Class C motorhomes are typically easier to drive than the larger Class A models considering they are smaller in size and, as we mentioned previously, are built on a truck chassis. Excellent Video and test, I am an electrical engineer and I am running the numbers , you are right on. If you permit your batts to do the work theyre designed to do, youll find much less need to run your gensets (the bane of RV living IMHO). We thought long and hard about whether we needed something larger, but in our case the 11 cu ft unit fit right in the space of the old one with room to space and it sipped electricity rather than chug-a-lugging it. The sale price is fractionally higher or lower than the percentage shown. Travel trailers, Class B, and Class C RVs are usually sold with smaller fridges. Far more inside space with the same-size exterior. Personally I will never have another RV that does not have front seats that can swivel. Sadly, even with all this technology on board weve still had to run the generator a couple of times after too many cloudy days in a row. So, Im not trying to insult you here but you need to go back and teach yourself a little more about this topic. Remember to verify the selected refrigerators direction of door opening as it will near certainly need to match the existing door swing. Two-Way RV Refrigerator, Right Hinges. Have been back on a three way Dometic for the past 10 years. But on the good side of that, during my deliver process Mat told me the hook ups were there so thats good! Again great video, and thank you for sharing your findings. Depending on what floorplan you pick, this class C motorhome can accommodate up to seven persons, which makes it an excellent pick for families or groups traveling together. This is due to the elimination of the absorption configuration compartment at the rear of the unit. Why do you not review Dynamax Products? They have been living full time in their RV for nearly three years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Mini Aussie puppy Remi. With a walk-through two-piece bathroom, mornings are made easy for couples who need to get ready at the same time. One advantage of propane is thats dead silent, yes? Dinner is a breeze with pressed laminate kitchen countertops with sink covers. Would it be possible to run the test again without the ice maker on? Having a graphic that rises with each donation towards the boat would inspire and give us something to shoot for to help you for once. Major usages: Webasto 16k BTU (Only Shore or Gen Power), LG 11 Cubic Feet Refrigerator ( 75 AH Day), Total usage 325 AH Day gross. Once the unit is free of the cabinet, remove the doors by unscrewing the hinges or brackets at the top and bottom. Okay! while you have some amazon and advertising i know its like pennies in real life. Please help to dispel the urban myth! House refrigerator in RV? No part of any material on this website may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Motor Home Specialist. There is a lot of energy in buying propane! PLUS you need 600 watts of solar power on the roof to replenish the batteries during the daylight hours. Their solution was for us to use a bungy cord on our new bounder. I put canned goods in its freezer area. Avanti RA7306WT 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator 6. Buy on Amazon. It took over 6 months before I would write this email. This is generally accomplished by selecting the correct cabinet depth that will position the door to protrude out from the surrounding cabinetry by about the doors thickness. No doubt that will change when we add our 3,000 watt inverter in a few days but we currently have a single 420 watt panel, 100 volt/40 amp MPPT controller, four RV/Marine batts, and a 300 watt pure sine wave inverter. Youll find all our solar info here: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar. Its the best floorplan and quality class C out there. Our TVs were still plugged in but they were off and the only other thing using electricity was the overhead LED lights for the few minutes while filming inside the coach. Prepare for a comfy ride! I have the same refrig and was counting on the yellow energy label of 1.62 kWh per day (594 per year) being correct. It was simply an awesome way for me to feel good about buying new when I normally would not. I guess it really depends on the full-timer. Were pretty used to managing our power even though we use more than the average camper! 100 OBanion Way Alvarado, TX. