A Fridge question

BohemianGypsy · Guru

A Fridge question

BohemianGypsy · Guru

ozjohn wrote:
Michelle,
Quite frankly as a 240V only fridge, FORGET it.
It's only suitable for powered sites in caravan parks.
Running a generator full time (Or at least all day) in a free camp is not a realistic option.
Start looking for a more appropriate van to suit your needs.
Best of luck with your search.
Cheers, Ozjohn

Thanks John as I said she does have a 3 way fridge which is the same size so if that works for us then we are still in with a chance don't you think? The only reason I am trying to get this done as quickly as possible is that I can only have a certain amount of money sitting in my account at any one time with Centrelink being on a pension. Although we have been searching for quite some time.

Michelle

-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Friday 22nd of June 2012 02:02:20 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

You are in the right section B G. I can't advise as to the fridge except to say mine is a 3 way fridge. Gas, 12 volt and 240. Seems to be the way to go.
Not sure if your solar panels would connect up to a 240, I don't see how it would work. Others would know better than me.
When I am camped my fridge is on gas. When I travel it is on 12 volt and IF I go into a powered site it would go on to 240.

BohemianGypsy · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
You are in the right section B G. I can't advise as to the fridge except to say mine is a 3 way fridge. Gas, 12 volt and 240. Seems to be the way to go.
Not sure if your solar panels would connect up to a 240, I don't see how it would work. Others would know better than me.
When I am camped my fridge is on gas. When I travel it is on 12 volt and IF I go into a powered site it would go on to 240.

Thanks for your input HW it really helps. The people who own the van also have for sale separately a 3 way fridge so I am asking how much that is because I think we will need it.

Michelle

Keith19837 · Senior Member

BohemianGypsy wrote:
Ithink I am in the right area to ask this question if not then tell me please.
The van we are looking at has got a 240v fridge and separate freezer only installed. If we were to free camp would we need the generator or would our solar panels do the job.
It may sound like a dumb question but nevertheless I need an answer to it
Michelle

Not a dumb question at all. It's going to depend on several things. Is the fridge 240v only. Is it a 2 way or 3 way fridge. Is your van set up for a 240v system from inverter or direct 240v only. The easiest way is to check with the previous owner/dealer where you purchased the van. If this is not possible, find the make, model and serial# of the fridge and contact the manufacturer. If that is not possible, all I can say is this:

My fridge is 12v down from 24v via a transformer fitted into the electrical system. It will run from battery, generator or 240v transformed down via the electrical board fitted (in my case) through the motor home's system. I can also run an ordinary house fridge through a 240v plug again via the board or from an inverter connected back through the board to the batteries or from a generator connected to the mains plug or simply through a mains lead. It's going to depend on the system your van runs. You will need to have a fridge that will run off your van's system rather than just a fridge that has been added 'ad hoc' and finding out that it won't work on whatever you're running. One would naturally assume that if your fridge is already fitted, it should run through battery, mains or generator (and gas if it's a 3 way). Check the fridge to see if it is 2 way or 3 way. It may be one that automatically takes power without any adjustment by you (mine does this). Or it might be the type that you have to 'switch' over by a switch that is on the fridge usually around the door or just inside). If it is a fridge that has been added on by some 'cowby' then you will need to find where the power source is (plugged into a standard plug or correctly hotwired). As far as solar goes, that will depend on what your fridge/freezer draws vs what your solar puts out and whatever other electrical items you're running at the same time. If it was properly set up, it should run on any of your power sources bearinf in mind that solar will require a certain number of hours sun per day to keep it running. Hope this makes sense. For what it's worth.

Happywanderer · The Master

They are still looking at the van keith and it is 240 only by the way B G wrote in opening post.

