12 volt Refrigerator vs Propane gas

danbax

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2022
Posts
12
I have had both. 12 volt is hands down the safest. How many times have you shut off your propane while gassing up? Dangerous. Electric frig -- never. How many RV have you seen sitting of the side of road, burned up? nearly all are because of the gas refrigerator. Yes, I have seen 4 over 30 years of travel, and that is just the West coast.

Just for safeties sake, learn to use the 12 volt Refrigerator. For one thing, 2024, the Lithium batteries are dirt cheap right now, and half the weight of all other batteries. Not only that, the Lithium Iron can be installed anywhere -- anywhere -- in a closet, under a table, in an outside storage. They are safer than lead acid. To top it off, Solar has gotten way cheaper also. If your RV already has Propane, well, they are reliable, if you like soft ice cream and questionable temp stability and less storage, I would keep it. But, if buying a new rv or used, with a 12 volt refrigerator, have a couple of extra batteries added. Most of the new RVs come with the 190-200 watt solar, mine did, and a dual battery (wet), I ran them out -- found an excuse to add 4 lithium batteries -- two under the steps, two in a storage, and a Laptop backup under the outside storage under the dining table. All five batteries only a pinch heavier in total to the two wet batteries I removed. 200 amp, bumped up to 400 + 100.

Some in the book docking group constantly talk about parking in the shade, as if that is a must. Some have solved this solar problem with portable panels. I have a couple myself -- easy set up, just find that sunny spot. Or park in a place where you get shade, but maybe not all day. Whatever, work it out. No more listening to the gas fire ignite over and over again trying to keep up with outside temps going up into the 90s.

Some have mentioned problems that they have had with the 12 volt frig. There is always a learning curve, and it is not like no one has ever had a problem with the propane types. The outside venting and roof venting with leaves and other unwanted things getting -- the 12 volt is completely closed off to the outside elements. There is one problem that will never be solved. You can hear this faint hum in the background. Most notable when everything is quite -- while noise, but ever so light -- that is the compressor working. It is not constant, but when you listen for it, you can hear it. But, then, you most definitely can hear the gas kick on and off in a Propane unit, and the flame roaring, some louder than others, or you will hear the clicking of the electric ignitor trying to get the propane to light.

No, I am not selling 12 volt refrigerators. But, for the Motorhome crowd, just know that some other free spirits, hikers, adventure seekers, and minimalist, have been using portable 12 volt refrigerators of various sizes for a couple of decades now, and I would assume that if they did not work or were unreliable, or some other problem that could not be overcome, those folks would not be using them.

One thing -- for the newer RV with the 12 refrigerator installed already, these come with a dual converter/charger -- with a switch to place your charge over to Lithium battery charging. If you have an RV that you are going to remove a gas for a 12 volt, you will have to look in the proper charging system, so, more bucks. Of course, if you do not trust the new, cheaper Lithium's for RV us, then no need, just stay with the lead acid -- up to you.

I hope this has brought some commons sense, sense back into the discussion. about Propane over 12 volt or 12 volt over propane. Teaching an old dog new stuff -- at 82 I am too old for tricks, but new stuff. I does seem, however, after searching out the forum for advice about the new wave of RV refrigerators a lot of old dogs are gnawing on old bones.
I plan on testing out my batteries and see how far I can get. And yes, I was very happy with my 12 volt frig, until one very cold night in the Sierras and running the heater fan did run the batteries out the second night, but I think that little problem is now solved with the addition of the new batteries. We will see. I want it to work, my wife loves the extra space, and I love the rock hard Ice Cream.
peace Dan
 
Hmm, your the first proponent of a 12 volt fridge I have read about on here.

You've missed quite a number then.

I would say mine is more loud than I'd like but as far as performance (and yes, I've had both types) its no contest. 12V wins hands down. And lots more space, with a REAL freezer, from the same footprint.

Unless going from plug to plug in, it does require upgrading the batteries but I was gonna do that anyway.

I have 600 amp hrs. of lithium and as a test, with no incoming power, ran the fridge for 8 days and still had battery capacity to spare.
 
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I like my 12v too
just not enough to type more than a few words

Once it is COLD it only uses about 5 amps (12v)
and cycles on/off about 50% of the time
solar will keep up with the fridge's demand
Battery is the weak point ... get the best battery you can

my battery and fridge , without any charging........ lasted 60 hours
more than enough time for a weekend/overnight trip.

with solar... I always leave my fridge ON
never sits idle for long periods
I subscribe to the "use it or lose it" theory
 
You've missed quite a number then..

Add another 12v proponent here. And one who has written plenty of platitudes.

