12 volt only refrigerator
A friend of mine just bought a new TT. It has a 12 volt only refrigerator. I am completely unfamiliar with this type refrigerator. Is this the new move on TTers? Is it better that a 120 volt/propane u...
Forum Discussion
Yes, the new 12 volt only fridges are great... if it uses the Danfoss compressor. The Danfoss compressor is ideal for battery operated or solar rigs. It uses much less power than the less-efficient household compressors (even doing the math from AC to DC).
It has a lower power draw for start-up and sips electricity, so your batteries last longer.
Many brands all use this same compressor or use a clone of this compressor.
If it is best for you it all depends, as always.
DC fridges are perfect for many, while others cling to propane.
Propane is great for those lacking ability to get power either from generator (to recharge the battery), solar (maybe you dont have the needed hours of sun) or from plugging the charger in.
Propane has weaknesses Im sure you are aware of.
Strength of DC fridge is that it will cool down to the set temp and sun, outside temps, or angle will not alter this. It is free to run if you have solar, u never need to buy gas or pay for hookups as long as sun shines.
Keep in mind that with a dual battery set-up the fridge will run for 3 days with minimal solar (parked in shade) and typically you drive to a new location before 3 days pass which means the alternator will put charge on the batteries also (and driving probably in full sun at times), so consider how long you will be parked in shade or low light too...
DC fridges run on 12 or 24 volts, or 120 household current that gets changed to 24 volts.
The jury is still out if these will last 15-20 years like the no-moving-parts of an absorption unit.
**DC units gained popularity in the Jeep/offroad crowd, who use them in vehicles that are being almost abused off road, and all the bouncing and abuse the fridge gets in such a vehicle has never caused a problem with the mechanics of the fridge that I have ever heard of. They are robust.
It has a lower power draw for start-up and sips electricity, so your batteries last longer.
Many brands all use this same compressor or use a clone of this compressor.
If it is best for you it all depends, as always.
DC fridges are perfect for many, while others cling to propane.
Propane is great for those lacking ability to get power either from generator (to recharge the battery), solar (maybe you dont have the needed hours of sun) or from plugging the charger in.
Propane has weaknesses Im sure you are aware of.
Strength of DC fridge is that it will cool down to the set temp and sun, outside temps, or angle will not alter this. It is free to run if you have solar, u never need to buy gas or pay for hookups as long as sun shines.
Keep in mind that with a dual battery set-up the fridge will run for 3 days with minimal solar (parked in shade) and typically you drive to a new location before 3 days pass which means the alternator will put charge on the batteries also (and driving probably in full sun at times), so consider how long you will be parked in shade or low light too...
DC fridges run on 12 or 24 volts, or 120 household current that gets changed to 24 volts.
The jury is still out if these will last 15-20 years like the no-moving-parts of an absorption unit.
**DC units gained popularity in the Jeep/offroad crowd, who use them in vehicles that are being almost abused off road, and all the bouncing and abuse the fridge gets in such a vehicle has never caused a problem with the mechanics of the fridge that I have ever heard of. They are robust.
