AC/DC Compressor Refrigerators
I was looking at a motorhome that was equipped with an all-electric compressor refrigerator. I have never seen one before in a motorhome. I found a video on the net about the pros and cons of comp...
Forum Discussion
From 2011 to 2016, we had a NovaKool 7500 fridge/freezer AC/DC unit in our TC. 95% of our camping was dry. Had a generator and used it maybe three times. Our RV electrical usage was moderate, had 330W solar and 4 6V AGM batteries. Pros and Cons as followed:
Pros:
1) Can be out of level for indefinate amounts of time which suited our camping style(boondocking)
2)Used 1/3 less energy( not electricity), than absorption fridge which unless you are trying to save the world, not a big issue.
3) Outside measurements for a Compressor unit is 1/3 less for the same interior volume as an absorption unit. A 9cuft NovaKool will fit in the same spot as Our pressent 6 cuft Norcold propane fridge.
4) Freezer has frost forming on walls 20 minutes after start up.
5) More consistant inside temperatures especially in hotter weather.
6) Never heard of a compressor unit catching fire and there must be many 100,000,000 of units throughout the world.
7) Many of the places we camp in northern BC, do not have available propane fill ups and as we use propane for cooking, hot water, heat, BBQ, you do not want to run out of propane.
8) Our unit pulled 4.4A when cycling as per amp meter.(60W)
Cons:
1) You can hear the compressor(quiet), while the absorbsion units are dead quiet.
2) 200W of solar and 2 batteries minimum alone for the fridge is required.
We are satisfied with the 6cuft Norcold in our TT, but if it ever failed, I would replace it with a 9cuft NovaKool as we already have 490W solar and 4 6V GC2's.
Dave
Pros:
1) Can be out of level for indefinate amounts of time which suited our camping style(boondocking)
2)Used 1/3 less energy( not electricity), than absorption fridge which unless you are trying to save the world, not a big issue.
3) Outside measurements for a Compressor unit is 1/3 less for the same interior volume as an absorption unit. A 9cuft NovaKool will fit in the same spot as Our pressent 6 cuft Norcold propane fridge.
4) Freezer has frost forming on walls 20 minutes after start up.
5) More consistant inside temperatures especially in hotter weather.
6) Never heard of a compressor unit catching fire and there must be many 100,000,000 of units throughout the world.
7) Many of the places we camp in northern BC, do not have available propane fill ups and as we use propane for cooking, hot water, heat, BBQ, you do not want to run out of propane.
8) Our unit pulled 4.4A when cycling as per amp meter.(60W)
Cons:
1) You can hear the compressor(quiet), while the absorbsion units are dead quiet.
2) 200W of solar and 2 batteries minimum alone for the fridge is required.
We are satisfied with the 6cuft Norcold in our TT, but if it ever failed, I would replace it with a 9cuft NovaKool as we already have 490W solar and 4 6V GC2's.
Dave
