Caravan parked at home 240v or solar?

LUCKY LOZ · Veteran Member

Caravan parked at home 240v or solar?

iana · Guru

By turning the house batteries off, then the fridge would be using 240v and would probably be better. I have the same sort of system, and don't worry about it, 240v or 12v either suits me.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Don't turn the fridge on until there is food in it that needs to be kept cool.

Cheers,
Peter

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yes I have drinks, water and some sauces items that are long lasting etc in mine . I turn the temp to less cold. So when I want to go away its near ready . Im
not sure what is best for fridge ? To turn it off or leave on ?? I doubt the little use would effect batteries . By 10am the solar reg is showing its on float charge .

Whenarewethere · Guru

I think it would be like any fridge 12v or 240v, turn it off & leave the door/s open, with a towel over the door so there is no chance it will close.

You get a fresher fridge, reduce condensation in nooks & crannies & save running costs.

Before eventually turning it on vacuum it out. That's what we always do with our 2 fridges & car fridge.

Tony Bev · Guru

As I only have a 12 volt fridge, and solar, there is no need for me to use 240 volt, in between trips

I empty, turn off, and leave the door open on the fridge, when I park up between road trips

I leave the solar connected to the house battery, but to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing being used by the house batteries

I isolate the engine battery, as I suspect a parasite drain from somewhere, and electrolysis through the front passenger wheel bearing

When I am ready for the next trip, I turn the fridge on about 24 hours before departure

I am usually parked up, between trips, months at a time

PetenSue · Veteran Member

Ok so were not grey nomads yet. We take every opportunity to get away so our setup is ready to go at a moments notice. Weve had our caravan for 2 years now and the fridge has never been turned off. Freezer has a mountain of steak and stuff in it. The slide out Engel is always full of drinks. Never turned off. I just back the thing into my shed and plug the power in and walk away when we get home. Is this the right thing to do, I dont know. We dont have lithium so cant help there. Just offering our experience with the same situation. Regards Pete

dabbler · Guru

For the last few years, my TD has been in standby when at home. I only shut the fridge off when doing a really thorough clean. Normally I use 240v AC at home, mainly because my solar panels are too shaded most days for most of the year. But in full sun for a few hours, they provide more than enough power to keep batteries full or close to full. If you have fixed solar and it's in a good spot, why not try it on solar and decide what charging regime suits you ?

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I guess its up the the quality of battery regulator ? 240 charger / solar . So far 4 years on my system. My old motorhome the 240v charger cooked the 8 X 6v batteries . In 2 years batteries, looked like cup cakes !! Sure got my attention !! Always things to check with camping gear !! Not much is set and forget !

AusQld · Veteran Member

Provided you are using a modern Smart charger with temperature sensing. 240v is the way to go. Regards Wayne.