Opinion on fridge option

[DRM796]

We are looking at upgrading our 5er. We have been looking at the Alpine 3700 / 3701. The difference being one comes with an 18 cubic ft rv fridge, gas and electric, the other comes with an 18 cubic foot electric fridge with an inverter. Not sure what the advantages one would have over the other. We rarely dry camp. Any thoughts? Thanks

[tinner12002]

Just another thought, I've read where people have had to remove the res frig from the camper themselves and take it in for warranty service as a reg frig service guy wouldn't work on it if was in an RV. Not sure as I wasn't there but I think it was on this forum that I read that...sounded like a total PITA!

[Splashers3]

I've enjoyed reading all the responses....we are looking to upgrade our current 5ver....and have decided we want the gas/propane version - even if Cedar Creek treats the residential fridge as the "normal" unit....all of the pros for the residential unit have NOT changed our minds....

Great discussion.

Mike

[Greydennyhawk]

Bumpyroad wrote:

Greydennyhawk wrote:
I can only offer is my opinion after having both types. The residential fridge has so much room, and keeps everything really cold, the Gas/absorption old style was small, and the freezer was kind of poor .
We have an inverter and 4x 6 V deep cycle batteries, and when fully charged, keep the refer running for about 15 hours. Then I need to start the generator and charge up again.
We have a system that involves day time charge up, and night time quiet times and don't open the refer door too often, using a small cooler outside for some beers or soda.
We love the residential refer!!

your report makes one sound like a PITA. my 4 door standard one with ice maker was plenty large and worked great.
bumpy

Maybe, Uncle Bump, but instead of just sugar coating things, I find it better to tell just my findings. A bunch of things can be a PITA when Boondocking, but that's what makes it fun for me!

[fj12ryder]

philh wrote:
Sorry for the stupid question, but with a residential fridge, how is it powered driving down the road?

Off the house battery through an inverter which is probably the most common, shut off and rely on the food staying cold also seems to be very popular, or run a generator to power the fridge which is rare.

[philh]

Sorry for the stupid question, but with a residential fridge, how is it powered driving down the road?

[DRM796]

OP here, thanks for sharing all your opinions and experiences. I have enjoyed reading them all. This is what makes this forum so good. Everytime I think I have made up my mind someone post something new I think to myself, yeah that's a good point.
Here's some of my after thoughts.
So those that have the residential type love the performance.
But if you are going to dry camp you need some type of alternate electric source.
Those with the rv type like having the alternate power source and the performance is ok.
We typically camp at campgrounds and keep our unit plugged in when at home. I'm leaning toward the residential but I'd like to talk to some of the service reps are the dealership.

[Lwiddis]

Happier with a residential fridge if you don’t dry camp/boondock.

[bobandvicki]

We have a residential refrigerator that is electric and wish we had the option of gas. Whenever we boondock we have to run the generator to give power to the battery designated to the refrigerator. Have another battery for the lights, etc. When we lose power in the campground we do not have the option to just switch over to propane. Have to set up the portable generator again and reset the inverter. Bob and Vicki

[oakmandan]

I sell 5th wheels, we do not order in residential fridges in our stock units. They are not built to take the abuse that is caused by towing. Getting someone to service it can be difficult too. Your 18 cu foot Norcold is the ticket.

[Bumpyroad]

Greydennyhawk wrote:
I can only offer is my opinion after having both types. The residential fridge has so much room, and keeps everything really cold, the Gas/absorption old style was small, and the freezer was kind of poor .
We have an inverter and 4x 6 V deep cycle batteries, and when fully charged, keep the refer running for about 15 hours. Then I need to start the generator and charge up again.
We have a system that involves day time charge up, and night time quiet times and don't open the refer door too often, using a small cooler outside for some beers or soda.
We love the residential refer!!

your report makes one sound like a PITA. my 4 door standard one with ice maker was plenty large and worked great.
bumpy

[Me_Again]

ACZL wrote:
I disagree with the post about firm ice cream won't happen w/ a gas/elect fridge. Our old coach would freeze ice cream so hard, thought i was taking it out of a big house freezer at home. New RV has 18cu ft gas/elect and will admit it doesn't freeze IC like the old one did, but still a work in progress. Mat have to add a 12v fan at bottom on outside to aid in air movement.

The new would be a nevercold 2118 just like mine.

[ACZL]

I disagree with the post about firm ice cream won't happen w/ a gas/elect fridge. Our old coach would freeze ice cream so hard, thought i was taking it out of a big house freezer at home. New RV has 18cu ft gas/elect and will admit it doesn't freeze IC like the old one did, but still a work in progress. Mat have to add a 12v fan at bottom on outside to aid in air movement.

[dapperdan]

sgfrye wrote:

Michelle.S wrote:
I guess some must have a less efficient Res Fridge than we do. I did a test when we first got it and ran the Fridge for 36 Hours with the two OEM batteries and voltage was still at 12.5. Now have 4 12V Deep Cycle and can go a few days without a problem.

X2 on this.

Tested ours several times. I can go 2 days on 2 fully charged 12v. Batteries. No problem.

Outside air temp 80 to 85 degrees. Probably longer in cooler temps

Can't beat the storage space

X3, I agree, we've had little issues with keeping our fridge running. We however do not do all that much "off the grid" camping so for us it wasn't a concern.

After having both styles of fridges we wouldn't consider going back to the dual mode style. Just too many "pros" as far as we're concerned.

Dan

[tinner12002]

Go with the RV frig in my opinion. Res frig warning to not operate if temps get to 110 degrees, need extra batteries, have to tie doors shut, just too many issues for me.