Running an RV refridgerator with an inverter?

[ti_3vooom]

I have a 2003 Travel Trailer and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on running my fridge on an inverter while traveling, as we make some long trips from time to time. I'm thinking along the lines of a 1500 watt inverter running off a 2 to 4 battery bank. Anyone have any experience on this?

[Steven]

I have not tried this but it could work, especially if your tow vehicle is charging your trailer batteries while you drive.

It would be easier to just run the refrigerator on propane.  And easier still, to just not worry about it.

We generally travel 5 to 6 hours at a time, sometimes longer, and have never had a problem with things getting too warm while the refrigerator was off during travel.  As long as everything is cold/frozen before we start off we're fine.  RV refrigerators are pretty well insulated.

You may want to read: http://rvbasics.com/techtips/rv-refrigerator-on-while-traveling.html
and: http://rvbasics.com/techtips/rv-refigerator-basics.html

[LindaH]

We have a 2000-watt Prosine inverter/charger and I asked our installer this exact same question.  Here was his answer:

It is possible, but I do not recommend it.  At 40+ amps DC per hour, your batteries will not be charged fast enough to make up for the power drain caused by the refer [we have 4 AGM batteries].  It is also very easy for the inverter to experience an error while it is being vibrated down the road while operating.

We just run the refer on propane when we travel.

[CAC RV]

you may want to run your GenSet while doing this.  Most people don't use there GenSets enough and its a good idea to run it once a month at least under a good load.

[antonette93]

I have not yet try that personally but I think there is a charging are in your vehicle. I think the refrigerator will run or work if you will charge it inside your vehicle.

[Corvair66]

I have driven up to twelve hours at a time with my trailer and have not had any trouble with things going bad. I also would suggest that you think of a full sine wave inverter if you want to use on when you are using your batteries or if you have solar panels as they will give a truer power curve and eliminate the chance of damaging your electronics for the refrigerator .
It will also protect you electronics like your laptop or computer that you carry with you.
Dale

[crwchf135]

Hello ,,, I am new to RVing, in fact so new that we dont even have an rv yet. That is our plan for when we retire in 4 years and I want to get as much info as I can so I dont have problems when we do get one. I have a bunch of questions, but for now will ask just this one. On the subject of running a refer while driving I wish to get a class A when we retire so what everyone is saying here is that when you are driving down the road to wherever whether it be 2 hour ride (well maybe not 2 hours) or 12 hour ride you should run the refer off the propane tank to keep the refridge cold. Right?? Thanks ... Dave 

[crwchf135]

Steven,, Want to say thanks for the link you put out about the refridgerator being on. It answered my question completely......Dave

[Steven]

You are welcome Dave.

[Cathleen]

I don’t have any experience in inverting the power supply of my refrigerator. But it is possible to do that like you are planning having a battery back up. I think it is change all the line wire connection of the refrigerator in the RV so it can avoid the power short circuit.