Refrigerator, plugged in to AC and closed

Marklee · 09-28-2019, 05:15 PM

I think this question must be on the forum someplace, but I can't find it.

Our 2417 is set up such that we can plug into power while it's down. To get an early morning start, we'd like to leave the refer on, and set to AC, take down the trailer (leaving it plugged in to the house power) and hitch up for an early morning get away. Can we leave the refrigerator on and set to AC, then just unplug in the morning without actually turning off the refrigerator? Driving for several hours with the refrigerator on and set to AC, without any AC hook up.

I hope this makes some sense.... any thoughts appreciated.

jasonv31 · 09-28-2019, 06:58 PM

If I understand correctly, you would simply not have it turned on, if you leave the fridge (depending on the model). On my old model if it wasn't switched over it would not work at all. Our new one runs off batteries/solar.

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Larryjb · 09-29-2019, 09:38 AM

If you rewire the AC plug for the trailer like it is in the 2020 models, you would be able to connect and disconnect the AC plug while the trailer is closed. This way you could put the fridge on AC or DC, refer fan on. Then you'd simply disconnect the AC plug, connect the Bargman to the TV, and go.

If you use the fridge on AC, you won't have any further cooling while driving. This isn't so bad if you leave some ice packs in the fridge compartment overnight.

If you use the fridge on DC, I have found that it drains the trailer battery by the time you get to the campsite, eve when plugged into the Bargmann. If you rewire the TV with heavier wiring, it may be okay. I haven't tried that yet.

Marklee · 09-29-2019, 10:02 AM

Thanks, Larryjb! Appreciate your input. Our TM is already wired to plug in while in the down/unextended position. We just didn't know if it was safe to run the refrigerator while parked, plugged in and down. Now we know, use the fan in that case.

If we drive with the refer still on AC (because we can't change it while the trailer's down) and have the fan on it, we'll probably run the battery down, so that's not optimal. We probably just won't do it at all then.

Thanks!

**Bill** · 09-29-2019, 10:16 AM

Re operating the refrig fan while on battery power while you drive:

Unlike the refrig itself, the fan draws only a tiny amount of current (power). There is no problem with letting it run for a few hours while you drive. The important thing, as Larry said, is that the fan MUST be on if you run the refrig while the trailer is closed down. Regardless of whether the refrig is set to run electric or battery or propane, it generates heat as it runs, and it is important not to trap the heat. The fan is what exhausts it outside.

Bill

Marklee · 09-29-2019, 10:24 AM

Bill, thanks for that clear description!

Shane826 · 09-29-2019, 11:54 AM

What you’re describing (plus turning the fan on) is exactly what we do if we will only be on the road a few hours. As long as the fridge and contents are sufficiently cold (I add a frozen water jug as well) the fridge simply acts as an icebox until you plug it in again or switch to propane mode at the campsite. The keys are to turn the fan on, and to cool the fridge before you leave.