Hmmmmm 🤔 so no 12v conversion , and a dubious connection to a cheap 'n' nasty inverter ??? Have you been out licking frogs in the garden 😋
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
First of i am showing how to use a domestic 240v fridge in a camper not how to convert it to 12v the purpose of this video is to help people that can not afford the expensive RV fridges. I help people thats what i do! How many people have you helped today?
@mitch34244 ай бұрын
@@BigVanSmallWorld actually two people with their car , Ive also rescued a hedgehog , now in my spare room getting warm and eating ! and caught and returned two runaway huskies heading for the high street ! All before ten am ! ! Soo 😝 to you and your dodgy wiring ! 😁
@keswickadventure4 ай бұрын
You need to change your video title then Mel… 😂 you definitely said d you’re converting it to run on 12v 🤣🙄
@LaheralHaake4 ай бұрын
@@keswickadventure It is perfect like it is!! thats the way people who are looking for complicated ways to use cheap fridges in their bus will find this video and be happy
@MichaelWebMasonАй бұрын
@@BigVanSmallWorld Also... We have looked and looked. We cannot find a 12v under counter fridge that has a proper freezer section and that's what we need so thanks again Mel.
@colinabrehart55924 ай бұрын
Hi Mel. We've been using a 240 volt fridge in our van for a couple of years now. Powered by a 2000 w inverter. The fridge is an A++ rating so very economical power wise, and our inverter uses very little power when not "working" The main reason for getting the 2000w inverter is that compressor fridges need a lot of power when the compressor kicks in. Our fridge was about £9O from Amazon a couple if years ago. So well done for making people aware they don't need to spend loads of money on a campervan soecific fridge.🙂👍
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you that’s really encouraging to hear that 👍
@jamesfeeley58544 ай бұрын
Great insight into running a 240v fridge. Sometimes the simplest way is the best.
@PetRatty4 күн бұрын
Hi Mel, I seemed to have got unsubscribed and forgot about you for months, sorry. Got a lot of catchup videos to watch! plus old videos as I've just got my first van to convert, and the info you give is spot on. Have been experimenting with powering my fridge / freezer using a cheap inverter from Aldi and switching it on and off with a cheap temperature sensor from ebay connected to a 120A relay from aliexpress. Total cost was £30. It's been working for 3 years now so it can't be that bad even though it was cheap
@BigVanSmallWorld2 сағат бұрын
Nice one bro that’s a great idea 👍🤓👍 PS I don’t know why KZbin unsubscribed you that’s odd and unfortunately nothing I can do about it but thank you for letting me know 👍🤓👍
@jerryhutchison960127 күн бұрын
Mel you're a legend. Craic on mate
@BigVanSmallWorld27 күн бұрын
@@jerryhutchison9601 thank you ☺️
@glyngibbs9489Ай бұрын
Excellent. I was researching how to replace my 3 way to 12v to save gas and make use of my solar panels. A replacement was £1500!!! I'll use the money saved to add a lithium battery or 3!
@BigVanSmallWorldАй бұрын
Excellent!
@ianpotter3704Ай бұрын
Absolute brilliant videos mate 👏 please keep them coming!!
@BigVanSmallWorldАй бұрын
Thank you
@JLMSERVICESRECOVERYАй бұрын
I have a smad 12/240v fridge. Brilliant bit of kit
@BigVanSmallWorldАй бұрын
Good to hear
@misterbojangles074 ай бұрын
I would love the life you have,Van,tools,and a massive shed/barn and helping others for sweet FA
@wjheald4 ай бұрын
Interesting, but now we need a vid testing how much power the fridge + inverter use over a 24 hours - and compare that with the 12v fridge in your van. The important thing is not whether you CAN run a 240v fridge in a van, but the power consumption.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Great point 👍
@TimH1234 ай бұрын
The Bluetti 12v is limited to 30A so the maximum possible drain is 360W running at 240v 1.5A.
@MichaelWebMasonАй бұрын
Amazing and exactly what we're looking for. We're also looking for a van build if you have the time?
