I have to decide which fridge is going to be fitted into my new Crusader Caravan.
2 people maximum. Free camping as much as possible. 400ah of battery and plenty of solar.
Which would be the better option in a new caravan?
Many thanks.
Whenarewethere said
02:02 PM Feb 11, 2022
It's a no brainer.
Wanda said
02:14 PM Feb 11, 2022
X2.....compressor, with that much battery
Ian
iana said
02:14 PM Feb 11, 2022
Couple of points to consider, 3 way fridges have there access panel at the bottom, if you just fit a compressor fridge in that spot, then you may not be able to able to access the compressor etc, the access hatch needs to be put in the correct spot.
I find that early morning battery charge is important, and would split the panels 50/50 fixed and portable.
I have wired the tow vehicle up, so I can connect the aux batteries to supplement the van power, and also so I can start the engine and use it as power for the fridge in extreme cases.
KJB said
02:31 PM Feb 11, 2022
Compressor ------every time.... KB
Aus-Kiwi said
04:00 PM Feb 11, 2022
Best thing I ever did . Replacing 3 way . Better off fitting extra solar panels anyway !! Just fitting it through the motorhomes removed window !! 3/4 day to fit . 20 min to connect and get running !!! Existing wires are way larger enough !! Fridge runs at way less amps !!!
Bobdown said
04:40 PM Feb 11, 2022
Compressor....... x5
Peter_n_Margaret said
05:21 PM Feb 11, 2022
No external vent required at all for a compressor fridge = less dust where you don't want it.
Would you fit a gas fridge at home?
You want things cold irrespective of the weather?
Cheers,
Peter
Wanda said
06:06 PM Feb 11, 2022
Definately don't need an external vent for a compressor fridge, you can have that venting inside, and no, there is no issue with heat.
What I would suggest is an access door(small) to get to the back of your fridge for any maintenance.
I did not and wished I had
Ian
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:32 PM Feb 11, 2022
Wanda wrote:
Definately don't need an external vent for a compressor fridge, you can have that venting inside, and no, there is no issue with heat. What I would suggest is an access door(small) to get to the back of your fridge for any maintenance. I did not and wished I had Ian
Our compressors (one for the fridge and one for the freezer) are remote from the units, in a nearby cupboard for easy access.
Cheers,
Peter
Whenarewethere said
06:34 PM Feb 11, 2022
Access would be a good idea to clean the dust off condenser & fan.
After each trip I blow out my fridge with air compressor. It is surprising the amount of dust after only 3 months.
Radar said
09:37 PM Feb 11, 2022
gdayjr wrote:
I have to decide which fridge is going to be fitted into my new Crusader Caravan.
2 people maximum. Free camping as much as possible. 400ah of battery and plenty of solar.
Which would be the better option in a new caravan?
Many thanks.
Hi gdayjr,
It looks like I am the odd one out.
3 way refrigeration is my choice, main reason is less batteries, over all lighter combined weight, never concern myself where the sun is and no moving parts.
My latest 3 way 184 litre is working a treat on my secondhand 2012 model caravan which I purchased in 2016.
we are running 1x110 amp battery, 2x170 watt solar panels and tour for about 10 months of the year in batchers of 4 to 6 weeks at a time.
I have no thoughts on replacing the frig and if I did need to, it would get some back in its place.
Derek Barnes said
09:53 PM Feb 11, 2022
We love our slim line 138 litre 3 way Thetford fridge. No worries about long cloudy periods such as in Tasmania in winter. Plenty of space in the fridge compartment, freezer compartment and drinks drawer.
Tony LEE said
10:19 PM Feb 11, 2022
No Radar, you are not the odd man out. Plenty of 3 ways giving sterling service even after 20 years.
Those who automatically advise a compressor fridge rarely comment on how critical the electrical system suddenly becomes and probably ignore the inconvenient fact that solar isn't always as reliable as it needs to be.