They both have their advantages…

As most trailers come, a propane fridge IS inherently better suited for Boondocking… though the tech is dated and has its own inherent limitations.

12v, properly fed and attended to, is simply a superior performing fridge. It, too, has its own inherent limitations (like, where is the power coming from)?LiFePo and solar can answer these demands fairly simply and reliaby.

Taking the (entire) cost of both systems into account, 12v offers a lot of benefits.

When it comes down to, however, is how YOU camp. There is no good. “one size fits all” solution… Instead, there are several solutions each with their own qualities. You just have to pick the right one that works for you.

Just my .02, I could be wrong.
 
I have a 10 cu ft Norcold 12 volt fridge. It's great. Freezer keeps ice-cream hard. Fridge stays in the low thirties with out door temperatures in the low 90's. Fridge is in the slide so it holds temp though not ideally located. I have two 65 amp hour lead acid batteries so about 65 amp hours of usable power. It will run the fridge for a day without shore power. Not sure how much longer it might work beyond that.



I've had several gas/electric fridges. None of them were great. Overnight to cool. Open the door and temps rise above 40. Never felt safe with things like mayo.



In my last RV, I replaced the fridge with a 110 volt Magic Chef, a dedicated LiFePo4 100 ah battery, and a 1000 Watt inverter. It worked very well.


Of the three the Magic Chef with the inverter worked best. If/when the Norcold fails I'll probably replace it with a Magic Chef and the same LiFePo4 battery/1000 watt inverter set up. Even with the extra gear, it's cheaper than replacing either a gas/electric or 12 volt fridge. That said, I'm pretty happy with the Norcold for as long as it will last.
 
Moved thread from the General Tech and Repair section to the Appliances and Electronics sub-forum since the OP's topic is specific to Appliances and not a general Tech topic.
 
I don't spend much time on long ramblig threads. Skimming through I'd say I love my absorbsion fridge and dread the day I have to go to a 12v model.
 
RVs have been using 2-way or 3-way fridges for over 75 years. The incidents of fires over those many years, is infinitesimal in comparison to how many of those fridges have been used.
I'm not saying that I'm against 12v only fridges, I just prefer the simplicity of a 2-way fridge.
And I'm a retired firefighter.
 
I don't spend much time on long ramblig threads. Skimming through I'd say I love my absorbsion fridge and dread the day I have to go to a 12v model.

I have had both and since buying our last rig, I hope they never change. I love the 12V and so do my daughter and son in law. Absorption never really got cold and my ice cream is never soft in the 12V and well the adult beverages are the coldest in the camp ground.
 
I have had both. 12 volt is hands down the safest. How many times have you shut off your propane while gassing up? Dangerous. Electric frig -- never. How many RV have you seen sitting of the side of road, burned up? nearly all are because of the gas refrigerator. Yes, I have seen 4 over 30 years of travel, and that is just the West coast.

Just for safeties sake, learn to use the 12 volt Refrigerator. For one thing, 2024, the Lithium batteries are dirt cheap right now, and half the weight of all other batteries. Not only that, the Lithium Iron can be installed anywhere -- anywhere -- in a closet, under a table, in an outside storage. They are safer than lead acid. To top it off, Solar has gotten way cheaper also. If your RV already has Propane, well, they are reliable, if you like soft ice cream and questionable temp stability and less storage, I would keep it. But, if buying a new rv or used, with a 12 volt refrigerator, have a couple of extra batteries added. Most of the new RVs come with the 190-200 watt solar, mine did, and a dual battery (wet), I ran them out -- found an excuse to add 4 lithium batteries -- two under the steps, two in a storage, and a Laptop backup under the outside storage under the dining table. All five batteries only a pinch heavier in total to the two wet batteries I removed. 200 amp, bumped up to 400 + 100.

Some in the book docking group constantly talk about parking in the shade, as if that is a must. Some have solved this solar problem with portable panels. I have a couple myself -- easy set up, just find that sunny spot. Or park in a place where you get shade, but maybe not all day. Whatever, work it out. No more listening to the gas fire ignite over and over again trying to keep up with outside temps going up into the 90s.

Some have mentioned problems that they have had with the 12 volt frig. There is always a learning curve, and it is not like no one has ever had a problem with the propane types. The outside venting and roof venting with leaves and other unwanted things getting -- the 12 volt is completely closed off to the outside elements. There is one problem that will never be solved. You can hear this faint hum in the background. Most notable when everything is quite -- while noise, but ever so light -- that is the compressor working. It is not constant, but when you listen for it, you can hear it. But, then, you most definitely can hear the gas kick on and off in a Propane unit, and the flame roaring, some louder than others, or you will hear the clicking of the electric ignitor trying to get the propane to light.

