Considering Residential Fridge

rlatter

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Joined
Jul 17, 2024
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1
I’m considering a residential fridge so I have some questions on a lithium battery upgrade!

I’m in a 2021 337RLS. I doubt I will ever boondock so just need to run fridge during travel and in case of power loss at park. My questions are……

Do I need an inverter and a lithium compatible converter?
What size lithium battery would be best?
Is this a job a novice can accomplish, or will I need to use a shop to do work?
I do have a portable solar panel. Will I be able to use that to charge batteries?

I think that’s it for now. I’m sure I’ll have more!
 
JMO, but if you never boondock, the need for the expense of a lithium battery drops quite a bit. If you don't boondock/dry camp, then the only thing to consider is how long your travel days are.

If your travel days are short, and you always have shore power, then, IMO, you don't really need an inverter either. If you don't access the fridge while traveling, it should keep stuff chilled/frozen for 4-5 hours of travel, maybe longer depending on the quality of the insulation.
 
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I’m considering a residential fridge ... I’m in a 2021 337RLS. I doubt I will ever boondock so just need to run fridge during travel and in case of power loss at park. My questions are……

Do I need an inverter and a lithium compatible converter?
What size lithium battery would be best?
Is this a job a novice can accomplish, or will I need to use a shop to do work?
I do have a portable solar panel. Will I be able to use that to charge batteries?

I think that’s it for now. I’m sure I’ll have more!

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat (or at least, the same RV) and considering the same question.

Yes, you will need an inverter, but the inverter doesn't really care too much about the battery that supplies it, so you don't need to convert to a lithium battery.
IF you just need to power the refrig for a couple hours you don't need a huge battery bank, either.
Our NoCold fridge pulls 25A while driving down the road but many residentials draw less than that
Yes, a novice can put it together ... in a separate post I'm going to put up how I plan to wire everything together to get some "expert advice" (or draw power) so you might want to check on that.
Yes, you can also use a solar panel, tow vehicle, or generator to refresh the battery while the inverter is sucking out the juice on the other side.

here's a link to my post/thread: https://Diagrams-for-wiring-Residential-Fridge-running-inverter
Hope that all helps!
 
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Our Samsung residential fridge draws 6-7Amps when the compressor is running (plus there is some overhead draw from the Inverter itself - we always seem to have a parasitic draw of about 2-3Amps). With two 100Ah LiFePO4s, we have done 4 nights with a 300W solar panel to recharge next day not connecting to shore power. Typically, we'll be at 75-80% SOC in the AM and that's with some Tele and lights in the evening. On good days, solar will bring it into the 90% range by next evening - cloudy/rainy somewhat less.
 
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