Cruise and Refrigerator

> Approximately 15 to 18 amps. Requires 10 or 8 ga. wire.

Note that this high current draw is for a 3-way refrigerator running on
12v. The 12v only refrigerator (Norcold) uses much less current. I think
its about 5 amps or so. The difference is due to the fact that the 12v only
refrigerators use a freon based cooling system that is much more efficient
than the ammonia based cooling systems that are used in the 2-way and 3-way
refrigerators. The freon system uses a small compressor, much like a
household refrigerator. The ammonia based system uses heat to evaporate an
ammonia solution. When running on LP the heat comes from the flame. When
running on 12v the heat comes from a heating element that is powered by
12v. When running on 110v the heat comes from a heating element that is
powered by 110v. A substantial amount of the heat generated by the heating
element is lost before it can be put to work by the cooling system, thus
the high power consumption in a 2-way or 3-way system.

So far I have not had to replace my original Norcold refrigerator. I did
upgrade the electrical system so that I have 4 golf-cart batteries (rather
than the original two). This gives me about 4 days operation while dry
camping. I also installed a Todd 75 amp battery charger so the batteries
will recharge quickly while running the Onan or when hooked up at a
campsite. So far this setup has worked quite well. It is very rare that I
run out of juice. The added battery capacity makes the batteries last a
whole lot longer too. Eight years (so far) on my current set compared to
three years when I was only running two batteries.

Dave
73 Sequoia
 
>So far this setup has worked quite well. It is very rare that I
>run out of juice. The added battery capacity makes the batteries last a
>whole lot longer too. Eight years (so far) on my current set compared to
>three years when I was only running two batteries. Dave 73 Sequoia

Very interesting Dave, I am considering doing your enhancement. When you
have a minute could you tell us a little about your power consumption
(in addition to the refrigerator), during a typical 4 day camp without
mains. I have the original 12 volt only... 7 1/2 CU FT and it draws 6
amps. There was a 6 Cu Ft but I don't think the current was any less
just the amount of time it ran.

Regards,
John

- --
"I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
Potomac, just north of the White House.
 
>

>
> > Rick or someone using the 12V for refrigerator, how much current does
> > it draw?
>
> Bill,
> Approximately 15 to 18 amps. Requires 10 or 8 ga. wire.
>
> HTH.
>
> Rick Staples

We recently replaced the original fridge in dad's Eleganza with a new
Norcold DE-461, which is 12V/120V. Only draws 5A when on 12V. Planning
on using one in mine when we get around to doing the galley.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailto:patrick

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com
 
Dave,
I also have the original refrigerator in my coach. I have not
had problems dry camping. I've never stayed more then overnight
when dry camping. I would like to extend my stay, however.

I would like to upgrade my battery pack. Now I have 2 12 volt
deep cycle batteries and a StatPower TC40 battery charger.
I plan on upgrading to golf cart batteries by next Summer.

Where did you find room for 4 golf cart batteries?

Richard Waters '76 PB, Troy, MI
- ----

> So far I have not had to replace my original Norcold refrigerator. I did
> upgrade the electrical system so that I have 4 golf-cart batteries (rather
> than the original two). This gives me about 4 days operation while dry
> camping.
 
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