Best 3 way fridge. 90l ?

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Best 3 way fridge. 90l ?

Cruising Cruze · Guru

If you have plenty of solar and batteries
have a look here

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/92L-Portable-Freezer-Fridge-12V-24V-240V-Camping-Car-Boating-Caravan-Bar-Fridge-/281472779132?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418915c37c

Regards John

Cupie · Guru

Hi Brownie ...

Those who have recent experience may be assisted in providing good advice if they have a little information on your usual caravanning practices ... eg...

Are you a frequent bush camper

Are you an occasional bush camper

Do you usually use Caravan Parks.

Do you use solar/ generators

The answers to these questions will be critical in determining the 'right' set up for you.

..........................................................................................

In my case our 15 yo 'T' rated 3 way Electrolux (European made) RM2553 does the job reasonably well.

We only do Caravan Parks so it runs on 240v mainly & I turn on the gas at each stop. I help it out by filling any spare space with frozen water bottles & minimise opening the door. I have improved insulation & air flow over the condensor (the air exit vent is not high enough so I needed to help it a bit with air guides, baffles & fans).

I run it on 12v while driving but not sure that that does much good.

.......................................................................................................

Many will swear by compressor fridges but I prefer the albeit less effective but more convenient 3 way with the gas option.

I use an Engel in the tow vehicle for all the important stuff.

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Lots of bush camping for us. So, the fridge is more often on gas. We have 120w of solar on the roof, and a rarely used generator in the vehicle as a backup. CP's are used between bush camps as is the case for lots of us. We do run a 40l Engel in the vehicle which the van battery with solar generally copes well with. That too is used for "the important stuff"! We are on a "shakedown" trip after buying our 1999 Coromal Off Roader from a mate. Presently camped at Tambo River Crossing north of Bruthen Victoria. Only moderate temps here and the fridge has barely kept up. Next year we will be off for another extended trip all over the country so need the fridge to do the job. Will take a quick look now at your link John. Thanks.

Cupie · Guru

If you choose a three way (absorption) fridge, the most important issue is the way it is installed.

Key factors include ..

Distance from the side wall of the van to the cooling unit (in particular the condensor/evaporator.

Use of insulation & elimination of pockets where hot air can accumulate.

Position of the exit vent in relation to the condenser/evaporator. (Vent MUST be above the fins. This is perhaps the most important factor .. at the least a critical one).

All these factors ensure a smooth air flow from the bottom inlet and eventually through the condenser fins on its way out the top exit vent.

If you search the forum you will find extensive discussion on this topic.

http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/cont.htm

This site gives a good overview of the issue.

Edit ... Oops wrong link .. try this

http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/fridge_vent.htm ...

-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 15th of November 2014 10:57:30 AM

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Fantastic article, thanks "G". I'll take a good look at this installation when we get home. Might just be able to alter this setup! Have to sort out the 12v supply too I think. If we decide to upgrade the fridge, any thoughts on the best brand?

pawsoz · Senior Member

Earlier this year I was having issues with my 3 way (a Dometic 90 ltr) and in the end I took it to a place down near Springvale, Caravan Refrigeration Services, they worked on it for an hour or two and no problems since! Very Pleased with them, pity I did not know about them until I had already done a hundred or 4 Dollars first!

Annie

Radar · Guru

Hi Brownie2

We have Dometic Rm2553 3 way refrigerator that has worked a treat. 150 litre where we can store quite a bit in the freezer, we tend not to carry weeks of food but did find coming home last time after a cut short trip we still had some meals left.

It has been doing a great job keeping everything cold including the wine.

We did have 90 in our last van that was only doing the job, I would say they are so much better now then they were 10 years ago and cheaper to run. I have this van coming up to 4 years. Van now 7 years. Ralph

Ps. The frig name plate has the magic T.

-- Edited by Radar on Sunday 16th of November 2014 09:35:48 AM

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Thanks everyone. Will let you know what we decide and how it all goes. Cheers, Bob

mr glassies · Guru

Cruising Cruze wrote:
If you have plenty of solar and batteries
have a look here
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/92L-Portable-Freezer-Fridge-12V-24V-240V-Camping-Car-Boating-Caravan-Bar-Fridge-/281472779132?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418915c37c

Regards John

i have 2 ove these fridges 1 in the van 180 ltr fridge freezer . 1 on the back deck 220 fridge freezer love both even in the 41 degree heat it just putters along and only draws 5 amp on cycle.just don't run it wile driving along the motor dosnt like it

dibs

-- Edited by mr glassies on Sunday 16th of November 2014 04:38:08 PM