@Darren_71Ай бұрын
Those fridge freezers normally aren't great in campervans, unless your van is regurlarly warm. They don't work well in the cold, they're controlled by 1x thermostat, if the fridge doesn't get warm because it's somewhere cold, the freezer doesn't work. We used to fit tiny heaters or bigger light bulbs to the thermostat to counteract it, so when the thermostat switched off, a light bulb or heater would switch on, slightly warming fridge to bring the stat back on, So the freezer worked
@BigVanSmallWorldАй бұрын
Thank you for reminding me of this problem I know exactly what you are referring too and exactly how you’re talking about how to solve it using a simple hack with the bulb I’d forgotten all about this issue. I really appreciate your taking the time to comment cheers 🍻
@zack96334 ай бұрын
Good morning, Mel, You must be aware that, like me, every viewer was expecting a secret magical trick to converting a 240V fridge to a 12V fridge. A more fitting video title would be "How to Run a 240V Fridge in a Campervan" or "What Inverter to Use to Run a 240V Fridge." There's a small device that only costs £5 online. It's a temperature switch that works like a thermostat. You can adjust the settings to make it switch on and off at any temperature you choose. This would have been a lot cheaper than buying a dedicated inverter for the fridge. Coupled with a 4-pin automotive relay, it would have been a more practical way to run a 240V fridge. You could consider making a video about that to benefit those viewers who are now searching everywhere for the "Smart Inverter," which has been discontinued. I’m sure you’ll agree that a video like that would be more beneficial than merely entertaining. I must admit, though, I watch your videos to learn but enjoy the entertaining side more. The cheap £5 device is called “(12V/24V) Digital Temperature Controller Digital Thermostat Electronic Switch Heat.” It's selling on eBay for £7 but available elsewhere for under £4. I use the same device to control my DIY water heater-a domestic water storage heater that I converted by replacing the 240V heating element with a 12V (300-watt) heating element. It would be great for your viewers to see how cheaply they can use a 240V fridge in a campervan without killing the battery. As for the entertainment side of your videos, I even enjoyed watching you cook. Haha, I thought you might start another channel about cooking in campervans! I’m looking forward to your video about the weekend at the campervan and motorhome event.
@aFlynn10004 ай бұрын
How do you wire this to the fridge? Do you replace the plug with 12v cabling?
@punkypixie69703 ай бұрын
@zack9633 Can u advise me how I can run a 240v fridge in my van then.... I've a 12v but it's on its last legs
@zack96333 ай бұрын
@@punkypixie6970 as shown in the video , use an inverter. you will need large battery capacity and solar system for when you are off grid. it all depends on how much battery AH you have. I just use a cool box with ice for cheese, butter and milk. I dont store food in fridges or freezers, there are supermarkets all over. if anything needs a fridge to be stored I buy and use on the same day. also, when on out in a campervan. never needed a fridge or freezer in a campervan.
@dingnextstop10 күн бұрын
Hi… I live on a Narrowboat which is really a floating camper van… I have a similar 240v fridge freezer which runs off a 200w pure sine inverter, the only difference is I have modified it to an “Inkbird” electronic thermostat which is fully programmable and comes with its own temp sender. You basically disconnect the standard thermostat wiring from the compressor and replace with the Inkbird wiring, the Inkbird takes its supply from the fridge 240v supply via piggy back connector, I can tell the fridge what temp to come on and when to cut off. The only downside is my inverter draws 1amp on standby which I can’t do anything about
@puffyjet2 ай бұрын
Total fantastic thanks very much Mel for sharing with us all A+++++++++++++. Kevbo&Babyjack
@BigVanSmallWorld2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@ianwarburton81474 ай бұрын
Uploaded even whilst at Vanlife, I’m impressed. Sorry I’ve not had chance to say hello, every time I saw you both you were chatting to someone else. Nevertheless nice to see you both and Monty, maybe next year lol.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you we are parked up down buy the river if you still want to come say hi your more than welcome
@chrisb58394 ай бұрын
I used to have a 500w inverter to run my 240v fridge which worked most of the time, but every now and then these fridges surge and pull over 500w for a about 30 seconds which seemed to trip the inverter. They claim to be 1000w peak but can only manage if it's a split second. I upgraded to a 1000w inverter and it's been working ever since.
