a few things......
Rich, High amp draw is not a good situation. You should have the full load amps information, which should be located right on the unit, as additional input. A unit can draw more amps due to a lower voltage being available at the unit. Check your voltage after the batteries are topped off and also while the unit has run for an extended period. Some battery types top off at higher levels and only some chargers take the battery to the topped off level. If you can get a good idea of how your batteries are performing, you can eliminate or pinpoint one source for the problem. Compare voltage at the source with the voltage at the compressor. This will indicate excessive voltage drop, if present. This should be done while the unit is under a load, that is, running. Excessive voltage drop usually indicates faulty wiring or connections. Another circumstance that will cause high amp draw is high head pressure. The head pressure will usually rise if the condenser is not properly cooling. The condenser is the coil that is mounted on the frame with the compressor. It has a fan that takes the heat away from the condenser coil.The system removes this heat from your refrigerator/freezer. Is that fan running when the unit is running? A condenser will not properly cool if the airflow is restricted by random stowage around the unit. Also, check with a light to make sure the coil is unobstructed. A piece of paper or a label that fell off another appliance will do it. A heavy dust accumulation can also cause high head pressure. This would also explain needing to keep your thermostat set higher for the same results as other similar units. These thermostats are not highly calibrated instruments. The reason they are not labeled with temperatures is just that reason. If your going to compare your situation with another's, use a decent thermometer, the data will be much more informative. High amperage draw on a unit is justification for early compressor failure. It causes excess heat, which will make parts wear faster, and windings fail. A unit that has leaked will draw less amps and it will not cool well. A unit that is overcharged can draw excessive amperage and will not cool well. I would start with the obvious, voltage and obstructions to the condenser air. good luck, Mike D