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 5 Best Class C RV Floor Plans For Full-Timers, 1. Jayco Seneca Prestige 37M Ultra-luxurious Class C floor plan, 4. We did open the fridge a few times to get stuff for lunch and the occasional beverage, but thats real-life use. We began to second guess if a residential fridge was really a good option for an RV or not. One way we managed the power was to turn the fridge off when we went to bed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 20082023 RV LIFE. Since we just picked it up we decided to use a local (close to home) camp KOA (if you are in the Washington DC area let me just say these people are SO NICE and helpful for us new users). You will also find an incredible selection of quality pre-owned RVs with exceptional savings every day. We will be camping mostly at state parks etc. It is definitely subjective though. 1. Features & options subject to change without notice. Hey Steve, that is a great point! The solar for the Bounder was installed at the Fleetwood factory. It was an excellent system that used keel-cooled technology. Most of the time, I dont need to run a generator to charge the batteries even if we need to use the furnace at night. I have heard that it uses more power with it on. Well, with the conversion complete, its ready to use. RVs that have minimal kitchen counter space are not useful to people who are full timing. Downside is the components are low quality so after 4-5 years you start to get failures. But the whirlpool wouldnt be as durable or nice so that factors in, I wouldnt want an Rv fridge because they seem to be way more of a fire hazard than needed. Plus, there is an outside entertainment center. The fridge was running on electricity at the time. Drawers/Crispers: 2. First: you could use a smaller residential refrigerator. Alot of people want privacy. Hi Joyce, thanks for your comment and opinion! I did runa separate test while plugged into shore power with the A/C set to 74 and the fridge pulled 2.392 kwh in 24 hours (1.097 kwh in 11 hours). Gas mileage for a Class C usually runs between 8 15 miles per gallon. Fix one thing, the next thing breaks. The rest of the camper is on a separate bank. Better temperature precision and cooling accuracy. Its true that if you permit your batts to do twice the work, theyll only last half as long no different from anything else. AM Solar did the install and did a wonderful job. That also means I dont have actual Ah battery drain. I also sealed the outside vent and roof vent air tight. You can see the process and there are links to the components in this post: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rv-solar-install-guide. Enter with the keyless entry system and put on the cruise control to head to your next destination. Price and payment do NOT include TT&L or any other fees that may apply. We removed the ice maker to leave more room for frozen food and still put a 12vdc/120v ac fridge/freezer (we use as freezer) in basement of 5th wheel. Store fruits and vegetables in the spacious humidity controlled crisper. Then goes thru the 24 hour restart cycle. Do you want a fridge that works 24/7 come rain or shine, night or day, works out the box and works in tandem with your heating and hot water? 12 volt, propane, and 110 volt. Jennifer specializes in topics such as Lifestyle, van life, campgrounds features, destination features, and product lists. If we get a second day of thick clouds, then we know well be forced to run the generator at night for a couple hours to keep the fridge from bringing the batteries down too low. $1,310.97 $1,799.99. I hope us tracking the numbers (and sharing our experiences) is helpful with your decision on whether or not to outfit your rig with a residential fridge or a propane powered RV fridge. And it makes no sense at all to top off your batts after sundown youre simply wasting fuel to do the easy part of charging the batteries which your panel(s) will do for FREE = next morning long before the sun is high in the sky. Course fridges dont run full time so lets over estimate a 50% duty cycle, do the math and we come out with about 120aH every 24hrs required to run my fridge. Any info is appreciated thank you so much I have read through a lot of this but I am still confused. I thought about going to 240 solar panels and getting a wind generator so I have power charge at night when its windy out. So it doesnt use the propane? That said, someone reasonably technical inclined and willing to research the details could get a lot more juice (AH storage) for their money reconfiguring a used Chevy Volt battery to a 48V system. Can Police Search Your RV Without A Warrant? But its all about knowing your power consumption and how much sun youre going to get that day and the next. Thanks again and hope the boat is treating you well . Jennifer Jennings has been RVing for 2+ years and writing about the RV and Van Life for 2+ years. I refuse to ever buy a brand that THOR makes , since a lot of the