Refrigerator question

[Ginnylitz1956]

We have a 2018 Thor Palazzo 36.3. Just bought it used in August. We embarked this morning on a cross country adventure and noticed the refrigerator doesn't run automatically while driving. I texted with Thor Customer Service and they suggested running the generator but mentioned an inverter option. Does anyone care to educate this novice?

[Grumpy Grampa]

Yes, inverter needs to be on when running refrigerator.

[DavidEM]

Sounds like you have a 110V AC residential type fridge. These require AC from shore power, a generator or an inverter. You coach may have an inverter or it may not. If it does have one, turn it on and it will probably power the fridge.

But realize that the power to run the inverter is coming from the batteries. While you are driving the chassis alternator should keep them charged. But when you stop if you don't plug into shore power or start your generator, the batteries will start to run down.

How long they last depends on the battery size, how you use the fridge and other DC loads like lights, etc.

You may also have solar panels which will help keep the batteries up depending on wattage and whether you are parked in the sun or not.

David

[taylorbob1]

What was said in the posts above.

Also, you need to check your battery bank
6v or 12v?
How many?
Were they recently replaced?
Are they Flooded Lead Acid (needing water) or AGM?

Bottom line…if they’re the original batteries, it’s in your interest to replace for worry-free travels.

[m1noel]

And, your use/store switch needs to be in use.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Ginnylitz1956

We have a 2018 Thor Palazzo 36.3. Just bought it used in August. We embarked this morning on a cross country adventure and noticed the refrigerator doesn't run automatically while driving. I texted with Thor Customer Service and they suggested running the generator but mentioned an inverter option. Does anyone care to educate this novice?

Going to Thor archives for your motorhome model, specifications indicate you have a residential (120-Volt only) refrigerator, plus a 2,000-Watt inverter, with 4 house batteries.

While driving, engine alternator should supply electrical power to batteries, which then feed inverter, and inverter powers the refrigerator. If you are not getting electrical power at fridge, it could be many things, including bad batteries, inverter not on or not working, etc.

[Rojapet]

We have a 2016 Thor Palazzo and the refrigerator just died. It doesn’t look like fun to get the old one out of the RV through the door..any ideas? Door is 23.5” wide and refrigerator without door is 25.25” Will a typical home refrigerator work to replace it? Any other items I should know regarding replacement…. Please and thanks.

[Bill Johnson]

Originally Posted by Rojapet

We have a 2016 Thor Palazzo and the refrigerator just died. It doesn’t look like fun to get the old one out of the RV through the door..any ideas? Door is 23.5” wide and refrigerator without door is 25.25” Will a typical home refrigerator work to replace it? Any other items I should know regarding replacement…. Please and thanks.

When I was seasonal for a while the RV fridge went out and I didn't need an RV fridge so I went to the store after taking measurements of the largest one that would fit. I bought a frost free one and it was much larger inside. I still own it today it's my beer and pop fridge now after going through a flood. I needed to cut the opening larger but it was 100% better than the RV fridge

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Rojapet

We have a 2016 Thor Palazzo and the refrigerator just died. It doesn’t look like fun to get the old one out of the RV through the door..any ideas? Door is 23.5” wide and refrigerator without door is 25.25” Will a typical home refrigerator work to replace it? Any other items I should know regarding replacement…. Please and thanks.

The windshield may have to be removed if it won't fit through the door.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Rojapet

We have a 2016 Thor Palazzo and the refrigerator just died. It doesn’t look like fun to get the old one out of the RV through the door..any ideas? Door is 23.5” wide and refrigerator without door is 25.25” Will a typical home refrigerator work to replace it? Any other items I should know regarding replacement…. Please and thanks.

Your fridge has a front to back (deep) measurement that should fit thru the RV door once the fridge door is removed.
Think: counter depth fridge which generally run 23-27” deep w/ door attached