My current bus conversion is all 230 volt electric but doesn't even have a shore power connection, but it has 3200 watts of solar, 560Ah @ 24 volt battery and a 5000VA inverter which wouldn't be possible in most normal caravans or motorhomes. Point is that compressor fridges have to be supplied with electricity 24/7 so careful consideration is required rather than just running out and buying a compressor fridge and hoping for the best
86GTS said
04:41 AM Feb 12, 2022
After having unfortunately owned a Dometic 3 way fridge for 12 years I'd love to have a compressor fridge. It has s**t itself on gas twice & on 240v twice in that time. In any weather approaching 30 degrees it doesn't hold it's temperature. I buy a bag of ice every 3-4 days, place it in containers & put on each shelf which helps. I have a digital thermometer. Looking at RV forums there are so many other people that have had similar problems. If I went compressor fridge I would need to install plenty of solar panels on the van roof & install more battery capacity, which would put the van overweight if I put a pair of socks & undies in it. I just get on with it & cope with what I've got but a compressor fridge would be lovely to have. Is there such a thing as fridge envy 'çause I think I've got it ?
-- Edited by 86GTS on Saturday 12th of February 2022 04:42:43 AM
Mike Harding said
07:10 AM Feb 12, 2022
Tony Lee put it very well I thought.
It is not just a simple choice of which is the better device fridge-ing wise, there is a lot more to consider; the first things being where do you intend to spend most of your time and what is your style of camping?
In the southern parts of Oz solar panels are much less effective than in the northern parts. If you camp in forests solar panel become very poor energy producers and if you camp in southern forests in winter they are all but useless and a generator is essential.
Your 400Ah of battery should be OK and I suggest at the very least 1000W of free standing solar with all panels wired in parallel and long leads. Also ensure you buy a top quality MPPT controller. Expect to move the panels twice a day, more in winter and a lot more in forests.
Packing up/putting out that much solar is a pain when doing short trips and you'll be employing it at the wrong times of the day too; I often move only 150km or so a day and then camp for a night or two, this is not enough for the vehicle to charge a large battery bank and not enough sun for the solar. Generator time - so no National Parks et al.
Compressor fridges are certainly more effective coolers but they require a life support system, gas fridges are poor when ambient is over about 33C but they run silently for two weeks from a 9kg gas bottle.
I have a 184L gas fridge/freezer and a 60L compressor fridge/freezer which lives in the car and is not often used (good for shopping) but if ambient is above 35C for a run of days I move freezer stuff from gas fridge to compressor fridge.
I was going to change to a compressor fridge in the van but despite having 800W of solar am not sure I want the hassle of maintaining power to it 24/7/365.
NB: my 200W panels weigh 16kg each and are difficult to pack in the vehicle in order to ensure no damage and they take up a lot of space.
As I said at the beginning; this is not a simple yes/no question.
montie said
07:41 AM Feb 12, 2022
3 way fridges are not efficient in tropical climates despite claims of a "tropical" rating.
You want everything nice and cold .........compressor fridge is the way to go.
Some compressor fridges can be noisy.
Radar said
08:23 AM Feb 12, 2022
Yes, there is some very good remarks here about selection of refrigerators.
Mike Harding great comment and thoughts.
Tony LEE, way out different comment.
Montie, yes our tropical rated refrigerator did battle to keep below 4 degrees in 36 cel days in October with the western sun hitting the frig side of the caravan when we were up above the Tropic of Capricorn at Clermont in late October, the freezer section did good. At this time we were taking the long way home to Brisbane to park up for a couple of summer months.
Derek Barnes, our previous 3 way refrigerator was a 2009 157 litre tropical rated and it was a little ripper, 20 days for a 9kg bottle of gas. Ice cream bend the spoon hard, before that our 2 other 3 ways frig experiences were not that great with there very small capacity but worked for our winter/autumn tours.
There is a lots to think about when designing a caravan, it is not always about about having nice ice cold beer in the food storage frig, we have our 12 volt compressor frig in the ute for day drives where we do at times have some ice cold refreshments stored.
