New to class A ... fridge info ..

[Cabinetmkr]

Need info about our refrigerator operation. ‘16 Hurricane.. We have a house style refrigerator with ice maker .. different from my 40+ years of using the gas/electric travel trailer style.

I’m not familiar with generators, inverters and the like.
My question is, is the fridge only powered from shore plug or generator running, or is there power to it while on the road traveling through the engine 12v power/inverter.
The icemaker line has always been shutoff, I was glad to not see RV antifreeze in it. Do you all use the ice maker much? Just wondering if going through a hose and Filter, if it makes “ cocktail suitable” ice [emoji38]🥃

[Bob Denman]

Here's a quick test for you to try:
First try this with only the engine (the V-10 up front) running, and then try it with just the generator running...

1. Turn on the Refrigerator...

If you've got power to it: you'll know it!

Some folks run their generators while driving; in order to keep the Fridge cool... I'm wondering if yours might just handle the job with the batteries and the inverter.)

[lwmcguire]

On the ice question it is dependent on the water quality especially the TDS

Probably not very good unless you install an RO, we don't use our often

Hopefully you have an Inverter for the fridge

[Cabinetmkr]

I know this should be a basic question covered in the owners manual... but unfortunately the owners manual is pretty useless and covers very little of anything that moves in the RV

[Bob Denman]

I agree: that's why this is such a great place to hang out!

I've learned so much in my time here, that I almost think that I might know enough to be able to really get myself in trouble!

[Cabinetmkr]

I hear ya! I’m Savvy at all the repair , but geez... to place electrical components behind panels, no acknowledgement of factory installed components.. my factory installed LP gas shutoff installed in such a way, to swing valve to close is impossible.

[wrapped]

Turn off engine,and 120 volt power and no generator,open refrigerator door if light comes on, battery and inverter are running your fridge. While driving, your alternator will keep batteries charged. We full time and always use ice maker, whole house filter and filter built into fridge.

[Cabinetmkr]

Thanks everyone for getting me on right path. I cycled through power/generator/inverter , all powering the fridge. I’m good the go! Guess I’ll find out how long the inverter will last off the batteries, but it seems there is a switch that possibly be if the inverter gets low, the generator will auto start??

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by Cabinetmkr

Thanks everyone for getting me on right path. I cycled through power/generator/inverter , all powering the fridge. I’m good the go! Guess I’ll find out how long the inverter will last off the batteries, but it seems there is a switch that possibly be if the inverter gets low, the generator will auto start??

The ice maker is the BOMB!! We love it. I have a whole house water filter but did install another small filter inline under the fridge. The fridge will run on the batteries/inverter for nearly 48 hours before batteries get too low. I never go longer than 24 though just to make sure. I also carry a small portable generator with us on day trips or when boondocking so I don't have to run the diesel generator just to keep the batteries charges. We leave Thursday for the drag races weekend in Commerce. Four days with no hookups. I will carry portable generators to power the coach all weekend, shutting them down at night unless I need one A/C. the Champion 3100 will run one of the A/C's. During the hottest part of the day, we will use house generator for both A/C's.

[Alanh1]

Try https://www.thormotorcoach.com/owners/. Click on Owners resources and you can download many detailed manuals. Happy camping!

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Cabinetmkr

Thanks everyone for getting me on right path. I cycled through power/generator/inverter , all powering the fridge. I’m good the go! Guess I’ll find out how long the inverter will last off the batteries, but it seems there is a switch that possibly be if the inverter gets low, the generator will auto start??

Glad to hear you're back on track!

[HaRVey]

Some tips to minimize the fridge drain on the batteries when not on the generator or overnight.
1) turn off the ice maker when on batteries only (pre-make as much ice ahead of time as possible)
2) turn the fridge temp down (colder) when on shore power, driving or on generator.
3) turn fridge off at night (with inside temp controls). It will stay cold overnight and you won't wake up to dead batteries or be awaken by the generator autostart if enabled or piss off your neighbors.
- Some people turn off the fridge when driving over concerns of damaging the compressor over rough roads.

[Miramar Owner]

I agree with Gritz...love the ice maker. I did replace my 2-6 volt battery bank with 4-6 volt batteries. I have no problems going more than 36 hours when dry camping.

I NEVER use the pink stuff in my lines. I simply hook up an air compressor and blow out the lines including the ice maker. You'll find lots of discussion about this on the forum.

Enjoy your RV!