money goes to investor : G. Soros ! There are a lot of new RVers in their 30s and 40s that like smaller RVs instead of the 40 footersbut their inexperience might allow them to ignore CCC. Thanks for the situational awareness. Our fridge runs on propane except for when driving (Just use battery/solar/vehicle power) and when camping if the batteries are fully or nearly fully charged (usually about 11am on sunny days) we switch over to Solar/Batteries/2000watt inverter to use the excess power available and often make ice in the ice maker during the afternoons home to refill the freezer. Although there is a lot of room in the refrigerator section, we try not to over stuff it and always removed and excess packaging since both of these things make it work harder. Looks like a fairly easy swap with minimal frame modification. I removed the passenger seat of my RV and installed a smallish, highly energy efficient compressor fridge there instead. There are programs that teach you how to use and drive your RV, theyre surprisingly affordable. Wiring- This can be a challenge. You would still have a deficit of approximately 150ah/day (my math could be wrong). Sun power was far more reliable. When you see my face youre probably reading something more technical than adventurous, but either way I do my best to tell it like it is and infuse my opinions into the commentaryafter all this is a blog and not MSN. We arent interested in boondocking so we are fine with a residential refrigerator. Then, there are the normal heat created by the absorption fridge and the charred wood people have discovered when replacing their RV fridge Surprise!! All meals were planned and we packed it with the next meal ingredients on top. The cost of the unit, plus extra batteries wouldnt be worth it to me. We think the condenser unit is out. Weve looked at all types of models, including one with a residential style fridge similar to yours. Payments based on 20.00% down, 7.99% interest, for 240 months OAC. I have same refrigerator I installed last summer. No part of any material on this web site may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Motor Home Specialist. We had already decided to switch to a residential when it happened and in fact it was set for delivery. First of all, let me point out the part of your note that i got the biggest kick out of; You SEVERELY exagerate the issue of cleaning off solar panels. (Photo courtesy of Dometic) This RV refrigerator runs on 12V DC all the time and is another option for travelers who prefer an all-electric fridge. We built a chest-type fridge/freezer combo. Use the energy guides to determine whats best. Your residential refrigerator is more efficient but you can run a couple of weeks on a bottle or two of propane. They have the cab-over profile that usually boasts a bed or additional storage. Once the unit is solidly in place it must be secured from moving. None of the above issues. Hope that helps! COSTWAY Compact RV Refrigerator. Its a big investment for the perks of running a residential fridge. Alternatively, this area makes for great storage. We have only 600 Amp hours og AGM batteries and we teeter at our weight limit so having more, plus more panels would just not work and we have stayed in too many places (mostly state parks) where generators are not allowed so I think well stay with what we have. Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox. The % discount shown on a unit is rounded to the nearest "whole number" percentage. When its running, my post battery/pre-inverter amp meter registers about a 10amp draw from the batteries. But as I said, no offense intendedwith any luck conversations like this might bring more attention to the preventable problem. Only concern is some of the older campgrounds are not big enough. Much, of course, depends on your RV application. You are on the right track! And since I only heat water when the sun is shining, those amps get very quickly replaced. Do you want to spend thousands of dollars on extra things and then cross your fingers hoping the sun shines that day so you can run something which isnt designed for an RV, please manufacturer shareholders, climb up on the roof regularly to clean your solar panels, park in in the sun, and obsess and be controlled by the technology like its Skynet? Even though were accustomed to balancing our power use, sometimes we get caught off guard when a storm rolls in, or the smog cuts the amount of solar power were bringing in. Danby FF100C1BSLDB Refrigerator 5. All rights are reserved. wide, top-freezer refrigerator fits where you want it to and makes storing fresh and frozen food simple. This solution pleases manufacturers and their shills because its cheaper to install electric fridges and