No, I am not selling 12 volt refrigerators. But, for the Motorhome crowd, just know that some other free spirits, hikers, adventure seekers, and minimalist, have been using portable 12 volt refrigerators of various sizes for a couple of decades now, and I would assume that if they did not work or were unreliable, or some other problem that could not be overcome, those folks would not be using them.

One thing -- for the newer RV with the 12 refrigerator installed already, these come with a dual converter/charger -- with a switch to place your charge over to Lithium battery charging. If you have an RV that you are going to remove a gas for a 12 volt, you will have to look in the proper charging system, so, more bucks. Of course, if you do not trust the new, cheaper Lithium's for RV us, then no need, just stay with the lead acid -- up to you.

I hope this has brought some commons sense, sense back into the discussion. about Propane over 12 volt or 12 volt over propane. Teaching an old dog new stuff -- at 82 I am too old for tricks, but new stuff. I does seem, however, after searching out the forum for advice about the new wave of RV refrigerators a lot of old dogs are gnawing on old bones.
I plan on testing out my batteries and see how far I can get. And yes, I was very happy with my 12 volt frig, until one very cold night in the Sierras and running the heater fan did run the batteries out the second night, but I think that little problem is now solved with the addition of the new batteries. We will see. I want it to work, my wife loves the extra space, and I love the rock hard Ice Cream.
peace Dan

First thing is where are those lithium dirt cheap batteries you mentioned. Second there was a recall years ago in a certain model refrigerator that some owners likely didn’t know about or follow up on. There are campers like truck campers that don’t have room for a bunch of solar or a space to haul around portable panels. I am one of those people who doesn’t like parking in the sun or camping in the summer. I also don’t go to camping areas that have power. I have that at home. Oh and I don’t have to worry about the flame when Dieseling up.
 
First thing is where are those lithium dirt cheap batteries you mentioned. Second there was a recall years ago in a certain model refrigerator that some owners likely didn’t know about or follow up on. There are campers like truck campers that don’t have room for a bunch of solar or a space to haul around portable panels. I am one of those people who doesn’t like parking in the sun or camping in the summer. I also don’t go to camping areas that have power. I have that at home. Oh and I don’t have to worry about the flame when Dieseling up.

hmmm
my fridge only pulls 5 amps @12v = 60w

I mooch docked in Ohio last month, 3 adults for 10 days
while using all the normal 12v stuff + 12v FRIDGE and FURNACE

never turned on the converter as we only had a 15 amp power cord mooching from a garage ...
saved all the 120v power for stuff like coffee maker .

dirt cheap lithiums... I got 2 x 100ah with bluetooth for under 200.oo each
if you watch the prices you can get good deals
on average they are going for just over $235-250 regular prices

https://www.amazon.com/Elfhub-LiFeP...c6f-a5b8-ffb6cdc16ae7&pd_rd_i=B09N6ZCQLJ&th=1


I only put 2 panels on my trailer 24 footer trailer.
they are big ones though...... 370w each they cost 175.00 each

I use to always worry about running out of power and would scoot to the campground as quick as possible... just in case battery started to get low
NOW... take my time not a worry about my 12v system

even a tuck mounter camper can use have a 200w panel + 100ah battery and camp all weekend.
Plug in to fully charge when you get home.

-----------------------------------------------
Living in a camper FT ... would be another matter.



PS.. now that the power issue has been pretty much tested and works as it should
Mrs AG is more receptive to a short drive up to that Yellowrock Park place with the water jets... It's only 2400miles each way.
Don't have to hookup every night so the cost is so much more affordable.
 
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We have a 12 volt fridge and have had a 12/120 gas fridge in the past in our old rig. I would never go back.

To the hard core camp deep in the woods and refuse to join the 21st century guys. You don’t know what you’re missing.

We have 350watts of solar with very good quality AGM batteries 300 amp hours and we never want for power to keep the fridge running and we have the added bonus that our power source is infinitely renewable with no cost.

Someone said something about Gas fridges being on use for 75 years or something like that. So have compressor fridges. I work on yachts for a living and have wondered for decades why the RV industry didn’t get with the program and adopt the technology that has been available sense the 50s.

