Forum Discussion

bkd148's avatar
bkd148
Explorer
Mar 26, 2019

Samsung RF18 and inverter

I know this subject has been discussed many times but I would like the latest information possible. I just installed a Samsung RF18 refrigerator in our motorhome. The coach has a 2500 watt Trace/Xantrex modified sine wave inverter. I know a pure sine wave is best BUT, has anyone had real world experience running this refrigerator from a modified sine wave inverter? I just don't want to buy a $1,500. inverter if I don't have to.
Thank you, Marty
  • It does not look like I did a lot of damage. I did not do a lot of testing. I had the batts charging for about 30 hours and then let set for an hour off charge. They settled at 12.8. They will serve us a while longer.
  • Well, I did a dumb one Sunday. Wasn't feeling well when we returned from a short weekend. Messed up my own routine. parked the rig beside the house, inverter on and forgot to plug in. Had emptied the fridge and all perishables from the MH. Realized it this morning and plugged it in before heading to work.

    Will see what I did to the batts this evening. The batts are almost 6 years old so even if they do not recover, only lost a little.

    Remember to turn off your inverter or plug in if gone for long. Our batts only last about 10 hours on the inverter with only the fridge on (and parasitics), without charging.
  • Thank you all for your replies. They have been very helpful in my decision. Marty
  • Our RF18 runs fine on our Tripp Lite rv750ulhw. We run it 80% on shoe an5 20% on inverter. Have run it 8 hours each time, on the inverter, for 2 test periods. No problems.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Yes, a Samsung will run well on a MSW inverter because the compressor is NOT a AC motor...it’s a DC compressor. Samsung converts the AC voltage (PSW or MSW) to DC to run the variable speed DC compressor. The ice maker in a Norcold is powered off the PSW inverter so it will make ice going down the road so while I do not have a Samsung, I would use the ice maker regardless of how it’s powered.

    A AC motor looses 10-15% when powered by a MSW power source so does a microwave. If you dry camp often then a PSW inverter may be worthwhile for the energy savings. In the early 2000s most MHs came with MSW inverters but not many had residential refrigerators.
  • While I don't have a Samsung, my GE 21.5 cf side-by-side (ice and water through the door) has been working perfectly on a MSW inverter since 1999!
  • I'm a full timer and installed RF18 in my coach in March 2016. Running Freedom 2500 watt MSW inverter and no problems. I run on inverter anytime I'm rolling and when I boondock.

    I've read that the ice maker may not like MSW so I usually don't run the ice maker on the inverter. I don't use much ice anyway.

    pete
    2000 40' Magna CAT C-10, #5892
  • Marty,

    Our Monterey had the modified sine wave style. I burned up two things that had digital timers in them. One was a blender for margaritas.

    It happened quick. So, my guess is that if your frig hasn't quit or been making weird noises, you're good.

    Bill
  • bkd148 wrote:
    I know this subject has been discussed many times but I would like the latest information possible. I just installed a Samsung RF18 refrigerator in our motorhome. The coach has a 2500 watt Trace/Xantrex modified sine wave inverter. I know a pure sine wave is best BUT, has anyone had real world experience running this refrigerator from a modified sine wave inverter? I just don't want to buy a $1,500. inverter if I don't have to.
    Thank you, Marty

    It's supposedly been tried and proven, for this particular model to run just fine on an MSW.
    I know I wouldn't be buying one, unless it was proven otherwise and have only heard that some model fridges have certain ice maker electronics that doesn't like seeing a MSW.

    Here's the guy that knows for sure, if you might want to give him a call...
    Kevin Mallory
    Cruising America RV Service Company
    715 South Sugar Street
    Celina, OH 45822
    419-852-0791