do you need a special mobile fridge?
i'm planning my big trip by minivan and want a small fridge, like a dorm room fridge would a land based fridge work ok on the road (obviously plugging in only at the campsite) or would the shaking ...
Forum Discussion
There are small (2-4cu ft) AC/DC/LPG fridges using absorption technology, AC or DC heaters substitute for the small flame normally used to boil the ammonia out of solution. Some of the smaller ones don't have a freezer. These need intake and exhaust vents to the outside, and a regulated LPG supply for that mode of use. Installation in small RVs is in cabinet, might work if you were building a kitchen into your van. These are relatively expensive new, might be cheaper from salvage.
Small dorm type compression refrigerators can throw their heat into environmental space, works better in a bigger space vs small space. I.E might heat interior or a minivan. Low cost examplles are A/C only, need regulated voltage and frequency, some are sensitive to waveform, and if inverter powered, inverter needs capacity for compressor starting loads. Will do a fair job staying cold for driving day if never opened, but wouldn't hope to keep ice cream that way.
There are DC compressor refrigerators, 12V and 24V, for marine and trucking markets, fairly expensive compared to dorm models, but less expensive than RV types considering installation. You need to understand loads vs power supply from alternator, and energy storage forvwhen no power (engine or external) is available. Of course that also an issue powering 120v from inverter, or powering portable chillers, prev discussed.
For short trips in car or van, I prefer an ice chest, but would not want to mess with that (it is messy) day after day for months. Ice costs aren't too bad, maybe a couple dollars a day if needs are small enough, and available everywhere. But a lot of water mess to deal with.
Small dorm type compression refrigerators can throw their heat into environmental space, works better in a bigger space vs small space. I.E might heat interior or a minivan. Low cost examplles are A/C only, need regulated voltage and frequency, some are sensitive to waveform, and if inverter powered, inverter needs capacity for compressor starting loads. Will do a fair job staying cold for driving day if never opened, but wouldn't hope to keep ice cream that way.
There are DC compressor refrigerators, 12V and 24V, for marine and trucking markets, fairly expensive compared to dorm models, but less expensive than RV types considering installation. You need to understand loads vs power supply from alternator, and energy storage forvwhen no power (engine or external) is available. Of course that also an issue powering 120v from inverter, or powering portable chillers, prev discussed.
For short trips in car or van, I prefer an ice chest, but would not want to mess with that (it is messy) day after day for months. Ice costs aren't too bad, maybe a couple dollars a day if needs are small enough, and available everywhere. But a lot of water mess to deal with.
