Plug in or let solar? June 06, 2021, 11:06:40 am Where I park my rig outdoors at home I have an outlet available. My mid-bath has the 2 PV panel system. Is there any preferred way to store it?In other words does it matter if it's plugged in or the PV panels keeping the charge?
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #1 – June 06, 2021, 12:42:07 pm Depends on the amount of sun ya get where you live. I live in the PNW. I never plug in at home. But my RV is setting east/west on the south side of my home. The solar panels get sun 'bout half to three quarters of the day.glen 1 Likes
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #2 – June 06, 2021, 01:00:24 pm Based on where you live (we're a bit north of you), you may have a fair bit of "June gloom" so for consistency you may want to plug in.......we plug 100% but we store indoors......a lot depends on the sun pattern on how you have it parked.....can always just dry it without plugging in and watch the battery level......Good luck,Bill 1 Likes
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #3 – June 06, 2021, 01:09:02 pm When parked at home, I usually leave the converter off to reduce electrical consumption. The solar is easily able to keep the battery charged even when running the refrigerator full time. If you paid for solar, why not take full advantage of it?Larry 1 Likes
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #4 – June 06, 2021, 01:30:21 pm Quote from: Larry W - June 06, 2021, 01:09:02 pmWhen parked at home, I usually leave the converter off to reduce electrical consumption. The solar is easily able to keep the battery charged even when running the refrigerator full time. If you paid for solar, why not take full advantage of it?LarryDo you leave your fridge on between trips?I've heard about people who run theirs all the time and was wondering if that is beneficial to the life of it.
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #5 – June 06, 2021, 01:33:45 pm Since our upgrade in solar, the power cord stays stored in the rig. Simplifies my exit strategy for travel and helps to maintain the stealth appearance of the rig.KentP.S. Fridge runs 24/7. Helps stay ready for travel and there’s nothing like a cold drink when I’m outside with the rig. 🍺 4 Likes
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #6 – June 06, 2021, 02:21:12 pm Hi Ted;. Since I lack a level parking space, I don't leave the refrigerator running unless I'm on the road. At home I only plug in to run power tools or air conditioning. I let the solar keep the batteries up. You have the same climate I have., and I don't have any trees obscuring my panels in the morning. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #7 – June 06, 2021, 03:54:33 pm Quote from: tedeboy - June 06, 2021, 01:30:21 pmDo you leave your fridge on between trips?I've heard about people who run theirs all the time and was wondering if that is beneficial to the life of it.This last year, we have limited our shopping trips and use the LD's refrigerator and freezer for extra storage.Two things that kill refrigerators are rusting tubes and internal blockages.Keeping it on helps eliminate rust by drying any moisture or condensation.I have no idea if constant running protects against blockages, when running at home, the rig is level.Many LD owners have left their refrigerators on for years without problems, I believe Lazy Bone's LD refrigerator has been operated this way for most of its life.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #8 – June 06, 2021, 04:00:16 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - June 06, 2021, 01:33:45 pmSince our upgrade in solar, the power cord stays stored in the rig. P.S. Fridge runs 24/7. Helps stay ready for travel and there’s nothing like a cold drink when I’m outside with the rig. 🍺Since your refrigerator is on all the time and is not plugged into shore power, is it running it on propane or off solar and the battery, using the inverter? Assuming good solar conditions at home, you should have the capacity to do this.Larry
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #9 – June 06, 2021, 04:30:02 pm Should the refrigerator be left on all the time?Interestingly, back in the 80's, when we were renting different units to get a feel for what would be a good fit for our needs and abilities, Cruise America told me that they just leave all their refrigerators on using propane all of the time. Apparently this proved that the longevity was considerably better than turning them off and then back on for the next customer.Love the idea of additional storage for groceries by using the Lazy Daze refrigerator. I was using a well-insulated cooler for less vulnerable produce, but finally acquired a little auxiliary dorm-sized refrigerator for veggies that sits near my kitchen. This small refrigerator is also great for storing things that are not used as often, like my back-up supply of cheeses and strawberries! Virtual hugs, Judie
Re: Plug in or let solar? Reply #10 – June 06, 2021, 07:04:09 pm Quote from: Larry W - June 06, 2021, 01:09:02 pmWhen parked at home, I usually leave the converter off to reduce electrical consumption. I'm assuming you are plugged in at home, Larry?
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