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01-31-2023, 03:06 PM #1
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upgrading 2-way fridge to 3-way ...
I kind of started this question in another thread, and got responses from xrated and happy frood, but I wanted to get responses from the entire community.
The topic: Keeping the fridge cold while in transit using battery power.
The Question: Has anybody made their 2-way into a 3-way fridge. Pros, cons, cost and was it worth it?
I know the following:
* My 2020, 22MLE does not have solar and 1 lead acid battery (already replaced once. Next battery will be lithium)
* My typical drive-to-destination is about 3-6 hours, in outside temps typically 80F and above
* No dry camping for the foreseeable future
* I do not have, nor want a generator
* Running LP while traveling is not recommended, although sounds like many do it.
* Pre-cool the fridge 2 days before (which I can and have done in the past)
* Freeze what you can and place it in the fridge. Typically I also include a 5# bag of ice, although this limits the amount of space for other stuff.
* I really do not want to bring a cooler, but have in the past
* I was thinking about upgrading to a 12V fridge, but the $1,200 - $1,800 is a little steep and honestly, I like having the LP when all power goes out at a campground, which has happened to me twice!
When growing up we had 2 Golden Falcons (22' and a 28') and a beautiful 32' Dauphin trailer. All of them had 3-way fridges. For the convenience and safety, I am not sure why the industry went for only 2-way, especially given the solar and battery technology improvements these days. I know some current drivables have a 3-way fridge, but I can see where it would be easier to make this happen and manage.
Based on the feedback from xrated, (I would) ...need an inverter and connect that to the fridge receptacle. From Happy Frood, you'd have to configure the inverter to power the refrigerator plug outlet for travel ....
I did not understand the statement from Happy Frood about "configuring the inverter..." but has anybody tried doing this? The holly grail for me would be to have the battery (even if it means getting a 2nd battery) maintain its charge while traveling down the road, keeping and maintaining a cool fridge.Mitch and Alisa Frank
2020 Imagine XLS 22 MLE
2020 RAM 2500 Diesel
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01-31-2023, 03:14 PM #2
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- Feb 2019
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- "Murvul", TN
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I moved this out of the General Section to the Appliances Section
2016 F350 CrewCab Dually
2018 Momentum 394M...Heavily Modded!
2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT+
Excessive Payload is a Wonderful Thing
"If it ain't fast....It ain't Fun"
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01-31-2023, 03:36 PM #3
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01-31-2023, 04:01 PM #4
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Howard and Peggy
2019 Momentum 351M, and 2018 RAM Cummins dually 6-speed.
His: 1999 Honda Interceptor
Hers: 2013 Spyder ST-S
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02-01-2023, 05:43 AM #5
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- Sep 2013
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- PA
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Steve- Inventory Manager at Tom Schaeffer's RV, Shoemakersville, PA www.tomschaeffers.com
[email protected]
2011 RAM 3500 SRW Outdoorsman Edition 4X4, 6.7 Cummins--TWEAKED!
2021 Reflection 310RLS
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02-01-2023, 06:44 AM #6
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Mitch and Alisa Frank
2020 Imagine XLS 22 MLE
2020 RAM 2500 Diesel
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02-01-2023, 07:13 AM #7
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- Jul 2017
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The 3-way units didn’t even try to match their operation on 12V to that of shore power or propane. The power demand is too high, so the cooling ability was greatly reduced for 12V operation.
In order to fully cool, a typical RV refrigerator needs about 320W for heating and nearly another 30W for control electronics. 350W from the 12V system is nearly 30A. With the 8A or so typically provided to the trailer by the tow vehicle, that leaves the trailer battery providing 22A. With a typical single battery setup, that would work for a couple of hours at best.
It’s not impossible to upgrade the battery bank and add an inverter to handle it, but it would be simpler to change to a 12V compressor cooling unit or change the whole refrigerator.John & Kathy
2014 F250 Lariat FX4 6.2L SBCC
2014 Reflection 303RLS
SW Indiana
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02-01-2023, 07:30 AM #8
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02-01-2023, 07:31 AM #9
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- Mar 2020
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Stop overthinking it. Just turn the fridge on and use propane while underway. That's one of the reasons for having a propane fridge. They work great while moving while traveling.
The only time turn off the propane while underway is when required to for tunnels and some bridges. For these situations pull to the side and turn off the gas.Doug, Patti and our puppy Leo are from upstate NY.
Imagine 2019 XLS 18RBE
2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
Exterior Trim Replacement
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