Recommended Propane or Solar Power Assisting Battery for RV Refrigerator

Updated 09/03/2020 | Published 09/02/2020

Products Featured in This Question

2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger

(119)

$42.49

4,500-Watt Portable RV Generator - 3,600 Running Watts - Propane or Gas - Electric Start

(109)

$641.55

Question:

Will be dry camping for 4 days, what is the most economical way for me to go to keep fridge cold. I know it can run on propane but will need to spark off of battery. Help and thanks.

asked by: Sue

Expert Reply:

The 2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger # PTW2997 you asked from won't give you enough power to keep the battery charged with the fridge running for 4 days. You can run a generator like # 333-0005 to run off of propane.

A refrigerator will normally pull about 1600 watts at start and 800 running watts. You will need to have a battery or battery bank that will be able to support that load. Just the 800 running watts will draw 67 amps and then you have to account for your inverter efficiency as well. A larger battery bank will require less assistance of course.

If you want to use solar panels, I recommend the Go Power Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller - 90 Watt Solar Panel # 34282729 to charge your battery bank while it is drawn. It will not completely run the refrigerator but will extend the life of your battery bank to get you through your trip.

expert reply by: Jason S