12volt fridge disconnect

[bikendan]

A 2-way or 3-way fridge will require adequate venting for the propane exhaust pipe.
It's not just a R&R job.

[palomini-er]

I was suggesting to buy a used trailer in the years and brand I mentioned, rather than a retrofit into a new trailer, or put up with a 12 volter in the long run.

[fanrgs]

After a travel trailer and a fifth wheel with two-way fridges, we now have a 12v Norcold fridge in our motorhome. We LOVE it and will NEVER go back to a 120vac/propane fridge. It gets cold/freezes in a max of a couple of hours, even in summer. It never has to be turned off when refueling, driving through a tunnel, or on an Alaska, BC, or Washington state ferry. NO LEVELING--it doesn't require leveling the RV within a fraction of a degree to prevent damaging the condenser. There is no need to orient the RV so the fridge vents are away from the sun or to shade them with the awning. You just turn it on and forget about it--just like the fridge at home. Best of all, it keeps our ice cream frozen HARD even when driving 400 miles through NM and AZ on I-40 in summer. No more 48-ounce "milk shakes" after buying ice cream during our RV trips!

We also dry camp and boondock frequently with only our 12v fridge. But we keep our Li batteries charged solely with the solar panels, assisted by the alternator when driving. I tested the fridge with a pitcher of tap water and an ice cube tray with water. I turned the fridge on and two hours later, the ice cubes were frozen and the water cold. The fridge stayed on for 5 days, two of which were cloudy, using only solar power and the ice stayed frozen. On the fifth day, we loaded the fridge for a trip, and left the next morning, with everything in the freezer still frozen solid. That's why we will never have another "pro-pane-in-the-neck" fridge!

[jlankford]

Lots of detractors for the new 12V fridges. So, I'll just reiterate my opinion that the 12V compressor fridge we have now is far superior to the LP fridges I've dealt with in the past. I almost didn't buy our r-pod model because it came with a 12V fridge, because I didn't know any better. I'm glad I didn't make the mistake of switching to a different model with a 3-way fridge. Get a compressor frdige and you'll be happier for it. Just figure out your power requirements and expand your battery and/or solar accordingly if necessary.

FWIW, our Furrion fridge model does in fact have a physical off switch. The issue discussed in this thread about some models not turning off, or turning back on if power is reset, doesn't apply to all 12V models. It's a minor detail that shouldn't affect your decision of which trailer model to purchase.

[disenberg13]

Originally Posted by Albertaslim

All 12 volt fridges have an on/off switch. Why not just shut it off?

Because it only stays shut off until the next time you turn off the battery disconnect, then turn it back on. Stupid design.

On my Arctic Wolf 5th wheel, there was no fuse in the power center. It had a #8 wire ran to the front, and used one of the resetable circuit breakers, so I couldn't pull the fuse. I added a toggle switch for a positive shut off when I am parked at home.

[palomini-er]

Just about all the benefits you mentioned, I have with propane. Never goes out even on windy 500 miles trips, every thing solid cold. Yes the ice cream too. You got me on the ferry, although I've never taken one. Happy trails!

[Aussieguy]

my 12v fridge will be turning 2years old soon
it has been ON since I got it
only problem I ever got was once ... a tomatoe got a frozen spot. Turned the fridge down a spot.

It now runs on setting 2 ............. 24/7 powered by solar (converter is OFF)
costs me zero dollars to run
NO time is spent other than opening the door to get out another cold one,
while at home it is a second fridge and I can store stuff away from prying eyes..
hehehe they think I'm out there for hours......checking on the trailer stuff

[Cloud 9 Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Albertaslim

All 12 volt fridges have an on/off switch. Why not just shut it off?

In my Flagstaff trailer for the last three and a half years, the 12 volt refrigerator will not stay cut off with the off button. I am required to pull out the fuse out of the box below the fridge in order to cut it off securely.

[Mookie58]

Originally Posted by Aussieguy

while at home it is a second fridge and I can store stuff away from prying eyes.. hehehe they think I'm out there for hours......checking on the trailer stuff

Aussieguy, you're a man after my own heart.

[Jcape]

Originally Posted by Ravensview

Aussieguy,
Ye, I don’t think I can justify what they want for a power package, I have no issues putting my own system together, I do have a Honda 1000 generator that I used with my previous camper, the A.C. Would probably be never used, not much of a t.v. Watcher while camping, I am looking into stand alone power source for cpap, my biggest concerns are that dang 12 volt fridge, appreciate the reply

The 12 Volt fridge is less of a worry than the furnace or even your cpap. When your frig gets to temp it shuts off, and only uses power when the inside temp goes up. Limit you going into the fridge to what is necessary. We have a 3.3 ci unit in our 2018 Salem 187RB and we have been all over out west with no issues in BLM, Corp of Engineers, state and national Forest campgrounds. We do carry a 2000 watt Champion inverter generator to supplement our 100 watt solar. The generator also runs our A/C, when we were in Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada at 109 degrees it was needed. A reliable small generator can be had from Harbor Freight for about $500.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-59135.html