How Many Amps Does The Everchill RV Fridge 324-000119 Draw?

Question:

I saw that the Everchill refrigerator should be drawing 3A during normal operations. I have two deep cycle batteries in series both with 140A reserve capacity. I also have a solar panel. Despite full sun on the panel and fully charged batteries and with the refrigerator set to 1, the batteries are almost drained in 24 hours. Is there a power curve for the fridge? Howe does one find out how much the fridge is drawing. Thanks.

asked by: Tim R

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Everchill RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer - 10.7 Cu Ft - 12V - Stainless Steel # 324-000119 pulls about 8-9 amps on startup / chilling to temperature, and about 2-3 amps while continuously running and maintaining temperature.

If you have 2 RV batteries wired in series, then I assume you have 6v batteries since series means the voltage would double and end up at the necessary 12V (amperage stays the same). If you have 2 12V batteries wired in parallel, then the voltage would still be 12V but the amperage would increase, giving you more capacity and longer run time for the refrigerator. Knowing which batteries you have and how they are setup is essential in determining the amount of run time for the fridge. To get the most run time, obviously you will want 2 12V batteries wired in parallel. As an example, if each battery had a rating of 100ah, then you would have 200ah total. Divide the amp hours (200ah) by the continuous fridge draw (2.5A) and you get about 80 hours of run time before the batteries need charged.

It sounds like either you need higher capacity batteries, you need to wire them differently (parallel), or you need a more capable charging setup. If you need to upgrade your solar system, perhaps Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 380 Watt Solar Panels # GP39MR would suit your needs. This would be more than enough to efficiently charge up 2 RV batteries.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Kenneth G.

9/4/2024

I have. Travel Trailer, 2020 model with a 12 volt refrigerator! The freezer is freezing but the refrigerator is not getting cold! It is on setting 5 and is not flashing! What charges the battery to keep it up to the voltage needed? The fan is not coming on in the freezer compartment if that is what makes the refrigerator cold! Any ideas please?

Andrew N.

9/5/2024

@KennethG It sounds like an issue we've come across where the freezer/fridge is iced over and needs to be unplugged to thaw out for a day or two. Then the ice melts and allows the vent doors and parts to move and work properly so you can plug it back in after and try. If it still doesn't work, you'll likely need to have it diagnosed at a shop or replace it, but I'm pretty sure this trick will work for you. As far as charging your travel trailer's battery, that is normally from shore power or from your truck when hooked up.