Why consider 12v fridge for boondocking?
So I want to offer up this question out about 12v compressor refrigerators. I'm going to post this on other forums too, so your "forum tramps"(like me)may see this spread around some other pages. Not...
Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer wrote:
Well until you factor in dragging a bunch of propane cylinders around with you.. They do get heavy to carry, even "20 lb" weight just under 40 lbs when full..
Most off grid homes and cabins now days employ a few solar panels a couple of batteries and a electric fridge and they run those for yrs without gens or refilling tanks. Dragging a bunch of heavy propane cylinders out into the bush is so 1800's in thinking..
I would rather have a electric fridge with solar and battery than drive an battery powered vehicle.. I have plenty of time to camp and wait for batteries to recharge via solar than wait for half hr or more in a parking lot to get a 20% charge for a vehicle just to get to the next power station.
I took the OP's post to indicate the comparison should be to a stock camper...which by default already includes propane tanks. Net impact is no additional weight. Unless you come up with a different solution for cooking and furnace, you will retain the propane tanks.
Now if you want to look to make substantial changes at substantial costs, you can make 12v viable.
All else being equal, I would go propane but currently we have a trailer that came with a 12v and the other benefits make us happy with it so far (much more storage for the same space and quicker cool down). With a modest solar system/battery upgrade, it's workable for off grid operation.
