pre-trip refrigerator set-up.

boonie

2020 boondock 320 onwer here, how do you do it, and in tow, thank you

Cbusguy

The night before departure we turn on the propane to pre cool it.   then prior to departure load it up.    We travel with it on propane.     The fridge does not do a fantastic job on DC staying cold and the fact it uses 10 plus amps so you can exhaust your trailer battery in short order unless you are charging the trailer from your tow vehicle.

 I have heard the debate about traveling with propane on,  sorry folks don't really care what you think and not looking for an argument,  it works for us.  Popular You tube RV's travel with their Fridges on Propane as well   

GatorEgg

It takes a bit to cool down.  So we turn it on (shore pwr) the day prior to leaving.
Then set on battery while on the road. Don’t use propane.  The owners manual states not to.  Most first responders frown against it.
My last truck powered the refrigerator just fine.  My new one doesn’t provide enough amps to keep up with the draw, so trailer battery drains.  You have to learn yours.

DesertDweller

I notice the OP has a solar panel set up from the factory.  Would that not help keep the trailer battery charged while towing with the refrigerator set on DC or is the only real source of charge the tow vehicle?

pthomas745

Somehow that combo of roof solar and power from the vehicle would have to be above 15 amps or so to keep the trailer battery charged.  That is a big ask.

ScottG

I cool on shore power for a day prior to departure. Before leaving, we toss our pre-chilled food and a big jug of ice cubes in the fridge and run with everything off. The fridge is actually a pretty good cooler, and ice cubes are an essential ingredient for camp festivities anyway.  ;-)

I've done this for trips as long as nine hours. I don't have to worry about arriving in camp with a depleted battery, or--whether a real concern or not--about blowing myself up as I cruise down the road.

ScottG

DesertDweller said:

I notice the OP has a solar panel set up from the factory.  Would that not help keep the trailer battery charged while towing with the refrigerator set on DC or is the only real source of charge the tow vehicle?

In theory, yes, though I suspect there are a lot of variables. I'd test it out to see how well it works. Ultimately the goal is to get where you are going with a fully charged battery. If your tow vehicle (with or without solar assist) can keep up with the demands of the fridge and keep the battery topped off, all will be good. Unfortunately for many of us that doesn't seem to be the case.

Bayliss

@boonie, it is always best for anyone who owns an RV is to start by reviewing the user manuals for different systems.  I realize they are not always comprehensive, but that is the best way to start so you can familiarize yourself with the basic operation.  When you can't figure it out from that documentation, there is no question that many wonderful folks on this forum will help you out.

Regardless, as far as your refrigerator, see the below link.......from the User Manuals and Resources section on the left side of your screen.  Lots of helpful stuff in those topic areas:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6390/norcold-refrigerator-manual-guidelines-tips#latest