Natureboy
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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So this year I got a non-electrical seasonal site for my Jayco (all the electrical were taking in the draw for our provincial parks). So I added two big marine batteries, some solar panels and I have a Honda 3000is generator if I need it.
I am going to run the fridge on propane all the time but I wonder if it will burn much when I am not there and I can leave it on? All is see is that tiny little flame in there and I can't imagine it using up much even over a few months.
Does anyone have experience with this situation? It would be nice to just leave it on so the food is there when I get there.
Thanks in advance.
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javaseuf
Southern Cal
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Leave it on. It will last a long time with full tanks BUT be sure that it will not run out of propane or you will have a real mess with bad food and smell.
If it were me, I would get a large 100lb. tank and connect it to the gas system. There may be someone that comes through the park that can fill it so you wouldn't need to transport the large tank. Lowes sells them for around $80.00.
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Lantley
Ellicott City, Maryland
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The fridge will require 12 volts to operate you may have enough propane. But battery power will be a bigger factor.
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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How long will you be gone from the TT?
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waflhtrider
Pierce County Washington
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I think you will run out of battery long before you run out of propane.
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Natureboy
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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I didn't think the fridge used any 12 volts when on propane? But I do have a 15 watt solar panel that should keep the battery charged. I plan to be away from the TT maybe 2 weeks at a time. I guess I could just leave it off, just curious if this was possible.
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BLDMAN
Missouri
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Your solar panel should keep the batteries charged enough run the fridge and the detector. I think the 15 watt panel will do it.....won't it guys?
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SQWIB
Philadelphia, PA
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If its like my fridge, the use of the battery is in milliamps and is only used to open the gas valve.
Look for phantom loads and I would also put kill switches on the radio and other power devices.
Also what is a big marine battery?...I would suggest two 6 volt batteris in series and a good quality standalone charger to charge the batteries from the generator.
If the solar panels have a decent output, that should be enough to keep youre batteries up to snuff barring any phantom loads.
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davidj54
South Alabama
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With a 15 watt solar unit I think you'll be fine. The fridge draws less than a watt so your solar charger will keep up with that. It wouldn't be a bad idea to actually check the draw or disconnect everything except the fridge while you're gone.
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Natureboy
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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I did a lot of research on the forums here and decided against two 6 volt batteries.
A large Marine battery is the same thing as an RV battery that is deep cycle not designed for starting an engine but designed to run trolling motors, fridges, low draw devices for a long time with a huge reserve capacity. Then you can run them in parallel.
I think I will end up turning it all off. It is not a big deal to bring out a cooler with food and not worry about anything. The propane should cool the fridge down in no time.
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