Compressor refrigerator opinons

Bobbo wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
I think the reason you are seeing a shift is because solar systems have come down so much in cost.

That price drop may be illusory. In August of 2021 I bought a solar panel for my Airstream. (Airstream's design requires a specific panel size to fit on the roof.) At that time, I paid $290 for it. This week I priced THE SAME PANEL FROM THE SAME COMPANY at $490 each. Oof.

Anything airstream has an inflated price, so not really a good example but even $490 is much cheaper than you would have paid 10-15yrs ago.

valhalla360 wrote:
I think the reason you are seeing a shift is because solar systems have come down so much in cost.

That price drop may be illusory. In August of 2021 I bought a solar panel for my Airstream. (Airstream's design requires a specific panel size to fit on the roof.) At that time, I paid $290 for it. This week I priced THE SAME PANEL FROM THE SAME COMPANY at $490 each. Oof.

Skibane wrote:
Basically, you're trading one set of compromises for another set.

You gain faster cool-down and better hot weather cooling performance.

You lose the ability to boondock in shaded campsites or rainy weather without running a generator to keep your food from spoiling.

Cost considerations:
1. Cost of 12V compressor fridge
2. Cost of extra solar panels to run it
3. Cost of extra batteries to run it
4. Cost of generator and battery charger to keep it running under sunless conditions

There's also a convenience consideration: Whenever sunlight isn't available, you have to set aside some time to run the generator - You can't just leave it running unattended.

I think the reason you are seeing a shift is because solar systems have come down so much in cost.

20yrs ago a solar system that would handle a 12v fridge might have cost $800-1000 just in parts and realistically would have required a permanent installation that could add a few hundred more. Now you can get the parts for $200-300. If you don't want to do a permanent install, portable solar panels are easily obtained (which also negates a lot of the shading issues).

Basically, you're trading one set of compromises for another set.

You gain faster cool-down and better hot weather cooling performance.

You lose the ability to boondock in shaded campsites or rainy weather without running a generator to keep your food from spoiling.

Cost considerations:
1. Cost of 12V compressor fridge
2. Cost of extra solar panels to run it
3. Cost of extra batteries to run it
4. Cost of generator and battery charger to keep it running under sunless conditions

There's also a convenience consideration: Whenever sunlight isn't available, you have to set aside some time to run the generator - You can't just leave it running unattended.

We have the 12 volt compressor in our new rig, we love it it. We normally camp with hookups. It cools down a lot faster and it stays cold.

I went to the Wolf Pup website but could find no information on either the compressor refrigerator choices or the solar panel packages. First thing I noticed was the very low cargo carrying capacity for all of the model choices. I would look at that very carefully since CCC is using based on minimal options. At a minimum with a compressor refrigerator, you will need to add a larger than standard battery bank and numerous solar panels and a generator with fuel.

Anyway get the specs and do the math. A small compressor unit is likely to pull at least 5 amps. You need to plan for use in warmer weather, opening and closing the door and perhaps also adding room temperature drinks and food. I would figure at least 80% running. Hence, around 100 AH/day power consumption. That means a battery bank of at least 200 AH just to run the unit for one day. I would at least double that to 400 AH of battery bank; i.e., at least a half dozen car sized batteries. You will need quite a few solar panels totaling hundreds of watts to power the unit. How many depends on your camping style. If you camp in cloudy, rainy weather or in the woods, or in the Fall-Spring season when the sun is low, then solar will do little or nowhere near enough and you will need to run the generator for hours a day.

Another downside is the construction of the RV. Mine was setup at the factory for a compressor unit so I cannot convert without plumbing for propane and cutting vent holes in the siding and roof.

On the positive side if you camp almost exclusively in RV parks with power, a compressor unit will work better and cool down faster.

Thanks all, didn't know they have been around that long. We're looking forward to having a much larger one with a freezer that won't require cranking up the roof, sliding the bunk out, and folding the galley up if we want to load it or unload it! :D

In general, they are much better at keeping things cool and frozen items frozen. Quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer like any appliance.

If you boondoggle you are going to need a lot more battery or LiFePO4. I also strongly suggest a DC-DC battery charger to make sure the batteries get fully charged while driving.

sparkydave wrote:


I saw that it has a 12 volt compressor refrigerator (and a freezer!), are they good? I'm inclined to think they'll cool off a little faster than the absorption fridge, just wondering if there have been any teething difficulties since they seem to be a relatively new thing compared to the tried but true absorption refrigerators.

Ok, when I got my Motor home I picked up a 12/120 volt Compressor type Refrigerator/Freezer (you turned the knob to one or the other temps) chest type.. IT was small cost less than 1,000 lasted 16 years. and ( now have a new one of the same type here in the apartment.

They work very very well and draw less than 50 watts door closed (Seems strange to have to say Door Closed. but hey that light bulb.. if it's not an LED 20-25 watts)

I would seriously consider one if I got a new RV.> heck I would like to have one in a Residential model (Imagine less than 1/4 the power consumption, over time that adds up)

sparkydave,

The 12 volt compressor fridge has been around in RV's as early as 1991.

I think they are a factor of 10 better than an absorption unit.