Residential fridge drains batteries to quickly - Montana Owners Club

Woodworker · 08-26-2019, 02:54 PM

I need help here.

2018 3811MS. Samsung residential refrigerator . .

Lately our residential refrigerator completely drains the 2 12V deep cycle batteries. I get an error message on the power inverter that says the voltage has dropped too low to sustain the 110 v to the refrigerator so it shuts it down.

There are 2 each 12 volt Interstate deep cycle batteries.
The battery water levels are fine.
Connections are all good and clean.
No other 110v items are plugged into this outlet.

Sometimes we travel 2-3-4 days with only 8-9 hours plugged in at night. The next day of travel the batteries are done within 2-4 hours after unplugging for the days travel.

By the 3rd or 4th day, I have to run the onboard generator after 2 hours of driving or the refrigerator will get too warm.

What do i need to do differently?
Please and thanks.

Steve Patterson

**DQDick** · 08-26-2019, 03:21 PM

How many batteries do you have and what type are they? Residential frigs are huge energy hogs and so it takes a lot of storage and charging ability if you're not going to be plugged in regularly.

Woodworker · 08-26-2019, 05:36 PM

There are 2 each 12 volt Interstate deep cycle batteries.

jcurtis934 · 08-26-2019, 05:44 PM

Steve, you need to look at the inverter panel to see what the inverter is seeing for watts drawn on the 120vac side. Mine uses 170 watts on switch over from the park power and then may run up to 240 watts if the monte is warmer inside after towing for awhile. The dc input voltage reading on my inverter shows that the truck is producing a charge to keep the batteries happy (2 group 31 12v agms). Max draw for the 18 cuft samsung is 360 watts. Something is very wrong as you are noting. Inverter readings when you are off shore power and truck connected should give you help in figuring out what is going on. My first thought would be a battery has gone south and causing your issues, but if the electronics in the fridge have bite the dust then maybe your fridge is causing very high current drain. John

mhs4771 · 08-26-2019, 06:06 PM

We have a Whirlpool and when running it draws 11 amps from the Batteries.
Our Magnum Inverter's Remote gives a direct read out of the amperage draw on the batteries.

summer home · 08-26-2019, 07:11 PM

Do you have a working charge line from your tow vehicle to your Monty?? We arrive after 6 hours or so of travel with fully charged house batteries (13.2 volts), while running the Samsung on the inverter..........

Woodworker · 08-26-2019, 07:43 PM

I don't know how to tell if i have a working charge line from the tow vehicle. What should I look for?

jeffba · 08-27-2019, 05:05 AM

your level up control panel has a battery voltage reading. with TV disconnected make a note of the reading. Then hook up 7 pin connector with TV running. you should see an increase.

Also take note of what your voltage is before you hook up to shore power and then afterwards. You may have the switch off in the inconvenience center or a faulty converter.

TLightning · 08-27-2019, 12:44 PM

We had a Whirlpool in a MH, it drew 3 amps when the compressor was running.

Arkware · 08-27-2019, 02:57 PM

Make sure the ice maker is turned OFF. ( the ICE Off button is lite).

Renegade1LI · 08-27-2019, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

We have a Whirlpool and when running it draws 11 amps from the Batteries.
Our Magnum Inverter's Remote gives a direct read out of the amperage draw on the batteries.

Double check, our samsung says 3.0 amps max, 11 amps sounds high, our kitchen aide at home is only 4 1/2.

mhs4771 · 08-27-2019, 06:24 PM

That 11 amps is the draw from the Batteries (12 VDC) to the Inverter, which equates to the approx nominal 1 amp draw of the Fridge on 120 VAC

prk7 · 09-01-2019, 01:17 PM

Hmmm, my inverter running my residential fridge says 800 watts, on Montana 3791.

cgeis48 · 09-01-2019, 02:10 PM

A Solar Panel will extend your ability to stay off the grid.

Joe Hollars · 09-01-2019, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summer home

Do you have a working charge line from your tow vehicle to your Monty?? We arrive after 6 hours or so of travel with fully charged house batteries (13.2 volts), while running the Samsung on the inverter..........

We do too. No problems charging with the truck. Fridge is on.
Joe

StageCoachDriver · 09-01-2019, 02:32 PM

If you've drained the batteries below 10.5 volts, they are probably shot. They may take a charge, but they'll drain very rapidly.

Charlie W · 09-01-2019, 02:40 PM

1, turn off your ice maker when you're towing or boondocking.
2, get rid of the 12 volt deep cycle batteries go to 4 6 volt batteries. "I use 4 Trojan t105 6v what the self-watering."
the two 12v batteries that came with my 3701LK would not last 4 hours with only the Samsung refrigerator.
If you will let one of your old batteries get below 11 volts it could have shorted out.

glendodom · 09-01-2019, 03:03 PM

I am running a single Duracell AGM 31M which has a 20 Hr ah rating of 105 @ 5 amps, thus the frig is noted as 3 amps draw when running. I have never had an issue of a drained battery with road trips 4-6 hours.

luve2race · 09-01-2019, 04:42 PM

Tow vehicle alternator should be charging while on the road.

GreG L. · 09-02-2019, 01:23 PM

Your deep cycle batteries will drop out at 50% of usage, standard for lead acid or AGM batteries. Moving to Lithium Ion will allow you to discharge down to more than 90% before they drop out.

Yes they are more expensive but do some research (You Tube) and you'll find they are much less expensive over time have, 10 year warranty and have no off gas. The right thing for some, not for others.

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