@PeterSeabrook8054 ай бұрын
Thanks for the tip Mel and for showing us your special tool 😉
@Defender200tdi4 ай бұрын
He couldn't wait to get it out and demonstrate how it works. Definitely talking from experience when he explained it can make your hand sore 🤣🤣🤣
@mirrorballs4791Ай бұрын
Most domestic fridges loose their heat through the side walls. Something to consider if you are surrounding it with panels.
@BagofRust4 ай бұрын
Mel even Easier, Its the Ampage that powers the Fridge, if you can switch its class to class two (12v) buy using a down lighter ballast that you would find in a kitchen light. The Ballast Converts 240 down to 12v Volts. Ballast for kitchen down lighter ftom wickes is £18 I use these ballasts hooked up to my inverter and it converts all 240 power down to 12v class 2 no earth required on applicance only at inverter. Just buy loads of 240 ballasts class 2 kitchen downlighter ballasts converts 240 -12volts And wire them up into a 240 double socket for each ballast and socket around rhe van and you have a socket that will power everything at 12v but easily enough ampage.
@BagofRust4 ай бұрын
Your welcome Mel 👍
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thanks
@dougerrohmer2 ай бұрын
This is fantastic to know. Although you have demonstrated that without a load, the inverter goes low amp, there is nothing in the description/specs of the inverter that touts this information. It should be shouted from the rooftops for us vanners!
@josmith51552 ай бұрын
Great vid. Made me think of other options. Is that particular inverter pure sine wave? Given the loss of efficiency with inverters i wonder what sort of life an expensive lithium battery could have using inverter vs using a 12v fridge, if you also ran a load like a diesel heater most of a night?
@BigVanSmallWorld21 күн бұрын
Yes it’s pure sine wave as for time I don’t think it makes any difference
@edcdt074 ай бұрын
Nice one Mel! very informative as it is entertaining! as well it was nice to meet u today I'm the bloke from brand's hatch! ed.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thanks for coming was very nice to meet you too good luck with your future plans
@gupndors4 ай бұрын
Am i missing something? Did you just plug the fridge into the inverter and switch it on?
@dtvking4 ай бұрын
Dont know if its just me but your Amazon link goes to a 1000W £99.99 inverter. You will need to clear your browser cookies to show this as it may go to the correct inverter on your browser. Great idea Mel Thanks
@dor8430884 ай бұрын
Me too. Showing a different inverter
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
@kenmackenzie7338Ай бұрын
Hello Mel. God, you're getting a lot of flak. Unfortunately, the 500w and 1000w are temp out of stock. Can you tell me what search phrase did you use while you searched for the inverter. Did you enter “Smart Inverter” or another search phrase? Hope you got your insurance sorted out? I look forward to an update on that. From me it's a huge thank you for the help mate.
@BigVanSmallWorldАй бұрын
Hi like I say in the video it was a complete shock to me that it was such a good inverter for the price I was just looking for something cheap so I could I could butcher it and make a video to show how to make the fridge switch it on and off maybe I should just buy another one and make that video again
@kenmackenzie7338Ай бұрын
@@BigVanSmallWorld Hi Mel thanks for the reply. I appreciate what you do, mate. To hell with them all. The old saying is "Everyone is a critic" Just do your own thing and enjoy doing it mate.
@gacattack12344 ай бұрын
What I've found is if you put a 12v supply - jumpers, booster or charger - across the first battery in a 24v system it will work also as long as the both aren't too fully drained. I also found that the first one also goes bad first.
@Cheekymonkey14 ай бұрын
Good afternoon becky and Mel I love you and your building your new campervan I hope you are all well and enjoying your building your new campervan I love watching your videos of you and your building your new campervan please keep up the good work up on your videos on your you tube channel
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Good morning!
