Residential Refrigerators

[trustymopars]

Trying to learn what is needed on this new (to us) appliance. If you are taking a trip less than 3 hours, is there any need to kick on the inverter? Also, on a longer trip, has there been any problems running the inverter extended times, say up to 10 hours?

[Drifty1]

I would say you could run 10 hours if you have enough battery to support the load. As for the inverter, I am sure that you can run that longer for extended periods of time. Our inverter runs 24-7 even when plugged into shore power.

[DQDick]

I believe, for long runs, you may need more than a single battery.

[trustymopars]

I should have been more clear. If you are towing, is there any problems?

[Dam Worker]

The newer models that I looked at and also had the residential fridge came with a batter holder/compartment designed for two batteries right from Keystone. I would like to think that most good dealerships would put two batteries in a new Montana, even more so a Montanna with an inverter and residential fridge.

Depending on your tow vehicles output through the seven prong bargmen connector I would like to think it could possibly keep the trailer batteries charged as you are going down the road.


Tom Marty

[trustymopars]

Mine offered to sell me a second battery, that's why I was asking if I could tow with one.

[mhs4771]

Most MFRs that offer Residential Packages include 2 or 3 batteries. Ours came with 2 and I added 2 more for extended run time when Boondocking.

[trustymopars]

Thanks for the replies, I'll get with my dealer to get a second battery. Hopefully, the trucks charging system will keep it charged while driving. JT

[richfaa]

At first we thought we really wanted one since we are long timers however after reading this and other forums on the problems they are having with them we will wait. The double OEM fridge does OK for us and we have a stand alone 10CF freezer in the rear of the Montana. We have no problems with the OEM fridge keeping things cold including Ice cream hard.

[cw3jason]

I added a second interstate 24 battery to take the trailer down to Disney. Here are my results. batteries were fully charged, fridge running on inverter. stopped first night at Walmart, next morning everything still running. drove to campground second night pluged in to shore power. everything worked. day 3 not enough juice left in batteries to keep inverter running if truck was shut off. The inverter shuts down before batteries are completely drained, safety feature to save the batteries I suspect. had to start truck and reset inverter everytime I stopped and shut off the truck. Lesson learned: 2 batteries are good for 1 day, maybe alittle more. after 24 hrs even being plugged in or when driving, the batteries do not charge fast enough to replenish what the inverter has used, so the fridge will only run off the truck alternator and inverter and shut down if truck is turned off. If you plan on Wallydocking more than 1 night, you need to get better batteries. 2 deepcycle 6 volts possibly. Same results on the return trip from Disney, accept we didnt Wallydock untill the seccond night and some time in the early morning the inverter and fridge stopped. just reset once truck was running and home we went.

[trustymopars]

Good info. Thanks. JT.

[RRman]

No Battery/No invertor for my 07 Whirlpool DIY Dometice replacement. I just don't drycamp and patronize RV parks. If stopped for service (like tire replacement), I'll get out my extension cord. Has always kept the Ice Cubes in the Freezer door frozen for at least 8 hours.

[trustymopars]

Two trips, less than two hours one way, first with no inverter, second with it on, and no problem either time. We'll give it the test in November when we strike out to FLA.