Refrigerator Propane vs Electric

I asked this question a few years back. I found that if you are getting proper voltage (like 120VAC), it is almost identical. However, if the CG's voltage is 110-115 volts, then there may be a performance difference.

I tend to leave mine on propane about 95% of the time. The 5% is when I have a generator running, so might as well have it set there. The propane use is about a quart (1 pound) a day.

As a performance helper, I would recommend some type of fan in the fridge and freezer. Valterra sells some small plastic fans that run for 4-6 weeks on a set of "D" batteries, and even though they move a small amount of air, it is good enough and helps noticeably.

Ours was a Dometic and it ran colder on propane.

Personal experience has shown me that my refrigerator cools MUCH MUCH BETTER on propane than on A/C.

Ambient temperatures make a big difference in how well a refer cools on either electric or propane, and that's temperatures both inside and outside the RV. The thermostat is supposed to cool to the same temperature regardless, but how much electricity or propane it takes to get to that temperature is what changes. And of course, there is a maximum temperature difference the refer is capable of holding.

People have noted that refers generally chill to their set point much faster on propane than on electric. Not always, just generally. But if a given unit is only capable of holding a 60 degree difference between inside the refer and outside it, and the outside temperature hits 100 degrees, it'll run continuously and only get down to 40 degrees.

We installed a `muffin' fan from Radio Shack in the back of the refer that I plug in when at a site with 120V. It blows upward and supposedly helps the cooling process. I hung it supported by wire tires so it doesn't rub against any metal and make a squealing noise.

Also they're a lot like ice-chests. The more you open them, the more you minimize any differences in quality or efficiency.

We've been full time for over 3 1/2 yrs and early on experimenting, our Dometic seems to work as well on electric or propane.. So, now we always just use electric except when we are unplugged it's on propane. Temp is always 36 - 37 degrees; Haven't detected a difference.

Hank MI wrote:

Grandpere wrote:
Our first TT had a propane only fridge, when we got rid of the trailer it was nearing 20 years old, and the fridge ran just as good as the day we got the TT. We just got rid of the dam residential fridge in our current MH that was put there by the POs and I plan on running it on propane all the time. If we run out of propane it will run on 12 DC till we get refilled again. I have no intention of using 120 volts unless absolutely necessary.

Which frig will run on 12v DC only? Not saying they don't make them but only ones I know of run on propane or 120v AC. 12v DC is used to for the controls only.

Generally, 3-way fridges are found in popups, A-frames and other smaller trailers.
they are 1/3 the size of the more common 2-way fridges.

Hank MI wrote:

Grandpere wrote:
Our first TT had a propane only fridge, when we got rid of the trailer it was nearing 20 years old, and the fridge ran just as good as the day we got the TT. We just got rid of the dam residential fridge in our current MH that was put there by the POs and I plan on running it on propane all the time. If we run out of propane it will run on 12 DC till we get refilled again. I have no intention of using 120 volts unless absolutely necessary.

Which frig will run on 12v DC only? Not saying they don't make them but only ones I know of run on propane or 120v AC. 12v DC is used to for the controls only.

Dometic and Norcold have both made LP/120VAC/12VDC operated units over the years, although they only make the 3-way 12VDC capable models in the smaller sizes currently. The larger sizes do still need 12VDC for the controls, regardless of which heat source they use. There are also a few 120VAC/12VDC powered Freon compressor cooled fridges available.

Grandpere wrote:
Our first TT had a propane only fridge, when we got rid of the trailer it was nearing 20 years old, and the fridge ran just as good as the day we got the TT. We just got rid of the dam residential fridge in our current MH that was put there by the POs and I plan on running it on propane all the time. If we run out of propane it will run on 12 DC till we get refilled again. I have no intention of using 120 volts unless absolutely necessary.

If this is a new fridge will it run on 12V DC only??
Most use DC for the controls but need 110V or propane for the actual cooling system.

Edit - Hank MI was typing at the same time!!! But he beat me to it!