@challengedavid4 ай бұрын
walked past you both today at shrewsbury, was tempted to say hello, however i guess you were enjoying the day without being hasslesd by youtubers
@SACREDTRAVELLER4 ай бұрын
Come and say hi, we don’t mind
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
If you see us again today come say hi that is why we are here
@stevem35344 ай бұрын
👍great vid as usual, as the inverter is sold out what did you search for ? I searched smart inverter no joy
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
I just searched for a 500w inverter
@steveelkins524 ай бұрын
Aussie boater-why I chose a 240v fridge. Check this guy for conversion
@martynhill32304 ай бұрын
Just managed to buy the last one on Amazon on Saturday via your link👍🏻
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
well done 👍
@BeMoreWild4 ай бұрын
interesting to see and learn, electrical always worry me about doing myself. nice video mate
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thanks 👍
@ddjc8624 ай бұрын
Thanks Mel, you've made my weekend!!!
@JonathonOutdoors25 күн бұрын
Hi ! great channel and info as always - would you not just plug the fridge into your bluetti these days ?
@BigVanSmallWorld25 күн бұрын
Thank you that’s very kind of you to say. Yes I could run the fridge from my Buletti but not everyone has or can afford a Bluetti plus I do like to experiment to see if things work not only for my own curiosity but to hopefully help others save money too 👍🤓👍
@tonydean12624 ай бұрын
I'VE JUST LOOKED AT AMAZON LINK AND GREAT NEWS IT RUNS A BREAST PUMP 😂😂😂😂😂 Cold and warm milk 😂😂
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
@dieselbushcraft12994 ай бұрын
Clever trick Mel
@r33gts4 ай бұрын
Hi Mel, just do like I do and use one of your solar generators, I use a Bluetti eb70... It makes no noise and uses only 50w when fridge kicks in. Btw the Amazon reviews says it does not go into standby, and I can't see where it states that it does? 🤔
@WhipperdeetsAdventures4 ай бұрын
Very interesting video great how you converted it 😊 it’s the same as mine but mines 12v, but does have 240v connection at the back. cost me £585 three years now the best fridge freezer I have in my campervan narrow boat fridge freezer all the way no way getting a campervan fridge freezer there ridiculous expensive and tiny 💙
@andrewhamilton-gill4 ай бұрын
Thanks Mel, I’ve been waiting for this video since you mentioned it some time ago, inverter ordered via your link, checking out fridge. On a different subject bluetti have released the D40 add on for the A200L ( which I have ) which turns the 48v socket into a very useable 12 volt supply amongst various other things. Sadly not available in u.k yet but everywhere else. Perhaps you could have a word. Love your videos mate.
@psnchsky4 ай бұрын
B I barn intelligence 😂😂😂😂😂😂 love it.
@ZerHour4 ай бұрын
Hi ,Mel I've always used sikaflex ,ordered some tiger seal as you recommend it ,will see how it goes hopefully as good as you say 👍
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
You’re be right 💪
@Dirt-Diggler4 ай бұрын
It goes off in the tube so seal it well after use or use it all up in one go, sika tends to be slower to go off in the tube if left after it's opened 👍
@HistoryRevisiteduk4 ай бұрын
absolute legend , saved me a fortune, great work
@ifell34 ай бұрын
8:00 Mel falls for the "can I borrow the elusive 10mm socket" trick 😂
@JohnSimpson-cg6vq3 ай бұрын
This may help me with my current situation, the question I have and didn’t see it in the comments or may have missed it… How long do you find that the battery lasts running this? If you have solar how much do you think you would need to be putting back in to keep the battery at a good level for other items running in the van like lights?
@BigVanSmallWorld2 ай бұрын
There are so many variables it’s impossible for me to answer this question. But for me I have 610wt solar and and the fridge will run 24 7 no problem at all
@74quo4 ай бұрын
Hey Mr Mel That mastic tape you recommended was useless Stuck some trim on the side of of my van with it,came back a few days later the trim was on the floor😡 That's £11 you owe me😉
@DA11NOON4 ай бұрын
Great vlog Mel very interesting 👍 Great job 👍 Be safe
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you! You too!
