testing 12v refer

[rightlaneonly]

Hi, I want to test the operation of my refer on 12v. Trailer is currently in the driveway while I make some repairs. It is hooked up to shore power (30amp. My question, can I turn it onto 12v only to test (how cool it will get) and will the converter keep the battery charged up while doing this?

[jerryjay11]

I've had a 3-way RV fridge in a Class B and yes it should cool the fridge in 12 VDC as well as any other method. Never had any problem with mine while plugged it or driving. If boondocking I wouldn't expect the battery to last very long though.

[Old-Biscuit]

Make sure that fridge is LEVEL when operating using AC, LP or DC......stationary

Operating while in transit is OK

[rightlaneonly]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
YES while on shore power the converter will charge the trailer battery while using the 12V DC Heater on fridge.

BUT other then checking the amp draw/DC Element getting HOT it will NOT cool a fridge down.......it is only capable of 'maintaining' an already cold fridge

OK to 'test' the DC heater system----just don't get flustered cause fridge doesn't get cold.

Thanks, I thought I would cool it down with propane (to see it works too, I just bought the trailer) and then switch to 12v to see if it will maintain temp.
Appreciate yours and all the responses.

[Old-Biscuit]

YES while on shore power the converter will charge the trailer battery while using the 12V DC Heater on fridge.

BUT other then checking the amp draw/DC Element getting HOT it will NOT cool a fridge down.......it is only capable of 'maintaining' an already cold fridge

OK to 'test' the DC heater system----just don't get flustered cause fridge doesn't get cold.

[jwandvassie]

Yes and Yes

[2oldman]

rightlaneonly wrote:
I want to test it while its parked to be sure it operates on the 12 volt side.

Go right ahead.

[rightlaneonly]

naturist wrote:
Assuming yours is one of the ones that actually operates on 12v as well as propane/120 volt, the answer is yes to both questions. Do be aware that it will obviously be best run on propane when boon docking, but in your driveway, with shore power, should be no problem.

For what it is worth, the 12v option is best used for "while traveling" to keep things cool without turning on the propane. Do also be aware that absorption refrigerators cool down slowly, with 12v probably being the slowest option. I'd turn it on, and ignore it for 24 hours before bothering to check it. Into the bargain, when you load it up to go on a camping trip, best to give it that day's cool down, and then pre-cool everything in the household refer so the camper doesn't have to do ALL the work. When they are working as designed, the do a great job keeping things cold, but cooling down, not so much.

Thank you for your answer but my question is, can I run it on 12 volt while plugged into shore power and keep the battery charged up while doing so?

[rightlaneonly]

Isaac-1 wrote:
Most RV refrigerators operate on propane or 120V AC shore power, the 12 volt part only powers the control system.

This is a 3 way refer and can operate on any of the 3, either propane, 110 or 12 volt I know the 12 volt is to be used while towing but I want to test it while its parked to be sure it operates on the 12 volt side.

[naturist]

Assuming yours is one of the ones that actually operates on 12v as well as propane/120 volt, the answer is yes to both questions. Do be aware that it will obviously be best run on propane when boon docking, but in your driveway, with shore power, should be no problem.

For what it is worth, the 12v option is best used for "while traveling" to keep things cool without turning on the propane. Do also be aware that absorption refrigerators cool down slowly, with 12v probably being the slowest option. I'd turn it on, and ignore it for 24 hours before bothering to check it. Into the bargain, when you load it up to go on a camping trip, best to give it that day's cool down, and then pre-cool everything in the household refer so the camper doesn't have to do ALL the work. When they are working as designed, the do a great job keeping things cold, but cooling down, not so much.

[Isaac-1]

Most RV refrigerators operate on propane or 120V AC shore power, the 12 volt part only powers the control system.