BohemianGypsy · Guru

Keith19837 wrote:
BohemianGypsy wrote:
Ithink I am in the right area to ask this question if not then tell me please.
The van we are looking at has got a 240v fridge and separate freezer only installed. If we were to free camp would we need the generator or would our solar panels do the job.
It may sound like a dumb question but nevertheless I need an answer to it
Michelle
Not a dumb question at all. It's going to depend on several things. Is the fridge 240v only. Is it a 2 way or 3 way fridge. Is your van set up for a 240v system from inverter or direct 240v only. The easiest way is to check with the previous owner/dealer where you purchased the van. If this is not possible, find the make, model and serial# of the fridge and contact the manufacturer. If that is not possible, all I can say is this:
My fridge is 12v down from 24v via a transformer fitted into the electrical system. It will run from battery, generator or 240v transformed down via the electrical board fitted (in my case) through the motor home's system. I can also run an ordinary house fridge through a 240v plug again via the board or from an inverter connected back through the board to the batteries or from a generator connected to the mains plug or simply through a mains lead. It's going to depend on the system your van runs. You will need to have a fridge that will run off your van's system rather than just a fridge that has been added 'ad hoc' and finding out that it won't work on whatever you're running. One would naturally assume that if your fridge is already fitted, it should run through battery, mains or generator (and gas if it's a 3 way). Check the fridge to see if it is 2 way or 3 way. It may be one that automatically takes power without any adjustment by you (mine does this). Or it might be the type that you have to 'switch' over by a switch that is on the fridge usually around the door or just inside). If it is a fridge that has been added on by some 'cowby' then you will need to find where the power source is (plugged into a standard plug or correctly hotwired). As far as solar goes, that will depend on what your fridge/freezer draws vs what your solar puts out and whatever other electrical items you're running at the same time. If it was properly set up, it should run on any of your power sources bearinf in mind that solar will require a certain number of hours sun per day to keep it running. Hope this makes sense. For what it's worth.

Hi Keith,

we haven't purchased the van yet and I am currently waiting on another response from the seller so cannot tell you anymore at the moment but when I find out I will let you know. She did however say that the fridge and freezer were 240v only. Now because we want to free camp more than anything else this is a concern to us. This is all new to both my hubby and I and I don't want to appear dumb because I am not but this is an area I know little about cry .

Michelle

BohemianGypsy · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
They are still looking at the van keith and it is 240 only by the way B G wrote in opening post.

Thanks for clearing that up for Keith HW. I really appreciate it smile

Michelle

ozjohn · Guru

Michelle,
Quite frankly as a 240V only fridge, FORGET it.
It's only suitable for powered sites in caravan parks.
Running a generator full time (Or at least all day) in a free camp is not a realistic option.
Start looking for a more appropriate van to suit your needs.
Best of luck with your search.
Cheers, Ozjohn

Happywanderer · The Master

Take it out and put it under the mattress lol.
Seriously though. if the van is not set up for gas, eg piping from the gas bottle to where the fridge will sit, it could be quite expensive to get it set up properly.
In my van the gas bottle sits on one side of the van, cubby hole on the outside. The fridge is on the other side, so a lot of work getting the gas over to the other side.

gst · Senior Member

To be honest if you want to do a lot of free camping look a round for a more useful van that's set up for free camping

BohemianGypsy · Guru

gst wrote:
To be honest if you want to do a lot of free camping look a round for a more useful van that's set up for free camping

Yes but the whole thing is they are far and few between atm. Camping and caravanning seem to be in huge demand.

Michelle

BohemianGypsy · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
Take it out and put it under the mattress lol.
Seriously though. if the van is not set up for gas, eg piping from the gas bottle to where the fridge will sit, it could be quite expensive to get it set up properly.
In my van the gas bottle sits on one side of the van, cubby hole on the outside. The fridge is on the other side, so a lot of work getting the gas over to the other side.

The beauty of it HW is that we don't own it yet so maybe that is a sign

Michelle

Ron and Shirley · Senior Member

BG

240v only fridge suggests that it a Caravan Park only van.

Does the van have a Hot Water System and is that 240v, 240v/gas, gas only?

OK this van could be converted to be more suited for bush camping via fitting a 3 way fridge and gas plumbing.

But then what are the other electrics in the van?

Are the lights 240 or 12v?

Does the van have a 12v battery and 240v charger, plus is it fitted with an Anderson plug to charge the battery from a vehicle?

If the other electrics are all 12v running off a battery (except air con) you could install a 12v only fridge, solar panels and solar regulator plus 240v battery smart charger, maybe a larger battery and then really live off the grid. You are looking at $$$$$.

On the surface I agree with others and look around for one that is already set up, they are out there, but I guess it depends on you price range.

Happywanderer · The Master

I'm just worried you could be up for a lot of expense to change it to suit you. If it does not have any of the above mentioned then it is not suitable for free camping hence an unsuitable van unless you want to spend a lot more money.

jimricho · Guru

I'm inclined to concur with those suggesting if the van is not ready to go to look elsewhere. That said it may however be that the 3way was previously removed from the van and refitting may not be overly complicated but my suggestion for what it's worth is to check this out before committing to a purchase. Maybe you can do a deal on this basis???

A three-way will be the least hassle if you plan to camp away from power.

