I certainly are no expert on this subject, and I do not know whether the duel voltage is dearer than just 12 v, but our van came (second hand ) with only 12 v simplicity plus, never have to think about it again it's just on wether we are driving or stationary, don't have to think, did I switch it over before we left or not put your money into extra Solar and forget about the fridge I am told they are more efficient anyway than 3 way,but don't know if that is also the case with 12v 240v fridges though.
Also hit the search button in the middle up above here and search fridges there has been quite a lot of discussion on this subject before you may find the answer you are after already posted.
Woody
__________________
When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Solar is not going to fully charge your battery all the time. How much time do you expect to stay in CP, if a fair bit then you use their power. Cheers
__________________
Our Rig
VAN December 2019 Goldstar 21ft
TUG 2017 Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Life Was Ment To Be Easy If You Have The Ability To Adapt
We have a 12v fridge, listed as a 12v/240v unit. But it is only 12v, and they supply a 240vac to 12v adaptor that switches over when 240vac is sensed. If you have a 240v to 12v converter/battery charger already in your van you won't need the adaptor.
Our fridge is solely 12v.
Hi Mixedup, I have a Weaco 175lt x24v fridge which has at times been running constantly through winter in Victoria solely dependent on solar. When I installed the fridge I used extra polystyrene insulation in the walls of the cabinet and also used a baffle in conjunction with a solar extraction fan to help direct air flow past the rear of the fridge. I also have plenty of solar on the roof. Batteries are always full by lunchtime.
I have read where some people are installing 240V inverter fridges and running them off inverters. The money saved by purchasing the 240v. fridge then pays for the required solar. This will be the way I go if or when I do another RV.
I didn't have issues with 3 way in hot weather. But our 12/240 60litre fridge freezer run tops also . The 3 way needs attention big time .Switching DC / gas / 240!as required . Ohh keeps alzheimers at bay !! Lol The 12/240 automatically changes with 240 priority ., only issue in my case . Changing to 2 way I can't take old fridge out the door . I have to remove the side window !! Buying new ? Order 12/240 two way . IMO .,
I just have either an AC power pack to suit, or a 25a Charger in van
for on mains
Panels on roof. 3 x 85w 1 x 50 w.
plus can connect car panel through Anderson too.
2 x 110a AGM.s in boot and Genny for cloudy days.
Only ever connected Mains when in parks. SOlar ran it.
This little van. 200w panel on roof. 85A AGM in boot.and a 25a AC charger.
85wPanel on car and another 40a AC charger, plus 2 Battery's inside.
Charger and Genny for Boat\electric motor and Car battery's
Plus Kettle\Frypan Microwave 240 oven.
When travelling.
PS.
The Waeco have proven themselves.
Cheaper and more reliable\Efficient than Vitrifrigo over the yrs.
Check on net B4 spending $$$'s. OK
I use 12v engel as a freezer (Comes with 240v cable) and a non powered evakool esky as fridge. When at friends or van park i freeze bottles of water for evakool (drink it later), and also freeze a couple in engel.
We have a 218L Waeco compressor fridge in our van.
We have just completed our first half lap of Aus over 2 months, and not once did the battery power look like an issue.
Mind you, we had full sun every day for about 7 weeks of the trip, and free camped over half!
We have 2 x 120 watt solar panels, and 2 100ah agm batteries.
Brian
Yep with decent solar and maybe genie to back up ? On cloudy days . We have genie in motorhome . So we run it to heat elect jug through the day . The 10 minutes charge when genie is on is way enough to top up batteries along with solar .
Have a good look at "Novacool". 12 volt only, and uses the same compressor etc as my Engel (32 Lt, which is my beer fridge in back of cruiser). I installed the 205 Ltr fridge/freezer (freezer is on the bottom).
Been into the Pilbara in 46 Deg heat, no problems.
They are a bit expensive but this is a brilliant fridge.
