Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerdog
I’m a new owner of a 2021 Caravel with factory solar package (AMG batteries - 90 watt solar). Looking for opinions on whether I should be able to turn my electric refrigerator (12 volt) on the evening before departure without risking draining my batteries. I have offsite storage and no access to shore power.
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Our 3.1cf Novacool uses 3.15 amps (41 watts) and runs much more than it cycles off. I figure it uses at 50-70 amps in a 24 hour period. Since during the day you'll most likely have solar input or be driving, it should be very manageable if your batteries are performing as intended.
Your fridge will cool quickly and since you do not have power where it is stored, I think you'll be ok to turn it on a few hours before you leave, and then be sure to load it with pre-chilled items from your home fridge.
You may still need a day or two to adjust the temperature to get it just right. I usually start mine on setting 5 or 6 (out of 7) and then adjust it down if it gets a bit too cold. However, we travel in mild temps. So the heat this time of year will have some effect. Use a good thermometer inside the fridge to monitor once a day.