Referigerator

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
My other truck's referigerator is acting up 4 years old I believe is D/C want to just put an A/C unit in its place the one in my new truck is A/C if I am correct it just plugs in where his is wired in. Can I do it put a plug in and how much do you think I would be looking at?
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Are you running it through a inverter? Most of the time, running it straight to the battery (12V) with a fuse is your best bet. On units with a a/c and d/c alternate, the switch block on the fridge itself burns out over time.
Or, a 110 system can't go straight to the battery without a inverter.





Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
Could you just run it through an invertor just for the fridge and avoid the fuse? Not sure now how my new truck is set up as the fridge is always on but I switch the invertor off, only use it when necessary for computer or other small appliances.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
A in line fuse is always recommended on that type of appliance because of the draw at start up. Your inverter has a bank of fuses in it but they are a pain to change if you blow one.

You will have to know the peak draw from your fridge and see if your inverter can handle it. Additionally, some items like your microwave may be hooked to that inverter. Running both at the same time could turn ugly.
Find out ALL of the items that are drawing from your inverter and add them up. Match that against the parameters of your inverter to ensure you don't exceed its capacity.
If still unsure, talk to Bentz who made your sleeper, and a tech could advise on how your truck is set up.







Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 

redytrk

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
You can also get one that runs on AC or DC. Norcold makes one.

Bentz Transportation products sells them,also Camping World.
 

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
If I can avoid using or purchasing at Bentz I will. Nothing against them they are in business to make a profit but wow I feel at there mercy anytime I go in there.
 

mhoy40

Expert Expediter
i have 2 fridges in my truck the little one that came in it, and a little bigger dorm size fridge that i got at lowes just plugged into the wall outlet both run fine.there in a fl-80.also have a air purifier that plugs into the wall plus the t.v and the dvd player as long as your inverter is 1500 watts or bigger u should be fine.the fridge from lowes cost 100.00.
 

BigBusBob

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Just got a Microwave for a friends '06 T2000 at Lowes, for 40 bucks. I can't remember what he paid for the fridge there - though I don't think it was over 100 bucks. I want to say it was around 80 bucks but don't quote me.

98 Freightliner that I trained in for Swift for 6 weeks had a 1500 watt inverter, it powered a small sized fridge and 600 watt microwave just fine. The TV ran on a seperate 2 outlet 150 watt inverter that plugged into an auxilary cigerette lighter plug in the sleeper. That small inverter ran the TV and laptop just fine.

Add a lockwasher to the battery terminal for a better positive connection. also, make sure you mount the negative to either the negative on the battery terminal or something steel on the truck... many truck sleepers are made of aluminum and you don't get a good ground usually with aluminum. Steel frame is much better.

The 1500 watt inverter at Pilot can be had for 120 bucks, digital microwave at Lowes for 40 bucks, and Fridge for less than 100. Or go dumpster diving and dig out a Coleman or Igloo electric cooler, clean it up, replace the motor for 20 bucks sold in a kit at most T/A's and you're set for keepin' your lunch meat cool.

BigBob
 

FlameMerc

Expert Expediter
I bought one of those small fridges at Lowes at Christmas time and got it for $53.00 on sale. I also put in a Microwave and a Undercabinet 9" TV/DVD/Stereo Radio. Added a VHS and Now I have all the Creature Comforts I wanted.

Only Thing is, all run on 110. Had to Buy a 3000 watt inverter, to go with my Generater. Will be installing GenSet next week. I went with Executive Technologies System. Very Nice for the Money.$5525.00 out the Door.
Started to go with IdleBuster. Changed my mind when the contracts arrived. To many rules and regulations, Red Tape, and loop holes in it for me.
Couldn't get a RigMaster. Ray said a 3 months waiting Period for more units. He just couldn't get me one. I'm glad for the money part,but it will be a wait and see, about the Quality of this unit. I will let you know how well it works...Butch..:D :D :D
 
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