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Topic ClosedDeep Charge to Batteries
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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Deep Charge to Batteries
    Posted: 03 Sep 2017 at 2:29pm
I use battery option when towing. I switch to propane before i unhitch. after a weekend boon docking My battery was very low, and i was getting ready to go home, so i hooked up, and put fridge on battery. I wasnt sure if it would run due to the battery already being low. But it worked fine. 
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2630 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Sep 2017 at 11:10am
Originally posted by DavMar

There is always the chance when running your frig on the tow vehicle that has just one battery of coming back to a warm frig and dead TV battery. All you have to do is stop the TV engine for any length of time for what ever reason and maybe vehicle battery is marginal then chances are good you just may come back to a warm frig from a dead battery in tow vehicle.
Like I said, it probably depends on the TV. Our TV disconnects the 12V 30 seconds or so after turning the engine off. So there's no danger of discharging the TV battery.

As per usual, YMMV.
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DavMar View Drop Down
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Posts: 592 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Sep 2017 at 9:17pm
We tow with the frig on propane too with absolutely no problems. If my tow vehicle did have dual batteries I would most like run the frig on DC from the vehicle batteries. There is always the chance when running your frig on the tow vehicle that has just one battery of coming back to a warm frig and dead TV battery. All you have to do is stop the TV engine for any length of time for what ever reason and maybe vehicle battery is marginal then chances are good you just may come back to a warm frig from a dead battery in tow vehicle.
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Sep 2017 at 4:51pm
Like a never ending discussion. I have done both, traveled on battery and on propane, I'll continue to do so. I ensure my TV can do it and I know the propane option exists. End of the day do what you feel comfortable with, if it's not working change it. I don't forget I am on battery or propane. When I arrive I set up for success.
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Posts: 16 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Sep 2017 at 3:20pm
And of course when you forget to take it off battery and are dry camping you end up wih no battery in a very short time.  Not that I ever did that.  

We tow with the frig on propane and have had no problems.  When we were new with our first Rpod, we towed using battery and the wife's van wasn't keeping up with the drain.
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Posts: 2630 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Sep 2017 at 1:34pm
Originally posted by ModMontana

Read a post claiming it was better to travel with fridge on propane otherwise will drain the batteries.  Any thoughts from experienced campers?
It probably depends somewhat on your TV, and also somewhat with your comfort level with having propane running while you're on the road.

If your TV has enough charging capability, and will support charging a trailer, that can work very well.

OTOH, if the charging system on your TV is a little marginal, you may have a better experience using propane.
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Sep 2017 at 12:07pm
Read a post claiming it was better to travel with fridge on propane otherwise will drain the batteries.  Any thoughts from experienced campers?
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mario View Drop Down
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 2017 at 9:12am
Thanks all.
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Posts: 63 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 2017 at 7:09am
YMMV, but my fridge is on battery while traveling. Batteries always on full charge on arrival.
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Posts: 1446 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Aug 2017 at 11:24pm
Yes.  You have it right.  No need for a separate charger unless you take your battery out for the winter and want to top it off in your basement once a month.

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