I recently purchased a 2012 Roadtrek 3500 and installed 200 watts of solar panels. My main reason for the solar is so I can run my Dometic RM 8501 refrigerator during sunny daylight hours without having to use propane. According to the manual the 12 volt option is only available when the engine is running to prevent the battery from running down within 2-3 hours. I understand this and is working properly, as designed. I believe my solar panels will be adequate and am trying to find out how to override the safety feature to protect running down the house battery.
One post I found refers to the wire from the alternator connected to the "D" terminal allows the refer to operate on 12 volts when the engine is running. Because the "D" terminal only has power when the engine is running I suspect there is a way connect 12 volts to that "D" terminal without the engine running. So my questions are: 1. Where is this connection block located? 2. Is it ok to connect a constant (or switched) 12 volts to this "D" terminal allowing the refer to run on 12 volts without causing another problem?
I have been living off grid (solar/wind) and batteries for about 24 years so I have a fairly good understanding of the basics. This is however my first experience with a 12 volt refrigerator.
Thank you in advance for any advice that might be available in solving my challenge.
One post I found refers to the wire from the alternator connected to the "D" terminal allows the refer to operate on 12 volts when the engine is running. Because the "D" terminal only has power when the engine is running I suspect there is a way connect 12 volts to that "D" terminal without the engine running. So my questions are: 1. Where is this connection block located? 2. Is it ok to connect a constant (or switched) 12 volts to this "D" terminal allowing the refer to run on 12 volts without causing another problem?
I have been living off grid (solar/wind) and batteries for about 24 years so I have a fairly good understanding of the basics. This is however my first experience with a 12 volt refrigerator.
Thank you in advance for any advice that might be available in solving my challenge.
