Mini fridge in basement

[grampscamper]

Thinking of purchasing a mini fridge to install in the basement area. I plan to purchase a 1,500 watt modified sine wave inverter so we can operate it while driving. I will install the inverter close to the battery but the fridge may be a few feet away.
Has anyone done this?
Will a small fridge run O.K. on this type of inverter?
Thanks

[Mile_High]

Well I got inspired from my winter chair and decided to try the Dometic CF-50 fridge/freezer on a Morryde side pull freezer tray. All the measurements say it should fit.

[john_bet]

When we moved from ILL. to S.D. in '78 we had our home freezer in a U-haul trailer. When we stopped for the nite we plugged it in and pitched our tent. Next day unplugged and went on our way. Everything stayed frozen for the entire trip with two overnite stays. You may not need it to run while traveling when it has been running all nite while stopped. Just my thoughts.

[BulldawgFan]

One tip we use that helps... put a couple of those blue "ice packs in the freezer. A fewndays before a trip when the fridge is powered up they will freeze. When you are unplugged and en route nthey will keep the fridge cold.

[JohnG3]

grampscamper wrote:
Thanks John. I will keep a close watch on it. I assumed it would be ok because I see many trailers with outside kitchens with fridges in more confined space.

The factory refrig in the outside kitchen will most likely have vents. Hope all goes well with your idea. Keep us posted on your idea.

[grampscamper]

Thanks John. I will keep a close watch on it. I assumed it would be ok because I see many trailers with outside kitchens with fridges in more confined space.

[JohnG3]

Regarding the heat issue. The 80 watts running will be less of a worry than the heat the mechanical refrigeration removes from whatever is place inside the refrigerator and moves that heat to the basement via the condenser (the tube assembly on the back of the box). Won't get hot enough to start a fire but if a couple cases of warm drinks were put in on a hot day and no fresh air circulation the heat will not dissipate efficiently.

[Byrogie]

grampscamper wrote:

Byrogie wrote:

grampscamper wrote:
Update: I decided to purchase a mini fridge. I did some testing with a meter I have that measures wattage. The fridge I purchased is 1.7 cubic ft. It draws a little less than 100 watts while running. I was very surprised to discover that the start up wattage jumped to 1,000 watts.
I would need a minimum of 1,000 watt inverter to run this fridge. I'm going to hold off for now to see if I can get by without it.
Thanks for your replies.

Hey, gramps, what model did you get and from Costco?

I got it from Amazon Canada. It's a Danby DAR017A2BDD Compact All Refrigerator.

Thank you!

[grampscamper]

transamz9 wrote:


If you are dead set on an inverter most 750 Watt inverters will have enough surge watts to start it. I don't think you'll need it though. I leave my mini on all the time when plugged up at home full of drinks. I have no problems with it staying cold on the road until I get to the campgrounds.

I will give it a try without an inverter based on what you and others have said.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

[grampscamper]

Byrogie wrote:

grampscamper wrote:
Update: I decided to purchase a mini fridge. I did some testing with a meter I have that measures wattage. The fridge I purchased is 1.7 cubic ft. It draws a little less than 100 watts while running. I was very surprised to discover that the start up wattage jumped to 1,000 watts.
I would need a minimum of 1,000 watt inverter to run this fridge. I'm going to hold off for now to see if I can get by without it.
Thanks for your replies.

Hey, gramps, what model did you get and from Costco?

I got it from Amazon Canada. It's a Danby DAR017A2BDD Compact All Refrigerator.

[Byrogie]

grampscamper wrote:
Update: I decided to purchase a mini fridge. I did some testing with a meter I have that measures wattage. The fridge I purchased is 1.7 cubic ft. It draws a little less than 100 watts while running. I was very surprised to discover that the start up wattage jumped to 1,000 watts.
I would need a minimum of 1,000 watt inverter to run this fridge. I'm going to hold off for now to see if I can get by without it.
Thanks for your replies.

Hey, gramps, what model did you get and from Costco?

[KeithAS]

The Whynters work great, either 120 or 12 volts. pricey, though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002W8BLUG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

[transamz9]

grampscamper wrote:
Update: I decided to purchase a mini fridge. I did some testing with a meter I have that measures wattage. The fridge I purchased is 1.7 cubic ft. It draws a little less than 100 watts while running. I was very surprised to discover that the start up wattage jumped to 1,000 watts.
I would need a minimum of 1,000 watt inverter to run this fridge. I'm going to hold off for now to see if I can get by without it.
Thanks for your replies.

If you are dead set on an inverter most 750 Watt inverters will have enough surge watts to start it. I don't think you'll need it though. I leave my mini on all the time when plugged up at home full of drinks. I have no problems with it staying cold on the road until I get to the campgrounds.

[grampscamper]

Update: I decided to purchase a mini fridge. I did some testing with a meter I have that measures wattage. The fridge I purchased is 1.7 cubic ft. It draws a little less than 100 watts while running. I was very surprised to discover that the start up wattage jumped to 1,000 watts.
I would need a minimum of 1,000 watt inverter to run this fridge. I'm going to hold off for now to see if I can get by without it.
Thanks for your replies.

[pahl68]

Use a fridge baby lock on to keep it close during travel.