Whatever you do don't "fall in love" with the van, it will cloud your judgement. My rule is "never fall in love with anything that doesn't eat and poo!" wink

Happywanderer · The Master

jimricho wrote:
Whatever you do don't "fall in love" with the van, it will cloud your judgement. My rule is "never fall in love with anything that doesn't eat and poo!"

I must remember that one Jim.

PeterD · Guru

A 240 V domestic fridge is no where as efficient as a caravan 12 V compressor fridge. To run a 12 V compressor fridge will require a solar plus battery system that will cost around $3,000 to have professionally fitted. To run one of those domestic fridges will require much more power to run (their sealed units were not designed to be power efficient.) To add to that battery systems are heavy, you will be taking a lot of your load allowance up. As you are getting a good value van I think it may be old and will not have a full 300 kg of load allowance.

Unless it can be converted back to a gas fridge, run.

Muso · Veteran Member

Hi Michelle, I agree with Peter and remember this,

For cost/efficiency GAS 1st - 240v 2nd and 12volt last. Our camper trailer runs on 12volt or 240 volt. As we like to freecamp I have installed 120 watt portable folding panels (with 10 metre cable) and an AGM 120 amp battery. The solar system (and regulator) with battery are pretty much top shelf and cost around $1500.00 (I wired the 12 volt system myself).

muller1 · Member

Hi there from bonnie Scotland.
I have read some of the replies regarding " wild camping" and would say the following.
Running a gas supply across the camper is a very easy ans cheap job, as long as you are a little bit handy with do it yourself skills.
At the very worst you require a gas bottle better with 2 of themYou also wouldbe better with with a double inlet regulator with an auto change over facility so that when a bottle runs out it will change over automatically to the other bottle.
You will also need a few feet of 6 mm copper line and some clips to fix it in place and at the fridge end a foot of orange propane hose to fit to the fridge inlet from the copper pipe.
Do not forget to allow for a carry frame for two bottles and a securing chain for the bottles.
If I were doing the job I would allow a Saturday morning plus possibly a couple more hours to be safe.
In Scotland the price for everything would cost £150 or 220 us Dollars tops.
Do not be afraid it is not open heart surgery here it is only running a few feet of pipe and copper pipe is SO easy to bend.
LASTLY CHECK WITH A MIXTURE OF SOAPY WATER FOR ANY GAS LEAKS.
You can use the bubble bottles you get for kids blowing bubbles.

Easy Peasy.

Regards
Mike Muller

BohemianGypsy · Guru

muller1 wrote:
Hi there from bonnie Scotland.
I have read some of the replies regarding " wild camping" and would say the following.
Running a gas supply across the camper is a very easy ans cheap job, as long as you are a little bit handy with do it yourself skills.
At the very worst you require a gas bottle better with 2 of themYou also wouldbe better with with a double inlet regulator with an auto change over facility so that when a bottle runs out it will change over automatically to the other bottle.
You will also need a few feet of 6 mm copper line and some clips to fix it in place and at the fridge end a foot of orange propane hose to fit to the fridge inlet from the copper pipe.
Do not forget to allow for a carry frame for two bottles and a securing chain for the bottles.
If I were doing the job I would allow a Saturday morning plus possibly a couple more hours to be safe.
In Scotland the price for everything would cost £150 or 220 us Dollars tops.
Do not be afraid it is not open heart surgery here it is only running a few feet of pipe and copper pipe is SO easy to bend.
LASTLY CHECK WITH A MIXTURE OF SOAPY WATER FOR ANY GAS LEAKS.
You can use the bubble bottles you get for kids blowing bubbles.

Easy Peasy.

Regards
Mike Muller

On behalf of hubby Ray, thanks so much for the info Mike, he very much appreciated it. The seller still has the 3 way fridge they took out of the van so we are getting that as well so it will hopefully be a matter of throwing it back in but I do want to have it checked over to make sure it is in good working order. If not then I guess it will mean a new fridge perhaps. . . . not sure yet. Also the hot water supply in the van is gas and the stove is gas too. Now I don't want to appear stupid here but if that is the case will we still need to do the above Mike? Tell me that is a stupid question and I will go sit in the corner myself lol.

Michelle

PeterD · Guru

The gas point for the fridge may still be there. If it is not there will not be much of an extension of the existing system needed.

"Now I don't want to appear stupid here but if that is the case will we still need to do the above Mike?" You will only be stupid if you do it yourself. This must be done by a licensed gas fitter.

muller1 · Member

If there was a fridge there before I am sure that the pipework will in place if not 90% of the work has been done and the remaining piece will take no time at all.