Because someone chooses to live in the past doesn’t make the available technology less than their old ways.
 
hmmm
my fridge only pulls 5 amps @12v = 60w

I mooch docked in Ohio last month, 3 adults for 10 days
while using all the normal 12v stuff + 12v FRIDGE and FURNACE

never turned on the converter as we only had a 15 amp power cord mooching from a garage ...
saved all the 120v power for stuff like coffee maker .

dirt cheap lithiums... I got 2 x 100ah with bluetooth for under 200.oo each
if you watch the prices you can get good deals
on average they are going for just over $235-250 regular prices

https://www.amazon.com/Elfhub-LiFeP...c6f-a5b8-ffb6cdc16ae7&pd_rd_i=B09N6ZCQLJ&th=1


I only put 2 panels on my trailer 24 footer trailer.
they are big ones though...... 370w each they cost 175.00 each

I use to always worry about running out of power and would scoot to the campground as quick as possible... just in case battery started to get low
NOW... take my time not a worry about my 12v system

even a tuck mounter camper can use have a 200w panel + 100ah battery and camp all weekend.
Plug in to fully charge when you get home.

-----------------------------------------------
Living in a camper FT ... would be another matter.



PS.. now that the power issue has been pretty much tested and works as it should
Mrs AG is more receptive to a short drive up to that Yellowrock Park place with the water jets... It's only 2400miles each way.
Don't have to hookup every night so the cost is so much more affordable.
We all do different things. When I go camping there isn’t mooch power and even though I have 240 watts solar I don’t get very much at lower sun angles and shorter days. Plus 2 days isn’t worth going out for.
 
A compressor fridge has another name. Heat pump. Not helpful during the summer. A gas fridge has an exterior vent.

Did you know that gas fridges were designed not to be in the slide out. Disturbs the venting and causes them to not be so cold. If you add a decent fan back there they are colder. Mine is fine for ice cream. And beer.

Compressor fridges have a. 5-8 year life. Gas fridges are repairable.

Compressor fridges are designed to be free standing. Not crammed in a box. That is why there seems to be a lot of failures. Read the installation instructions. An air space is needed to aid ventilation.

These compressor fridges are not designed to take much abuse.

The battery draw is fairly high. Most newbies get a very unpleasant surprise their first night. Without optional batteries they cannot get a night out. My son’s father in law sold his new trailer after two months. He is not handy. Thought the 50 watt solar panel was cool!

Cheap lithium batteries are cheap. Not so reliable. A good bms is mandatory.

Lithium batteries cannot be used in cold weather. We take a winter trip most years. My gas fridge was a miracle in the Houston power failure several years ago. My daughter, the nanny and the grand kids slept on the floor of our fiver. Lined up like cord wood. Did you see the disaster on the cold night in Chicago. Dead electric cars everywhere.

Not a fan of putting 30 holes in my roof for solar. This is a renewable energy thing that does not work so well today. In Ohio there is no ROI for solar on our roof. It is a looser.

I am sure a gas fridge like mine is expensive. A cheap 12 volt fridge is cheap. Manufacturers made a lot of money changing them out.

For the boondockers gas is a good choice.

A 12 volt fridge, batteries and solar pretty much evens the price savings.

If you always have shore power I vote for a compressor fridge.

My DW loves Harvest Hosts. Didn’t know that when we bought our rv. 412 ah of lithium batteries and we can go 3-4 nights without running the generator.









.
 
I view a well-maintained electric/LP refrigerator is quite safe. However, let spiders and mice build in the area where there is heat, electric or LP, and one will have a problem.

As to energy consumption, that is a matter of the math. Inverter and LiFePo4 batteries aren't "dirt cheap" when one adds the cost of the solar panels, controller, and installation. Now one has another system to maintain.

While I will agree that solar is more energy efficient, one needs to look at efficiency vs. convenience. For now, I will stay with my Electric/LP refrigerator and not worry about using a few $$ of propane.

But if one desires the latest and greatest technology, go for it. But there is little to be concerned with regarding older proven reliable technology either.

Bob
 
Hmm, your the first proponent of a 12 volt fridge I have read about on here.

Not at all, but we just get tired of arguing with the know-it-alls who have always used propane and refuse to look at the actual benefits and use cases where 12V can actually make more sense than propane.

If you like propane, by all means use that, but let others look at their actual need and decide for themselves.

:trink39:
 
Wow. Not sure what the purpose of this thread is.
You like all electric and solar and are afraid of propane or just don't like it? By all means use 12v or residential fridge in your RV if it works better for you.

I prefer propane 2 way fridges in RVs and always will. Nothing wrong with that either. Doesn't mean I'm behind the times, unsafe, or afraid to try new things. It works for my style of RVing.

Everybody has different RV needs and different methods to fill those needs.

Have an open mind and be tolerant of those who do things differently.
 
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