Can a Solar Power System Be Used To Keep Residential Refrigerator Cold On a 5TH Wheel Camper?

Updated 09/13/2022 | Published 09/12/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Furrion Automatic Transfer Switch - 50 Amp - 125/250V

(130)

$243.87

Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel

(79)

$622.11

Go Power Solar Elite Charging System - 400 Watt Solar Panels - 2,000 Watt Inverter Charger

(5)

$2875.99

Question:

I have a residential 17 cu ft refrigerator in our RV fifth wheel Will the furrion switch handle that on a daily basis with the solar all day and then a couple hours of generator at night time. This is the first time I’ve ever installed one just kind of curious. I’m gonna tie the solar into the switch so we don’t have to run the generator during the day or night just a little to refresh the batteries

asked by: Russ

Expert Reply:

There are some considerations you will need to determine to determine if you will be able to power your refrigerator without the generator. First you need to understand that your Battery # BRW34FR is what will ultimately determine how long your refrigerator will be able to stay cold. One Group 24 battery which is generally what is installed in most 5th wheel campers will provide 75 amp hours. Depending on your RV manufacturer you may have a 2nd battery with an inverter already going to your refrigerator to keep it cold while you are driving between camp sites. Then it comes down to how much your refrigerator runs during the day to stay cold. Obviously the more it is used the more it will need to cycle on to stay cold.

A solar kit like the Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System # 34282181 is rated for 200 watts of power to charge and maintain the batteries during the day.

You will not need the Furrion Automatic Transfer Switch # F50ATS as that is going to be for connecting something like an on-board generator in line of your main power supply on your 5th wheel camper. To determine what all additional parts you may need I need to know how many batteries and what size you currently have along with if your refrigerator is already connected to a power inverter from the factory. This will help determine if you will only need a solar panel kit or a larger Go Power Solar Elite Charging System # 34282184 that will allow you to run your residential refrigerator off your batteries and maintain them with solar.

expert reply by: Bud M