12V inverter fridges and 3 way fridges suitable for RV's are quite expensive. best to shop around for prices. Household electric fridges can and are used by those using only caravan parks and not free camping. These work extremely well, but don't forget to secures it to the floor or it'll walk around and damage furniture or jump up and down and possibly punch holes in the floor. The only real downside is the noise some make turning on and off that can disturb light sleeper. Cheers, ozjohn.
Hi OzJohn, Thanks. We were thinking, if we could, we would put a household fridge in the same spot as our old 3 way fridge. can the old one be taken out without much trouble and the new one put in. and can the new one be secured the same. The noise you talk about - does that only happen with the household fridge and not a caravan fridge? Also, would you recommend a make that does not make noise? Appreciate you taking the time to reply. Rocket n Strop
-- Edited by the rocket on Tuesday 17th of April 2012 08:45:44 AM
12V inverter fridges and 3 way fridges suitable for RV's are quite expensive. best to shop around for prices. Household electric fridges can and are used by those using only caravan parks and not free camping. These work extremely well, but don't forget to secures it to the floor or it'll walk around and damage furniture or jump up and down and possibly punch holes in the floor. The only real downside is the noise some make turning on and off that can disturb light sleeper. Cheers, ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
The main thing that stops many is the need for an inverter to be on at all times or at least when stationary. It is debatable on the power both styles need but either way you will need enough batteries to maintain the voltage whilst free camping.
I run a 240v fridge in my 7 mtr bus so it can be done. The cost of a 240v fridge is around the $400 - $500 for a 212ltr where a 12v it is $2000 plus.
Domestic fridges are available anywhere 12v only at selected dealers in large populated areas where there is a larger RV dealer.
The noise from 12v and 240v would be about the same. With 240v you do have the added sound of the inverter fan if it is needed but I find that it does not worry me but we are all different. Very hard to discuss noise level as we all have different tolerances.
I only free camp and the last time I was in a caravan jail was 12 months ago for 4 days and before that was about 18 months so I would consider myself a independent camper.
Hope you settle on what you need and every thing works.
Ensure it is suitably fixed and you have space around for air flow to assist cooling.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
That would be my worry NeilnRuth. Was thinking as I read the first posts. If a 3 way fridge is already in place you will have to disconnect the gas pipes to that area. If you go for a 240 only fridge which you use on power only does that mean your fridge is not turned on when you are travelling? Won't the food get awfully hot? I checked the fridge in Myrtle, hasn't been on for a while, its reading about 30 degrees.
That would be my worry NeilnRuth. Was thinking as I read the first posts. If a 3 way fridge is already in place you will have to disconnect the gas pipes to that area. If you go for a 240 only fridge which you use on power only does that mean your fridge is not turned on when you are travelling? Won't the food get awfully hot? I checked the fridge in Myrtle, hasn't been on for a while, its reading about 30 degrees.
the advice from ozjohn and beiffe is terrific. stuff I never knew about. han't thought about travelling and it getting hot but the battery/electric sounds worth looking into. its an esky until we make up our minds or strop is thinking if we put ice in the top of the fridge that might be the same as an esky. thanks happywanderer.
There are several options when travelling towards a 240v fridge.
I depends on whether you leave the inverter going or not. I have signs on my bus warning of 240v being possible at all times on the bus but as I don't travel long trips I turn my inverter off whilst travelling. Three or four hours does not cause the fridge to loose much temp. I have left it off overnight and there was about 2 degrees drop in that time so as long as your temp is correct or perhaps on the high side then there is no problems. I keep Ice in the freezer and check to ensure the loose blocks are still frozen. Any evidence of melting (eg thin ice on bottom) then the temp had dropped a bit to far.
Best to check the power requirements of any new fridge. Check the usage displayed on the fridge and then work back to a days use this will give you an approx for =your requirements. Make sure you allow for inverter losses as well as other usage.
The life you live on the road will depend on your battery capacity and the ability to keep them charged. Some live a tenting live in a mega expensive RV while some like the luxuries of life after a hard life so this controls what you need.
I decided for an easier live and have designed my system to allow that, but some use one light and control the use of Tv and Internet etc to the point I don't think they could really enjoy their travels. I don't waste power but I have enough to see me through and have the power to remain on the road.
It all boils down to do your checks both on 12v and 240v and then check your power storage and then decide which option allows the comfort you want and whether you have the power to survive or if you can add more batteries or solar or perhaps a change of battery type but that's another story not for here.
Hope that helps a bit
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
