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02-06-2008, 12:56

Hi Pete,
Aren't the charger settings for AGM the same as Lead/acid.? (not like Gel)
The new 450 LXi has a single smaller inverter for the fridge (1500 true sine wave.) I turn the 2, 3600 watt ones off and turn the fridge down(really up) for night.
Ross
Palm Desert

.. (Note: this occurred with the original batteries that had been improperly charged and weren't able to hold their
charge.)

-.....................

- Six model 4D AGM-type batteries supply the house systems. These are rated at 220 amp hours each. Model 4D batteries are very large (and in AGM fairly expensive). A set of 6 cost nearly $2000, delivered. While the previous owner had replaced them, so the batteries with the coach weren't more than about 2 years old, the controller had been reset to default (wet cell assumed) and had overcharged them for the 6 months while the coach was in various dealer's hands. As received, the house batteries weren't holding their charge, as expected, so had to be replaced.

..........

*I've come to realize that the refrigerator/ inverters can be turned off during the night to help preserve the batteries. If the refrigerator isn't being opened, it will hold its temperature with minimal rise for several hours. Turning off the inverters will remove the overhead load they add ... then only 12v system
would be available (mostly lights) but that would be sufficient. I haven't had an opportunity to try this, yet, to see just how effective it might be to lengthening the time before the batteries need to be charged.

I believe that the situation would be slightly better with a up-to-date refrigerator -- but the essential problem is that the refrigeration is the major battery draw and even the newest, most efficient refrigerator may not offer _that_ much improvement over the originally installed unit, which was a relatively decent performer for its time.

Indeed, the electric cooktop is more of a boondocking problem than the refrigerator, since 120 vac power is an absolute requirement to operate it, whether from the generator or shore power.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 6, 2008, at 1:28 PM, birdshill123 wrote:

House type fridges are becoming more prevelant all the time.<snip>

When
looking at some BB's advertised on the net I see some mid 90's units
with house fridges. These are older fridges and not super efficient. I
would like to hear from BB owners with this option? Are you pleased
with the fridge? Do you have problesm when boondocking for a few days?
What does BB supply for battery power and invereter size with this
option? Any problems?
<snip>

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