Great topic.
oldbloke said
08:26 AM Feb 12, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
Tony Lee put it very well I thought.
It is not just a simple choice of which is the better device fridge-ing wise, there is a lot more to consider; the first things being where do you intend to spend most of your time and what is your style of camping?
In the southern parts of Oz solar panels are much less effective than in the northern parts. If you camp in forests solar panel become very poor energy producers and if you camp in southern forests in winter they are all but useless and a generator is essential.
Your 400Ah of battery should be OK and I suggest at the very least 1000W of free standing solar with all panels wired in parallel and long leads. Also ensure you buy a top quality MPPT controller. Expect to move the panels twice a day, more in winter and a lot more in forests.
Packing up/putting out that much solar is a pain when doing short trips and you'll be employing it at the wrong times of the day too; I often move only 150km or so a day and then camp for a night or two, this is not enough for the vehicle to charge a large battery bank and not enough sun for the solar. Generator time - so no National Parks et al.
Compressor fridges are certainly more effective coolers but they require a life support system, gas fridges are poor when ambient is over about 33C but they run silently for two weeks from a 9kg gas bottle.
I have a 184L gas fridge/freezer and a 60L compressor fridge/freezer which lives in the car and is not often used (good for shopping) but if ambient is above 35C for a run of days I move freezer stuff from gas fridge to compressor fridge.
I was going to change to a compressor fridge in the van but despite having 800W of solar am not sure I want the hassle of maintaining power to it 24/7/365.
NB: my 200W panels weigh 16kg each and are difficult to pack in the vehicle in order to ensure no damage and they take up a lot of space.
As I said at the beginning; this is not a simple yes/no question.
Spot on Mike. And all those panels and batteries weigh a lot.
Wanda said
08:42 AM Feb 12, 2022
If you are planning 400ah of batteries, and guessing thats probably Lithium, and by your own admission "plenty of solar" just get a compressor fridge.
Although plenty will say they are happy with their 3way fridge, generally, compressor fridges are more reliable in "all" conditions
Under most conditions you will have plenty of battery power for almost all occasions with that setup(400ah), infact overkill if you end up going 3 way in my opinion
Ian
Are We Lost said
05:41 PM Feb 12, 2022
Why do you plan on 400ah of batteries? Without a 3 way fridge this seems unneccessary unless you have already factored in the fridge requirements. Or maybe you have other goodies that already justify such capacity.
I have a 3 way and have used compressor fridges in the past. IF I had huge spare battery and charging capacity I would go with a compressor fridge. But as others have said you need to cater for those times of extended lack of solar charging. Running your vehicle for hours to charge a depleted bank is not a great idea. You may also like to choose shady spots when camping, so there goes much of your solar input.
How much solar are you thinking of? Will that mostly be on the roof? How much space have you allocated for portable solar panels?
If all these are considered solvable or not an issue, then go for the compressor option.
Despite some negative comments here about performance of 3 way fridges, most problems are caused by poor installation. Probably most have not followed the manufacturer's instructions. Once solved, these perform fine.
montie said
06:39 PM Feb 12, 2022
I know which fridge I'd want my beer in!
Having said that the best beer fridge is the good old Engel!
Aus-Kiwi said
10:28 PM Feb 12, 2022
450 watt solar 240 Ah easy runs my comp 220L fridge / freezer . Even leave it on when home Gas is expensive to fill or swap out west . $60 to $80 for 9kb bottle !! Every 2 or 3 weeks !! No thanks
Mike Harding said
08:14 AM Feb 13, 2022
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
>450 watt solar 240 Ah easy runs my comp 220L fridge / freezer
I assume your panels are in full sun all day?
> $60 to $80 for 9kb bottle !! Every 2 or 3 weeks !!
Where do you live? The middle of the Simpson?