then pass the buck on running the thing. Personally I dont think it ever was true. The latest 2021 Greyhawk is the perfect Class C RV for the weekend warrior or the full-timer RVer. Thanks for the info though. However, it may also be MUCH easier to service or replace in remote places when it gets refrigerant leaks everywhere from life at sea Any revised thoughts on mobile refrigeration in general (RV and Boat)? The 2021 Wayfarer from Tiffin is touted to offer everything one would want in a Class C. It features a spacious interior and industry-standard safety features. The mantra has been repeated so many million times over so many years that I wonder if well ever be able to get it corrected, but the old-school notion that batteries should *never* be discharged below 50% is no longer true and all the major battery manufacturers agree. Everybody knows grey tanks fill up twice as fast as black tanks. Required fields are marked *. 2-Door DesignLarge 2.2 cu. 800-335-6054. Planned electrical sources: Go Power 480W Solar System, NextGen 3.5 Kw Generator, 30 Amp Shore Power, 800 AH House Bank. So lets talk batteries. Using your math, we could get maybe 18 hours before spanking the batteries? For full-timers with kids, there is also an overcab loft bed. The intracoastal waterway was sheltered and incredibly diverse. If you can find a residential fridge that is the most energy efficient in its class i would go for that. Since we got the residential, our electric bill went way, way down. We can only imagine the amount of time and effort it takes. But one size doesnt fit all. Checking it out now it looks awesome!! This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. So batteries are now the only major expense in a solar power set up but lithiums last a decade or more, require virtually no maintenence, are exceedingly safe(lifepo4), can be charge cycled between 2000 & 10000 times(lead acid a max of 500), and can be discharged up to 90% without harming them. Some videos and photos may not represent the actual vehicle for sale. Just the two of us, two fold up TV trays. In fact we will be splitting our time between a 5th wheel and a 36 Power Yacht. I have seen panel read about 25 amps and up to 30 someting. How to Install an RV refrigerator and replace it with a residential fridge. This unit has everything you need. All the boats Ive been on (not counting cruise ships) have had yacht-sized fridges. Its capacity is big enough and makes plenty of ice. How to Use Your RV Residential Refrigerator and Inverter | La Mesa RV La Mesa RV 11.2K subscribers Subscribe 153 61K views 8 years ago Visit our website at http://lamesarv.com/ This. Ive been running solar for nearly 4yrs now and the only time my panels have ever needed cleaning off is during the winter, in cold climates, after a snow storm. The only upside I see with using the res fridge is that it doesnt have to be completely level to work. CONTACT SALES FOR UP-TO-DATE SALE PRICING AND PERCENTAGE DISCOUNTS ON ALL PRODUCTS. 30.1, our salesman worked with us to get us the best offer for our trade-in. (I think she still loves me more). DISCLAIMER: I have been running solely on 120Vac because my new 3000 Magnum Hybrid is. DC Compressor RV Refrigerator with RH Stainless Steel Doors. On a sunny summer day we could easily run the A/C for a bit and Fridge no problem. Great video. It was nice to be picked up at the airport and treated like a customer straight away. The generator never run. YES! Depending on your choice of floorplan, the Greyhawk can include a queen or king-size bed as well as a small bathroom with a toilet and shower. Household is great if you spend your time plugged in. Class C RVs have many benefits and can range in price from $50,000-$100,000. Most of my travelling is done alone, with the exception of my dog, Sam. This model has three floor plans so you can find one that fits you and your family. Some questions one might ask if they are looking for a Class C but dont know where to begin might include what length, engine size, features, gas or diesel, and, of course, how many people can this smaller RV comfortably seat and sleep. When installing a residential refrigerator most RV manufacturers will come stock with four 6-volt batteries with 400 amp hours and 200 "usable" amp hours (because you should only drain standard lead acid batteries to 50%). Great work you guys do. Many times this can require the removal of the entrance door or a large window. Scammed On Anchor Chain, What You Need To know. Speaking of solar: Ever since your earlier solar panel videos Ive been looking for the gifted do-it-yourself mechanic to come up with a powered tilt mechanism. Can your 500 watts run both? . Two: dont use an ice maker in the fridge. 