ticki2 wrote:
crosscheck wrote:
ticki2 wrote:
Speaking of solar real estate , something always seems to be missing when comparing the 2 types of fridges . What ever extra solar that needs to be added to run the compressor fridge should be added to the cost of the fridge for a comparison . JMHO
Does anyone have a feel for the longevity of a 12v compressor fridge ( I have no idea ).
If you are looking at the two fridges strictly on a cost bases, then extra solar panels should be factored in as should be the propane over the 20 year life of the absorption unit.
For me personally, I did not get into the RV/ camping lifestyle to save money.
As for longevity of compressor fridges, do a search on the sailing/ yatching community because they have been using this technology for years.
I can't speak personally about the life of 12v fridges but being 65, we have owned a lot of different residential fridges with compressors and I don't ever remember any of them dying when we owned them. They like any appliance have a finite life though.
Dave
I agree , all the factors , solar , batteries , propane , should be considered in the cost , also the pros and cons of each . That is why I brought the subject up .
As far as residential fridges my experience is different . I have had 2 fail in the last 15 years , which has caused me to re-think the topic . As a comparison I replaced the 3 way in my '76 TT last year for the first time and the one in the '68 Avion is still original . I am not saying this is typical , just my experience . Could be that the quality is just not there in any new products .
For most people, maybe not full timers, but family type RVers, 2-4 weeks of camping a year is pretty average. Your residential fridge is working 24/7 in 70F temps so if my math is right, you would have to camp 12 x 7= 84 years to have the same amount of time on your RV fridges as your failed residential units. Of course those numbers would change if you have been full timing in your Avion.
Dave
