is your refrigerator running?

[smokelahoma]

can someone explain to me how your refrigerator is set up? is it running all the time, like when your are driving? if it is running while driving, how do you do it? i've seen dual fuel rv refrigerators, but not commercial ones.

thanks for any insight you can provide.

[kurtsara]

[Bestiverhad]

I'm having the same question running around in my head and have been looking into a power inverter instead of a generator. Like one of these.

http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-inverter-store-product.php?model=pwrinv180012w

I'm still educating myself on load requirements and how long I can run my fridge on a 12 volt, or two 6 volt batteries. I should rarely need back up power for more than a couple of hours.

If I remember correctly, Harry uses an inverter, but I'm not sure what all he is running with it.
_________________
Tender - Juicy - Smoky - Goodness

"What would you like to drink with that?"

[Alien BBQ]

This is my next set up.................

Power backup!

Saw one in the store and it looks very durable.
_________________
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry

[Jarhead]

[smokelahoma]

[kurtsara]

[tonyg]

how far are you traveling that you would need to have it on? mine are off, and go on 1st thing when i arrive at an event. we do carry a generator, but only use it if we have issues with getting shore power. i can not think of an event we do without power provided.

[Ridge View BBQ]

Lots of folks are comfortable going 3-4 hrs with no power on,on the festival circuit I haven't see too many folks (besides us) using a generator, we run a small one with cords plugged into the trailer and box truck 2fridges and 2 freezers. But I wouldn't see how going an hour or two w/o would be a problem.
_________________
www.ridgeviewbbq.com
http://www.facebook.com/RidgeViewBBQ
Lang 108
Wells Cargo 20' Concession Trailer w/porch 24"

[SoEzzy]

When I first saw the title of this thread, I muttered, "then run after it", under my breath, but you guys are too serious, so as no one made the comment I feel forced to!

It's not my fault, you guys forced the issue!
_________________
Here's a change Robert.

I still work here!

[Bestiverhad]

[tonyg]

id be comfortable for 3-4 if i was traveling down the road and it wasnt being opened.. my 'travel fridge' is an nsf commercial model, insulated well. cant remember the model/make.

1500 watts p=i*e
1500w = i * 120v
i = 12.5 amps

my fridge calls for a 20a circuit. is yours a commercial model?
a 1500w converter wouldnt run most commercial models.

[daddywoofdawg]

I have had frozen product stay frozen overnite(not on purpose cord got unplugged)but how does a motorhome fridge stay cold?12V power?I think for a few hrs in the fridge if it is already cold or frozen you should be fine,keep the door closed.
_________________
Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle

[Louie3]

We unplug ours until we arrive, usually an hour or so.
But if you're wanting info regarding inverters here's a link.

For a fridge your inverter will need to be connected directly to a battery and you may need a higher capacity battery than standard.

http://www.dcacpower.com/

[Ridge View BBQ]

[pyronoel]

A few things to remember on the inverter....

Startup amps. A fridge that pulls 5 amps @ 120v may only be 600 watts running. But you might need a 2500 watt inverter to START the thing, or more. And this startup current is every time it cycles.

I have a small deep freeze I couldn't get to start on my 2500 watt inverter, and it was a good one.

Capacity is figured in Amp-Hours "Ah"

Deep cycle batteries are rated on a 20 hour rate in number of Ah. -Meaning a 100 Ah battery can support a 5 amp load for 20 hours. This capacity goes down a bit with higher amp draw.

You never want to cycle your batteries below 50% of this rating or you damage the plates.

So lets say your fridge that draws 600 watts running, runs 50% of the time during normal use.

A 6 hour gig from time you leave your house until you get back would be 30 amp hours.

My kitchen fridge says it draws 8 amps.

Another thing to remember - Most inverters are roughly 90% efficient. So when figuring your wattage, times by 11, not 10 to go from 12v to 120v. So a 10 watt load at 120v is going to cost you 11watts from a battery.

You can get a couple big deep cycle batteries and a BIG inverter for less than a quiet honda generator. This assumes you have a big enough battery bank, and a quality 3 stage charger so you don't damage the batteries.

[Harry Nutczak]

Great info Pyro.
I learned alot at a website named "The inverter store" or something similar
I use an inverter to run quite a few different things, but I have not tried to power any cooling compressors with it yet. I typicall use it for halogen lighting, and running our rotisserie when we use it. I have also run different kitchen tools like a stand mixer, food processor, etc etc.

My ultimate set-up (if I were running a vending operation) would be to have several monstrous 6-volt batteries on the a-frame of the trailer wired to provide 12VDC, a solar-panel charging system on the roof of the trailer, shore power, and a diesel generator running on biodiesel. This would cover any possibility I could ever need IMO.
An auto-switching panel would be cool too.
I just use our trailer to haul gear, I never do any prep or cooking inside of it. So you guys have way neater trailers than I do.
_________________
Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

[OC PIG ASSASSINS]

Always have your reefer running. I use to plug and unplug mine all the time and it just breaks all the time. I have a new TRUE T-72 and it never shuts off even in the off season. Always have yours on especially when traveling.

[tonyg]

oops!

[Harry Nutczak]