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Old 05-22-2015, 12:56 PM   #1
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How long will fridge run on propane and battery?

We are about to head out for the long weekend. When we get back it will be just 8 days till we leave for our big trip to DC. I was wondering if I can keep the fridge going at the storage lot on propane. This would mean though I can not unhook my battery like I normally do since it apparently needs that to light and stay lit right? How much propane would that use and will the battery die in those 8 days thanks to the lights on the radio and the microwave? Sure would be easier to leave everything in the fridge. Thanks
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Old 05-22-2015, 12:58 PM   #2
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I wouldn't. That's just asking for trouble. Electric? Yeah..no doubt. Propane? NO! Your storage lot may have a problem with it as well.
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Old 05-22-2015, 01:04 PM   #3
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I would not do it. The propane leak detector, radio, and the fridge would be a constant draw on the battery. The lights on your microwave only come on when you are connected to shore power, though. (It's an AC appliance.)

In theory, the fridge would run for as long as the propane lasts. And I've known people who have dry camped for a week at a time, but they have big, twin 6-volt batteries hooked in series, allowing for 12-volt supply for that length of time.

If it were me, I'd empty the fridge of everything that will spoil. You can keep soda, water, etc in there. Then start the fridge on propane about 24 hours before you leave. The fridge and contents will be nice and cold when you are ready to load it up the next day.
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Old 05-22-2015, 04:04 PM   #4
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Propane consumption minimal. The battery is your issue. How many and what type do you have?

Previously in my 26BH I had a single GRP 24 to begin with. Once I left it connected, everything off except the phantom draws (i.e. CO detector, radio, etc) it pretty much died in a week. Was not running the fridge.

If you are running dual GC2 you might have a shot. I belive the fridge consumes 12V the entire time its running, not just to power the DSI to light the propane. The thermostat is 12V as is any other circuits that must run.

Probably not worth trying if you are running anything less than dual GC2.
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Old 05-23-2015, 01:36 PM   #5
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I can run my fridge for over two weeks on dual 12v batteries. It uses very little propane. If you have a single battery I don't think it will make it 8 days.
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Old 03-25-2016, 11:33 AM   #6
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I purchased a 2016 19h and I'm picking it up next week, I will have 100amp solar panels and 2 6 volt batteries. The CG I belong to doesn't have power I'm looking for an approximate of how long the propane will last for the fridge, I will have dual 30gal tanks.
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Old 03-25-2016, 12:35 PM   #7
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On another site someone did the calculations based on a 12 cubic foot Dometic refer and came to the conclusion that a single 30 lb cylinder would run that fridge for about a year under normal conditions. If your refer is smaller it should operate for a longer period. If you have a 6 cubic foot refer you are looking at around 2 years before you run out of propane on a single cylinder and 4 years for your dual cylinder set up. Battery is a different story but with solar that should not be an issue.
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Old 03-25-2016, 03:11 PM   #8
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I put a switch on my Co/propane detector so I can turn it off when the trailer is parked and not being used. Saves drain on the battery as that detector does draw the battery down quick. The day before we start loading the trailer to go out again, I turn on the propane, turn on the fridge and turn the switch to the detector back on. AND..... YES....IT IS ON MY CHECKLIST. �� Being a Commercial Pilot, I follow checklist.
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