residential vs propane fridge?

[timfromma]

I've been a happy camper since 2016 and during this time, I've used the stock fridge that comes with them (propane while taveling or boondocking and 120V while plugged in). I've seen lots of comments from people who seem to prefer using a residential fridge only (120V only, no propane option). The question I have is why? My Dometic fridges have work flawlessly and are much more gentle on battery power and only sip tiny amounts of propane. For me, they seem to be a much better choice. I can use 120V power when on shore power and they are really easy on batteries when boondocking. Am I missing something?

[boondocking]

A lot of people like the residential fridge because it cools down quickly and always maintains a constant temp. That is fine if you don't boondock and always have hookups.

[ChrisParise]

Larger cubic ft, some.have ice makers, and style.
I've got an absorption type. Freezer keeps and freezes great and refrigerator stays cold but I use a fan to keep it the temperature evenly cold throughout
Could be bigger usually its me plus 1, I think mines 6 cu ft, Dometic RM2652
Do I want a Residencial or larger refrigerator? Oh yeah

[Bob K4TAX]

I'll stay with my Dometic AC/LP refrigerator. It is easy on LP with very little 12V required to handle the control unit.

I have added 2 fans to the stack to move the warm air up and out more efficiently. Those are 12V DC fans and are controlled via the control module on the refrigerator.

As to a residential refrigerator, yes it dose cool more efficiently as the cost of more energy being required. If one is at a camp site with power, that's no big deal. Boondocking with a residential refrigerator requires lots of solar panels, an efficient controller, and LiFePO batteries.

I suppose it is whatever puts milk in your bucket.

Bob

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I've been a happy camper since 2016 and during this time, I've used the stock fridge that comes with them (propane while taveling or boondocking and 120V while plugged in). I've seen lots of comments from people who seem to prefer using a residential fridge only (120V only, no propane option). The question I have is why? My Dometic fridges have work flawlessly and are much more gentle on battery power and only sip tiny amounts of propane. For me, they seem to be a much better choice. I can use 120V power when on shore power and they are really easy on batteries when boondocking. Am I missing something?

X2!!

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I've been a happy camper since 2016 and during this time, I've used the stock fridge that comes with them (propane while taveling or boondocking and 120V while plugged in). I've seen lots of comments from people who seem to prefer using a residential fridge only (120V only, no propane option). The question I have is why? My Dometic fridges have work flawlessly and are much more gentle on battery power and only sip tiny amounts of propane. For me, they seem to be a much better choice. I can use 120V power when on shore power and they are really easy on batteries when boondocking. Am I missing something?

X3

I mostly dry camp and my tiny Geo Pro (I down sized) has a 12V fridge that works fine with plenty of battery amps and solar. But a dual use 120AC/Propane would be preferable. I like my residential fridge in my residence.

[Tony Ramirez]

My first to motorhomes had propane/electric refrigerators, I was pretty happy w them, especially when I dry camped. This rig has a residential fridge, size is great, but constantly worried about batts(6 GCs), even w 1100W of solar. I changed over to Lithiums 5-6 months ago, now I REALLY enjoy the BIG fridge.

[MGD1961]

So we are clear. Is the op talking about a household 120vac only fridge? Or is he including 12vdc fridges?

I’ve had all of the above in my campers over the years. Currently have a 12 volt fridge and would never go back to a propane absorption unit.

With a reasonable amount of solar and good AGM batteries I can boondock indefinitely. So much more space and better performance. Not burning additional fossil fuels. After a proper installation cost 0$ to run. I don’t know what the payback time on that might be but I feel better about not consuming the fuel

It just works so much better than absorption! No additional fans. No thermometer. No pennies on the block of ice trick. No pre freezing everything before you put it in.

Just an opinion

[tomkatb]

Residential fridges cool quicker. Usually larger.

For their size less than half the cost of a gas electric. Cheaper to install as well.

The difficulty comes in powering them.

Likely they use 100-200 ah of battery per day. The rv also uses battery as well.

Likely two to four typical batteries per day. Size matters a lot!

It makes any overnight stop tough unless you have added battery capacity. Or a place to plug in.

We are sort of free spirits. Not a lot of planning. The DW loves Harvest Host stops. Sleeping in the desert. Camping at breweries. Sleeping at museums.

Motorhomes work well here. They all have generators built in.

A. 12 volt fridge uses less battery. Inverters for residental fridges are battery hogs!

Depends on your camping style. Your choice.

We have a 13 cu ft gas/electric fridge and 412 ah of batteries.

[Oaklevel]

For us we currently only stay at a campground. And the DW likes the residential fridge better......... much bigger.

We have not had a 12V fridge yet.... always had an the adsorption type but never used them on gas..

[GolfingDave]

Ginger or Mary Ann?

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

For us we currently only stay at a campground. And the DW likes the residential fridge better......... much bigger.

We have not had a 12V fridge yet.... always had an the adsorption type but never used them on gas..

I should add we often have 10 people camping with us. Almost never less than 4 adults. The DW grew up on the farm and no one ever goes hungry .... esp. the grandkids......

[Capacitor]

Originally Posted by GolfingDave

Ginger or Mary Ann?

No question, Mary Ann!

[SailorSam20500]

Another difference. I just recently saw a post that claimed absorption fridges can get the freezer to no lower than about 15 degrees. Some residential units can get frozen food to below 0.
For long term storage colder is better. To me, that isn't an issue for a trip.

[Mike134]

I have remote sensors in both frig and freezer. My absorption freezer has gotten to zero. Think it was around 75 outside

[NMWildcat]

It just depends on what you think is best for your style of RVing. Always at hookups? It doesn't matter what you have. Some enjoy the residentials until they have to have them replaced (remove a slide or window in most cases).
If you have a lot of solar and can utilize it, 12v is fine.
I find the 2 way 120v/propane fridge works best for me as we primarily boondock. Keeps my ice cream sufficiently frozen.
They all work just fine.
And definitely Mary Ann!

[D W]

I know two folks that have LG residential frigs in their 5er's. One is in a mid kitchen. The other is a rear kitchen. Both have had problems with their frigs. Seems they're not built to accept the vibration an jarring going down the road. The "glass shelves" are a point of contention.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by D W

I know two folks that have LG residential frigs in their 5er's. Both have had problems with their frigs. Seems they're not built to accept the vibration an jarring going down the road. The "glass shelves" are a point of contention.

Any newer LG refrigerator in the last ten years or so has a linear compressor. Tons of compressor problems sitting still in a house.

Never told a customer what specifically to buy but told them no LG or Samsung.

[tomkatb]

They do not make the 40 year old GE fridge your mom had in the basement.

They all use the cheapest small parts available. Expect life today properly installed in a house, free standing is likely much less than 10 years. Most rv’s enclose the fridges which they are not designed for. They are also not designed to rock and roll.

Getting service on these fridges is also hard.

The gas electric fridges are much tougher.

Several of the disadvantages of home designed fridges.

[HangDiver]

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