A 9kg gas bottle swap at Bunnings is $29, refills are often available for $25 and Anaconda do (did?) them for $17, the most I have ever paid for gas was $45 which was a pure rip off by the general store in Mitta Mitta, Vic. who, six months previously, were selling it for $25.
Aus-Kiwi said
09:01 AM Feb 13, 2022
We are a camping site of nomads ! I live in NSW .. obviously some only camp away for a few weeks . Go WA, through the centre out in REAL Aust !! It all depends where and what you do ! As per usual horses for courses . Why I said out back in the first place ! Those who travel from camping ground to camping ground .
Wanda said
09:12 AM Feb 13, 2022
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
450 watt solar 240 Ah easy runs my comp 220L fridge / freezer . Even leave it on when home Gas is expensive to fill or swap out west . $60 to $80 for 9kb bottle !! Every 2 or 3 weeks !! No thanks
Like wise, we have the same setup 240ah/450wt solar 210lt fridge/freezer for 5yrs, mostly free camping when travelling and caravan parks only when you have no choice.
There is the odd time when you think it might be a bit lean on battery but then a good sunny day brings you back up.
Fine, 95% of the time, when these batteries die(lead crystal) I will replace with Lithium, probably 300ah
Ian
-- Edited by Wanda on Sunday 13th of February 2022 09:14:35 AM
Gundog said
09:59 AM Feb 13, 2022
Crunching the numbers show that both caravan type fridges are very expensive and inefficient, roughly speaking a 250lt 3-way will cost you up to 3K, and a 12v compressor is around 2.5k, where are 250ltr normal fridge (must be a Digital Inverter Compressor type) will set you back about 750 bucks.
The saving alone in the buy price will give you a fare wad of cash the help convert battery's to lithium or additional solar.
I have a Samsung 228ltr DI fridge which has been in use 24/7 for the last 5 years and still working as like it did on day 1.
I have been on a weight reduction program, ditched 300watts of solar and 200ah of batteries from the van, to get the van well under the GTM.
When I feel the need to free camp out come the 3.5kva generator.
Whenarewethere said
10:02 AM Feb 13, 2022
Gas 9kg
Bamaga $65
Bourke $36
Cobar $38
Halls Creek $43
Hopetoun $40
Kunnunara $34
Leinster $60
Mt Isa $32
Norman $45
Tennant Creek $40
Walgett $36
White Cliffs $50
Wilpena Pound $30
Winton $45
Whenarewethere said
10:27 AM Feb 13, 2022
Gundog wrote:
I have been on a weight reduction program, ditched 300watts of solar and 200ah of batteries from the van, to get the van well under the GTM.
When I feel the need to free camp out come the 3.5kva generator.
Less batteries & solar, adding generator & fuel, what was the net weight saving?
yobarr said
10:35 AM Feb 13, 2022
Whenarewethere wrote:
Gundog wrote:
I have been on a weight reduction program, ditched 300watts of solar and 200ah of batteries from the van, to get the van well under the GTM.
When I feel the need to free camp out come the 3.5kva generator.
Less batteries & solar, adding generator & fuel, what was the net weight saving?
Interesting. My 265 watt panels are 17kg and Lithium is 24kg for 200ah,so total 40-45kg (allowing for 300 watts as opposed to 265). Generator I gave away (2800i) weighed 30kg dry weight,plus fuel,maybe 10kg.Hmmmm.SFA saving,me thinks,not to mention having to chase petrol,dangers of carrying petrol in car or van,and the noise. Excuse me,but I can't see any logic here? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 13th of February 2022 10:44:34 AM
I have to decide which fridge is going to be fitted into my new Crusader Caravan.
2 people maximum. Free camping as much as possible. 400ah of battery and plenty of solar.
Which would be the better option in a new caravan?
Many thanks.
It's a no brainer.
Ian
I find that early morning battery charge is important, and would split the panels 50/50 fixed and portable.
I have wired the tow vehicle up, so I can connect the aux batteries to supplement the van power, and also so I can start the engine and use it as power for the fridge in extreme cases.
