refrigerator usage

[BaseCampAnne]

As a first- timer with a refrigerator, I am challenged figuring out how to best utilize this refrig. I will be on shore power when at the dock, but there will often be times this summer where there will be no shore power, whether at island parks or on the hook.

How do you manage that? I have traveled with ice and plan accordingly, eating the perishables fairly promptly. But since I am based out of Anacortes for the summer, coming and going, I have not figured out an economical way to be with and without normal refrigerated items while following the whims of opportunity 😀

Thanks in advance :!:

Anne

 

[Nellie Too]

Your refer actually draws little power. Nita and I always keep it on. The batteries used will be the house batteries. Those for starting the engine are different. When the engine is running, the charger will recharge the house batteries. We'll have time at Fisheries to go through this with you.
Bob

 

[sleepyboat]

Do a search for "refrigerator power usage" in the chat and tech forums. Even with a solar panel and the dial set between 3-4 my house batteries went to 11vdc within 3 days and I believe they shut down (the frige) below 11 vdc. They are nice to have with a generator or shore power but they are power hogs!

 

[GulfSailor]

Even with a solar panel and the dial set between 3-4 my house batteries went to 11vdc within 3 days.............

I've noticed the the efficiency of the solar panel drops considerably when even a small shadow is cast over just part of it. The same applies with a layer of dust or pollen that can sometimes build up on the surface.