I see that someone has said that a licenced competent person must install the system, but licenced persons built the Titanic ???.

In this world you cannot even speake to a child without being vetted and licenced and this is were I think the world has gone stupid.

I would do it and just say it was that way when you bought it and let them prove otherwise.

I would think that you have nothing to fear from The Gas Fitters Gestapo,

just do what you have to and if you have any questions just ask someone or ask on the forum and I am sure you will get all the help you could wish for as not everyone is silly and deranged and I have done both my caravans and serviced the water heaters and ovens and heaters for the inside of the vans and as I said it is not rocket science and the Gas Fitters Gestapo want to have a closed shop where they are the only ones allowed to do anything.

To be honest having seen some gas fitters workmanship I would not let them within a mile of my caravan.

Wishiong you all the best of luck with your project.

Regards.

Mike Muller

jimricho · Guru

Thanks, Mike for the update on the cause of the Titanic's foundering. I didn't realise that "licensed persons" were responsible.

All these years and I've been suffering from the misapprehension that it was a collision with an iceberg that led to its demise!

wasn_me · Guru

You may not have anything to fear from The Gas Fitter Gestapo. What about the insurance investigators, if there was a fire. Even worse, the coronial enquiry if somebody dies (heaven forbid). There's only one way to do it. The right way.

muller1 · Member

Yes you are correct the right way is the only way but approved persons do not always do things the RIGHT WAY, any one can do things the right way.

Taking your scenario to task, IF there were a fatality and a licenced person had done the work will that bring the fatality back to life as if it had never happened.

If the job is done CORRECTLY there is nothing to answer.

I am sure you have had a vehicle "repaired " by a certified works mechanic only to fail again, what does that say about certification.

I have been an engineer (Marine) for over 40 years and I have seen many screw ups by so called qualified / certified persons.

muller1 · Member

Licenced and certified designers made a glaring screw up in as much they thought that the bulkheads did not need to go all the way up to the deckhead.

When the iceberg opened her up the water spilled over the top of the bulkheads in to the next compartment and so on till the hull could no longer support the weight of water in board hence the sinking.

In other words each so called watertight compartment was not sealed from each other and this was the designers fault.

oldtrack123 · Guru

muller1 wrote:
Hi there from bonnie Scotland.
I have read some of the replies regarding " wild camping" and would say the following.
Running a gas supply across the camper is a very easy ans cheap job, as long as you are a little bit handy with do it yourself skills.
At the very worst you require a gas bottle better with 2 of themYou also wouldbe better with with a double inlet regulator with an auto change over facility so that when a bottle runs out it will change over automatically to the other bottle.
You will also need a few feet of 6 mm copper line and some clips to fix it in place and at the fridge end a foot of orange propane hose to fit to the fridge inlet from the copper pipe.
Do not forget to allow for a carry frame for two bottles and a securing chain for the bottles.
If I were doing the job I would allow a Saturday morning plus possibly a couple more hours to be safe.
In Scotland the price for everything would cost £150 or 220 us Dollars tops.
Do not be afraid it is not open heart surgery here it is only running a few feet of pipe and copper pipe is SO easy to bend.
LASTLY CHECK WITH A MIXTURE OF SOAPY WATER FOR ANY GAS LEAKS.
You can use the bubble bottles you get for kids blowing bubbles.

Easy Peasy.

Regards
Mike Muller

HI

Of Course, NONE of the above points out that there are Aus standards & regulations to comply with !!!

Fire, gassing , not complying with Aus standards &STATE Regs , ADRs ,etc ,work not carried out by licensed GAS fitter =BIG problems

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Wednesday 27th of June 2012 07:33:36 PM

BohemianGypsy · Guru

oldtrack123 wrote:
HI
Of Course, NONE of the above points out that there are Aus standards & regulations to comply with !!!

Fire, gassing , not complying with Aus standards &STATE Regs , ADRs ,etc ,work not carried out by licensed GAS fitter =BIG problems
Peter

Peter my hubby is not the type to break the rules and regulations neither am I so it will be if relevant be taken to a qualified gas fitter, thanks.
Michelle

-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Thursday 28th of June 2012 08:02:50 AM

DeBe · Guru

If your reasonably confident in fitting the gas fridge yourself then just get it checked by a licenced gas fitter. Thats what i did when i fitted Gas to both of my vehicles. The gas systems i removed from wrecked vehicles for free. The only non negotiable was the tanks were in date & the copper pipe run was new.