Compressor ------every time.... KB
Compressor....... x5
Would you fit a gas fridge at home?
You want things cold irrespective of the weather?
Cheers,
Peter
What I would suggest is an access door(small) to get to the back of your fridge for any maintenance.
I did not and wished I had
Ian
Our compressors (one for the fridge and one for the freezer) are remote from the units, in a nearby cupboard for easy access.
Cheers,
Peter
Access would be a good idea to clean the dust off condenser & fan.
After each trip I blow out my fridge with air compressor. It is surprising the amount of dust after only 3 months.
Hi gdayjr,
It looks like I am the odd one out.
3 way refrigeration is my choice, main reason is less batteries, over all lighter combined weight, never concern myself where the sun is and no moving parts.
My latest 3 way 184 litre is working a treat on my secondhand 2012 model caravan which I purchased in 2016.
we are running 1x110 amp battery, 2x170 watt solar panels and tour for about 10 months of the year in batchers of 4 to 6 weeks at a time.
I have no thoughts on replacing the frig and if I did need to, it would get some back in its place.
We love our slim line 138 litre 3 way Thetford fridge. No worries about long cloudy periods such as in Tasmania in winter. Plenty of space in the fridge compartment, freezer compartment and drinks drawer.
After having unfortunately owned a Dometic 3 way fridge for 12 years I'd love to have a compressor fridge.
It has s**t itself on gas twice & on 240v twice in that time.
In any weather approaching 30 degrees it doesn't hold it's temperature.
I buy a bag of ice every 3-4 days, place it in containers & put on each shelf which helps. I have a digital thermometer.
Looking at RV forums there are so many other people that have had similar problems.
If I went compressor fridge I would need to install plenty of solar panels on the van roof & install more battery capacity, which would put the van overweight if I put a pair of socks & undies in it.
I just get on with it & cope with what I've got but a compressor fridge would be lovely to have.
Is there such a thing as fridge envy 'çause I think I've got it ?
-- Edited by 86GTS on Saturday 12th of February 2022 04:42:43 AM
Tony Lee put it very well I thought.
It is not just a simple choice of which is the better device fridge-ing wise, there is a lot more to consider; the first things being where do you intend to spend most of your time and what is your style of camping?
In the southern parts of Oz solar panels are much less effective than in the northern parts. If you camp in forests solar panel become very poor energy producers and if you camp in southern forests in winter they are all but useless and a generator is essential.
Your 400Ah of battery should be OK and I suggest at the very least 1000W of free standing solar with all panels wired in parallel and long leads. Also ensure you buy a top quality MPPT controller. Expect to move the panels twice a day, more in winter and a lot more in forests.
Packing up/putting out that much solar is a pain when doing short trips and you'll be employing it at the wrong times of the day too; I often move only 150km or so a day and then camp for a night or two, this is not enough for the vehicle to charge a large battery bank and not enough sun for the solar. Generator time - so no National Parks et al.
Compressor fridges are certainly more effective coolers but they require a life support system, gas fridges are poor when ambient is over about 33C but they run silently for two weeks from a 9kg gas bottle.
I have a 184L gas fridge/freezer and a 60L compressor fridge/freezer which lives in the car and is not often used (good for shopping) but if ambient is above 35C for a run of days I move freezer stuff from gas fridge to compressor fridge.
I was going to change to a compressor fridge in the van but despite having 800W of solar am not sure I want the hassle of maintaining power to it 24/7/365.
NB: my 200W panels weigh 16kg each and are difficult to pack in the vehicle in order to ensure no damage and they take up a lot of space.
As I said at the beginning; this is not a simple yes/no question.
You want everything nice and cold .........compressor fridge is the way to go.
Some compressor fridges can be noisy.
Yes, there is some very good remarks here about selection of refrigerators.
Mike Harding great comment and thoughts.
Tony LEE, way out different comment.
