Running Refrigerator when driving?

[ChappyCamper]

We have a 2021 micro Minnie Winnie…..first time with a camper….how do we keep the refrigerator running while driving down the road? Thanks

 

[creativepart]

Hi and welcome,
To answer your question we need to know two things:

1. What RV do you have? You said it's a "2021 micro Minnie Winnie" and there is no such thing. A Minnie Winnie is a class C motorhome on a Ford F53 chassis. There is a Micro Minnie which is a travel trailer. So, which style of RV do you have?

2. What style of fridge do you have? Is it a compressor fridge that runs on 12v battery power OR is is a gas absorption "dual fuel" fridge that runs on 110vac/Propane?

I'm going to guess you have a Micro Minnie travel trailer and a 12vdc compressor fridge. If that's the case you run it off of the battery on the travel trailer. If it's a dual fuel then you would run it off of propane. Some folks just turn their fridge off when driving. Since no one is opening the door it should likely remain cold.

 

[Zoohelp]

It should be noted that running an absorption refrigerator when the vehicle is to far out of level isn't recommended. The issue is cumulative and can lead to it loosing cooling capacity and to its early demise

 

[EverettO]

We have a 2021 micro Minnie Winnie…..first time with a camper….how do we keep the refrigerator running while driving down the road? Thanks

This is a pretty controversial topic. When out of level, the flame runs against the flue rather than straight up it. This can cause damage. Also, I believe it is illegal to drive with your propane on in many places. That being said, many people run their absorptions fridges while driving. I have for many years without any problems, but I added a great device a couple years ago that shuts off the flame briefly when the flue gets too hot. I feel very safe driving with this unit installed! Check it out. Fridge Defend by ARP Protects your Dometic or Norcold

 

[Zoohelp]

Not sure why people risk damaging such and expensive item. The real problem running an absorption fridge to far out of level is that operating an absorption refrigerator out of level causes the internal cooling liquids to pool, creating a serious risk of permanent damage to the coolinh unit often within 30 minutes to a few hours of operation. Because these refrigerators rely on gravity rather than a mechanical pump to circulate a solution of ammonia, water, and hydrogen gas, any significant tilt disrupts the flow, leading to localized boiling, crystallization of the rust inhibitor, and eventually a complete, irreversible blockage.

 

[creativepart]

FYI… we have no idea if the OP even has an absorption RV fridge. So perhaps we can hold off on the great driving with the fridge on propane debate.

 

[Morich]

But their hills may be lots longer than our hills, so the rest of us just replace the frig every few trips!
But getting back to real?
I get this from AI:

So maybe the idea is to just leave the door closed? Or add an inverter to make the AC needed?

 

[Pointyears]

My 12v runs on batteries charged by the solar.

 

[Morich]

Guilty of sloppy reading, I missed it being 12V!
That would seem to mean a bit more info on how the trailer is wired to the tow vehicle? I would want to look at the specs of what it take for 12VDC from the car to keep the RV battery charged as I drive.
Several items of info need to be considered before deciding what we would need. The tow vehicle alternator is one I would assume adequate to keep a frig running but always worth considering. Second is how that power gets to the back and what type connector is used from tow to trailer.
One of the big issues on all parts of that thinking is how much power the frig needs??

 

[RayIN]

We have a 2021 micro Minnie Winnie…..first time with a camper….how do we keep the refrigerator running while driving down the road? Thanks

Check out this thread: 12-volt refrigerator issue 2021 Micro Minnie 2108DS
creativepart explains this situation very well.