2019 Quartzsite RV show a vendor was showing powered tip ups. What is a Class C Motorhome (With Pictures! Still no propane/flames/need to level RV and find propane fills (just ice, which is everywhere there are consumable supplies). We always ran the Norcold on electricity. Boondock for days on end. Everyone has their likes and preferences when it comes to the purchase of an RV. I love the residential fridge. As soon as the tax return gets here, Ill be copying your solar rig as well! Our sales account for approximately 40% of all the new motor homes sold in the state of Texas. Sure the size of the fridge is huge but you two eat like birds. The fridge or the solar? Your email address will not be published. If you want all the comforts of home keep your wallet open. Love the floor plan of the Issa series 3. I hope to do some testing and measure actual draw under different circumstances. Theres arguably good and bad to both absorption and residential types of refrigeration systems, and no offense intended towards anyone, but now that the common cause of specific to absorption fires and explosions is known and is so preventable with the ARP controls so that even off level operation is no longer a problem, Im not sure why there seems to be such a backlash on here regarding absorption type safety seems like any backlash should be directed towards the RV manufacturers for not demanding that a basically proven vital and inexpensive control isnt included as a necessary standard if/when the absorption unit is preferred. This is a Newmar and we are so lost even after the walk thru. I have been following your adventures and I enjoy the videos. Tiffin Wayfarer 25 TW Great for road-tripping with friends, 5. In my opinion a dinette is a relic from the past when people wanted an upgrade from a log to sit on. Your version of best might be different than mine. It would be fun to see a blog on your dream-boat. And its not running on propane while driving down the road. After 3 days of dry camping, batteries lower in am, but still okay. The model features a Mercedes-Benz chassis for better handling. We dont. It looks like residential fridges ought to be sold in combo with a good solar package. My propane one is silent. An RV that comes from the factory with a residential fridge (ours was a retrofit) has a big advantage, since they usually come with at least a couple of additional batteries to help run it. Id bet that would use half as much power as the full size one you guys have. She is one half of DashboardDrifters.com and the founder of RVSpotDrop, a web service for full-time RVers. The samsung that Jason and Nikki have uses 10 to 15% more energy than a compareable whirlpool french door, and at least 20% more than a standard bottom freezer or top freezer. View the California Consumer Privacy Act Notice for California Consumers. Upgrade with the Customer Value Package to add on a 24 LED TV in the bedroom, an electric awning with LED lights, and other enhanced features. While living full time in an RV you will burn through power more quickly than you ever expect. If you dont want to be forced to run a generator Id say go for 800 amp hours of lithium, or 1200 amp hours of AGM and a solar array like our 960 watt All Electric kit from GoPower!. Personally, I enjoy the challenge of keeping it simple. The large freezer is wonderful. At 31 feet, the coach boasts a 16-cubic-foot residential fridge, a large 36 by 36 shower, and a walk-around king bed. When my wife and I started our RV search a few years ago it was crazy. Class C RVs offer the perfect mix of space and functionality for RV travelers. Swivel seats are awesome and in some cases, a relatively easy DIY project. Take care Bob and Anchor from Surrey, BC Canada. Curious Minion. I would like to share our experience. My panels are all warrantied for 25yrs. but it needs 8.5 amps when cooling, I have a 2000 watt inverter which can handle the load and more but it can kill batters fast, we plan to dry dock a lot as we are retired now and plan to see North America , but we are Canadian and can only do the US for 6 months less a day per year. Legless awnings in place of integrated roof awnings, Upgraded dash stereo w/ available GPS option, New enhanced soft goods package-bedspread, shams, and accent pillows, 2 new cabinet colors (Whispering Wind, Cappuccino Cherry), New wallboard with contrasting slide box dcor vinyl, New satin nickel cabinet door and drawer pulls, Lowered the bed to a normal mattress height, Added storage cabinet behind the bedroom TV, New Congoleumone piece Easy Care vinyl flooring. Sorry to end this on a bad note but when I got home my wife loved it and said to me; you better get me a Washer and Dryer in here.

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