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
ajriding wrote:I have a healthy solar system. My 18 CF fridge performs perfectly on propane or elec. I use elec when under tow, but not because the TV charges the batteries. I pulled the fuse for that. The fridge draws 55 amps from the batteries when it's element is on. My solar takes care of it. At camp it runs on propane. I recently returned from a 4 week boondocking trip on the North Rim. It snowed 6-8" three times. Even the though clouds left after the storm, the snow did not. Solar is no help with that much snow on the roof.I was sure happy to have a propane fridge on that trip.
Sounds like OP has too much info to be asking opinions...
My biggest gripe with propane fridge is keeping it level. Not an issue when I am officially parked at my camp spot, but when traveling and parking for a little bit to go see stuff, go shopping or anything that requires parking the fridge was just too big a part of life and far too needy. Keep it level or ruin it or turn it off before parking out of level. I think if you park un-level then turn it off there is those minutes where the burner is hot, still cooking and small amounts of damage could occur. I do not know for sure when the damage begins after parking off-level though.
With a compressor DC fridge you can park up to 30% off level and the fridge still is fine. That is big for me.
As far as powering a fridge, yes propane can run a fridge a month, that was not a big issue, although use other things and propane goes faster.
For me the solar is enough to keep up, which means I never worry about powering the fridge, there is just always enough power to run it, even parked in the shade. Not a few days, not a week, but indefinitely. Results may vary for users.
Also, finding power for the fridge is 100% in my power. I do not depend on oil being processed to make propane. I can just go find free and available sun. Outside of an EMP, nothing will really stop that as darkness or heavy clouds are not forever.
I always boondock, usually for long periods. And we are not fair weather campers. When we go on a hunt, we are there for the duration, no matter what mother nature throws at us. As long as I have a choice, I will choose a propane fridge
