kill-a-Watt on my own over the next few days.

Bottom line, I really do think that a significant solar set-up, unless you expect to run the genset 24/7 for A/C, is the first step over adding extra batteries. Adding extra batteries is the third thing I would look at doing; and realistically, doing all three (Solar,LEDs,Batts) at once is the best approach.

what is the object behind jugs of water in the fridge?

[hanko]

any tiffin you order with a resi refrig will have 4 batteries

[Sprig]

I think a residential refer is a GREAT idea, now that there are decent solar panels available. So, that is where I would start FIRST, adding enough extra solar to accommodate the extra demands of residential.

Then, I'd fill both the freezer, and refer, with jugs of water up to the point where the remaining space is more then you normally use.

So, with the solar, and water, the night-time electric usage should be fairly low, provided the internal temps of the RV are reasonable.

Then, if not already, I'd replace EVERY single lite bulb with an LED equivalent to further reduce night-time loads.

I'll follow my own advice above, and put a Kill-a-Watt on my own over the next few days.

Bottom line, I really do think that a significant solar set-up, unless you expect to run the genset 24/7 for A/C, is the first step over adding extra batteries. Adding extra batteries is the third thing I would look at doing; and realistically, doing all three (Solar,LEDs,Batts) at once is the best approach.

[time_to_go_now]

My Tiffin came with two 6-volt golf cart batteries under the step. I built a tray that bolted to the frame and installed two more 6-volt golf cart batteries. I got the idea from Freightliner. They have two engine starting batteries in a tray bolted to the other side frame.

Be careful of how you wire the extra batteries. Has worked great for us.

Good luck.

[usersmanual]

Mile High wrote:
We came from an LPG 4 dr fridge with icemaker in our fiver to a residential. The residential has more room, but even with 6 dedicated AGM batteries (2 separate coach batteries) we are feeling the hassle a bit of not being able to leave it running without power. I get about 36 hours using the 2800 watt inverter and then the generator has to start. We never had to worry on our LPG.

We aren't real boondockers, but I do like to leave it in front of the house for a few days.

You get 36 hours running everything or you get 36 hours with just the fridge alone nothing else running?

[time2roll]

If you like the RV get it. If batteries are too small for off-grid use get more. If you are running the generator too much get solar. This type of use is actually perfect for lithium batteries. Still if you want extended air conditioning you will probably be running the generator.

[Mile_High]

We came from an LPG 4 dr fridge with icemaker in our fiver to a residential. The residential has more room, but even with 6 dedicated AGM batteries (2 separate coach batteries) we are feeling the hassle a bit of not being able to leave it running without power. I get about 36 hours using the 2800 watt inverter and then the generator has to start. We never had to worry on our LPG.

We aren't real boondockers, but I do like to leave it in front of the house for a few days.

[Ivylog]

Two batteries are need to just run the refer for 24 hours before needing charged if you turn the ice maker off. If the compartments cannot handle the weight of two AGM batteries, not sure I would want it anyway.