Montie, yes our tropical rated refrigerator did battle to keep below 4 degrees in 36 cel days in October with the western sun hitting the frig side of the caravan when we were up above the Tropic of Capricorn at Clermont in late October, the freezer section did good. At this time we were taking the long way home to Brisbane to park up for a couple of summer months.
Derek Barnes, our previous 3 way refrigerator was a 2009 157 litre tropical rated and it was a little ripper, 20 days for a 9kg bottle of gas. Ice cream bend the spoon hard, before that our 2 other 3 ways frig experiences were not that great with there very small capacity but worked for our winter/autumn tours.
There is a lots to think about when designing a caravan, it is not always about about having nice ice cold beer in the food storage frig, we have our 12 volt compressor frig in the ute for day drives where we do at times have some ice cold refreshments stored.
Great topic.
Spot on Mike. And all those panels and batteries weigh a lot.
Although plenty will say they are happy with their 3way fridge, generally, compressor fridges are more reliable in "all" conditions
Under most conditions you will have plenty of battery power for almost all occasions with that setup(400ah), infact overkill if you end up going 3 way in my opinion
Ian
Why do you plan on 400ah of batteries? Without a 3 way fridge this seems unneccessary unless you have already factored in the fridge requirements. Or maybe you have other goodies that already justify such capacity.
I have a 3 way and have used compressor fridges in the past. IF I had huge spare battery and charging capacity I would go with a compressor fridge. But as others have said you need to cater for those times of extended lack of solar charging. Running your vehicle for hours to charge a depleted bank is not a great idea. You may also like to choose shady spots when camping, so there goes much of your solar input.
How much solar are you thinking of? Will that mostly be on the roof? How much space have you allocated for portable solar panels?
If all these are considered solvable or not an issue, then go for the compressor option.
Despite some negative comments here about performance of 3 way fridges, most problems are caused by poor installation. Probably most have not followed the manufacturer's instructions. Once solved, these perform fine.
Having said that the best beer fridge is the good old Engel!
Like wise, we have the same setup 240ah/450wt solar 210lt fridge/freezer for 5yrs, mostly free camping when travelling and caravan parks only when you have no choice.
There is the odd time when you think it might be a bit lean on battery but then a good sunny day brings you back up.
Fine, 95% of the time, when these batteries die(lead crystal) I will replace with Lithium, probably 300ah
Ian
-- Edited by Wanda on Sunday 13th of February 2022 09:14:35 AM
Crunching the numbers show that both caravan type fridges are very expensive and inefficient, roughly speaking a 250lt 3-way will cost you up to 3K, and a 12v compressor is around 2.5k, where are 250ltr normal fridge (must be a Digital Inverter Compressor type) will set you back about 750 bucks.
The saving alone in the buy price will give you a fare wad of cash the help convert battery's to lithium or additional solar.
I have a Samsung 228ltr DI fridge which has been in use 24/7 for the last 5 years and still working as like it did on day 1.
I have been on a weight reduction program, ditched 300watts of solar and 200ah of batteries from the van, to get the van well under the GTM.
When I feel the need to free camp out come the 3.5kva generator.
Gas 9kg
Bamaga $65
Bourke $36
Cobar $38
Halls Creek $43
Hopetoun $40
Kunnunara $34
Leinster $60
Mt Isa $32
Norman $45
Tennant Creek $40
Walgett $36
White Cliffs $50
Wilpena Pound $30
Winton $45
Less batteries & solar, adding generator & fuel, what was the net weight saving?
Interesting. My 265 watt panels are 17kg and Lithium is 24kg for 200ah,so total 40-45kg (allowing for 300 watts as opposed to 265). Generator I gave away (2800i) weighed 30kg dry weight,plus fuel,maybe 10kg.Hmmmm.SFA saving,me thinks,not to mention having to chase petrol,dangers of carrying petrol in car or van,and the noise. Excuse me,but I can't see any logic here? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 13th of February 2022 10:44:34 AM