I think generally the 12V/240 Compressor fridge is more efficient, mine could be run and charged on 240V or when my vehicle was moving, and when not moving (eg; stationary bush camp) gave me about 3 days running without moving or charging by other means etc. Yeoeleven also gave me a tip about turning the fridge down when bush camping for longer operation before recharging was needed. This type of fridge works better in humidity and extreme heat.
On the other hand the three way absorption fridge (12V while travelling, 240V on power and gas) works very well on gas, and if bush camping will give about 21 days running full time on a full 9KG gas bottle, including some use of gas cooking etc.
I am no techo, this is just based on my own observation having used both in various RV's etc.
Both have there advantages and disadvantages, for my purposes I was happy with both types.
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 9th of March 2013 11:24:44 PM
We had the gas fridge in our camper for many years. Big advantage is that you dont need good power backup or large solar etc. We could camp easilly for several weeks and only had a small solar setup for lights etc.
Problems were. Very power hungry on 12v Not good in extreeme heat. would freeze things overnight (had to remember to turn it down) Cant keep salads (lettice will freeze up)
We now have a 12/240 compressor fridge and in my opinion it is a far better way to go however you need to invest in a sutable power system (solar, Batteries and Genset )
Cheers
Mike
-- Edited by Mike C on Sunday 10th of March 2013 07:33:21 AM
I would always vote for a three way fridge. Both my van fridge and my extra camping fridge are 3 way. It gives you an extra option especially if camped off power for extended periods, especially if the weather is rainy or overcast for long periods. This indeed did happen last year and people with two way fridge/freezers were having trouble keeping their frozen food. The place where we were camped does not allow generators.
-- Edited by petengail on Sunday 10th of March 2013 05:02:35 PM
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If there is such a thing as a tourist season.... why cant we shoot them?
The choice is not so much what to buy OR what's best in any category it's what you want the fridge to do for you.
As an example is you go camping 6-10 times a year a 3 way may be best - they run well on gas and 240V so suit this use ie 240v home to get cold and gas in camp.
If you travel for long periods (especially not using van parks etc) I would opt for 12v and solar. Why,,, add up the cost of gas over say 12 months use and compare to solar/battery. You may be surprised.
My old 3 way fridge used about 0.5kg of gas per day in hot climate, so say 150kg per year (allow for some 240v use) and divide this by cost ie 150kg / 9 kg cylinder = about 17 refills @ say $25 per refill = cost of gas per year of $425. For this you can buy a solar panel. If on the road for 2 years $850 will buy you a solar panel AND a good deep cycle battery.
So the answer is what suits the end use
-- Edited by Baz421 on Sunday 10th of March 2013 05:48:36 PM
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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
I would always vote for a three way fridge. Both my van fridge and my extra camping fridge are 3 way. It gives you an extra option especially if camped off power for extended periods, especially if the weather is rainy or overcast for long periods.
That is the big advantage of the three way..
Pity we cant get a combination unit that has both a compresser and Absorbsion system.. then we could have the best of all worlds.
We have been full time on the road for over 6 years, with a Dometic 3 way fridge+freezer. We have a good solar set up and plenty of battery capacity.
We would always have the 3 way fridge as it allows us to stay away from civilisation for longer periods using gas. A good solar system only works if there is plenty of sun, and we don't want to be forced to run a genset when it is wet and cloudy just to keep a fridge going.
