17 replies to this topic

[randygirl]

So I got everything mounted and wired and finally was able to put the camper on the truck today.

At 12:45 pm I turned the Engle fridge to setting 4.(out of 5) The camper was in direct sun in my drive way. 70* most of the day. The solar was in full sun.

I reset the remote meter so I would know exactly how much current (amps) the fridge uses in 24 hours. (BTW, that is the most awesome meter!! So many settings to play with!!) Anyways,

It is now 7:21pm and we are at 8.0 amps used to keep the fridge at 4. I have opened the fridge a few times, so it is like real use, (being opened periodically).

Will let you know tomorrow how many amps it used in the 24 hour period.

Randy

[leadsled9]

randygirl...how many amp hours of battery storage do you have?

I have one battery that is 105 amp hours....and I'm in the process of adding another one for a total of 210 amp hours. I have the same 120 watt panel as you have.

I am interested to see if your solar system can keep up with the Engel fridges needs.

[MarkBC]

Thanks for doing this research, randygirl -- quantitative data is a good thing!

[randygirl]

I have an Optima Blue top that came with the camper in 2002. It is only a 55amp hour battery.

I know I will need to upgrade in the future, but right now, I think it will work.

All day, the solar ran the fridge. The battery stayed fully charged. The big question will be what will happen overnite!!

I have to work tomorrow and will have someone check it for me at 1pm . Will post the results when I get home...

Randy

[natjwest]

randygirl, I know you've posted your solar panel, controller, etc in other threads, but can you put them here so it's all in one place?

[trasko]

Did you put anything in the fridge? And was it cold ahead of time?

[randygirl]

Ok, here we go...

At the 24 hour mark the Engel had used 19.80 amp hours. By 9am the battery was fully charged already.

I have a 120 watt panel, sunsaver MPPT charge controller, and the sunsaver remote meter.

The fridge was not cold ahead of time and there was nothing it...

Tonite I will put the fridge on 2-3 and run the fantastic fan overnite. We'll see how that does....

At 7am the fridge had used 15.9 AH.

The temp was about 70* all afternoon and 50* for a low last nite.

Hope this helps

Randy

[randygirl]

One thing I don't have is a temperature sensor for in the fridge. Is there one you guys like?? or will any ol one do??

[dsrtrat]

One thing I don't have is a temperature sensor for in the fridge. Is there one you guys like?? or will any ol one do??

Here is what I use. It has both outside and inside temp scales. Pretty cheap. Works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-42113-Alarm-Dual-Temperature-Thermometer/dp/B0006IX7UG

I just run the wire in the top and stick the display unit in the transit bag pouch. I find with a settting of 1 1/2 I get a temp of about 34 degrees even with 100 plus cab temps. I have the transit bag which may help somewhat with cooling.

The temp sensor takes aaa batteries and I find a set lasts about 6 months.

I really like the Engel and would never go back to a 3 way. One downside is you still need a small cooler for cocktail ice if you don't want to freeze all your food. I usually start out with ice in a small cooler and make more in the fridge if I run out.

Dsrtrat

[leadsled9]

randygirl.....what model is your Engel?