@delwalker63364 ай бұрын
Thanks matey
@TwoDogsplusMe4 ай бұрын
I am more interested in that battery you are using..... please tell me more
Nice one Mel but I defo want a Smart 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter if you know anywhere else I could buy one thanks
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
@nikkion21404 ай бұрын
Can you pls re-post the link to that inverter or name of that inverter to look up for alternative sellers. Thanks. Also, do you happen to know if the same manufacturer makes 1000 W inverter? Thanks a million.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
yes they do make 1000w inverters Bapdas 1000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 12V to 230V 240V Car Converter Adapter with 2AC Outlets and USB Port amzn.to/3yIGKB3
@HiruS224 ай бұрын
This was how we used to do it before 12v fridges became a thing. It’s fine as long as you have plenty of battery capacity.
@ourworldonwheels4 ай бұрын
The titles a bit cheeky mate! I thought you would be swapping the compressor or modding the electrics? Been looking forward to this idea but that’s not converting the fridge at all :/
@SACREDTRAVELLER4 ай бұрын
It’s all up to the KZbin analytics - otherwise we wouldn’t even be able to create content if no-one clicked
@ourworldonwheels4 ай бұрын
@@SACREDTRAVELLERSo are you saying you’d rather make videos that are a bit misleading to get the views over content that’s genuine and gets viewed by less people? That’s a sorry state of affairs if that’s how it works now. I for one watch through my subs list not just what’s suggested so I’d always have it pop up in my feed anyway. Im just disappointed with this one as it’s something you’ve spoken about doing for a while and I genuinely thought you’d be converting a domestic fridge to 12v not just plugging it in to an inverter.
@freespirit59444 ай бұрын
Mel how are you going to make it work while running the van off bleutii tho? I'm thinking this is good when you use DIY system but if you're using power bank as main source of energy then how does it work?
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
I’ll show you soon
@puffyjet2 ай бұрын
thanks for sharing
@BigVanSmallWorld2 ай бұрын
My pleasure
@punkypixie69704 ай бұрын
Hi Mel... what an awesome trick.... do u happen to have the inverter link, or point me in direction of what im actually looking for...thnx
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Unfortunately they have sold out already
@punkypixie69704 ай бұрын
Oh shoot.... what wud I be looking for in a inverter for it to "turn off"....
@Dirt-Diggler4 ай бұрын
Usually listed as "smart" inverter but read the description to make sure it auto detects a load, some manufacturers use the term smart to cover the USB port power levels ! It's a minefield TBH 👍
@punkypixie69702 ай бұрын
So, I've got the fridge, got a renogy 1000w inverter, and it's drained my battery to 56% and inverter started beeping. Have had to turn it off, which is not ideal, as I thought this would of worked treat. So what's happening, what am I doing wrong, (my battery is approx 6 yr old, lithium)... Others have suggested a new battery??
@Dirt-Diggler2 ай бұрын
@punkypixie6970 56% over how long 🤔 the inverter shouldn't beep a low voltage alarm till the battery is around 2% certainly not at 56%
@FromMetayou4 ай бұрын
Use a micro timer switch say 15 min in every hour from your existing inverter or a thermally operated switch something like an inkbird ( better suited to converting a small freezer to a fridge ) freezers work better as they are better insulated
@Dirt-Diggler4 ай бұрын
Or just use the fridges inbuilt thermostat to switch either a relay or the remote on/off for the inverter 👍
@FromMetayou4 ай бұрын
@@Dirt-Diggler 💪👍 up there for thinkin an all that
@geoffhorner48053 ай бұрын
Hi, great idea, does the other inverter you listed have standby feature the same as the smaller one as i am about to order one????
@BigVanSmallWorld3 ай бұрын
Yes it does
@Defender200tdi4 ай бұрын
Hi Mel, just a quick question, are you concerned that fridge might keep you awake at night? Are you going to enclose it and if so what about air flow? No doubt it will chuck out some heat when running.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Not at all
@Tom1110604 ай бұрын
Littlebit misleading title: Not converting a fridge to 12V but running it on 12V via converter. Not new - but nice tip with the "smart" inverter. By the way: are you running your second system on 12V - why not 24V, as the vehicle voltage?
@jaymurray21372 ай бұрын
That inverter is currently unavailable.Does anyone have a link to an alternative one that does exactly the same ?
@BigVanSmallWorld2 ай бұрын
I’m sorry
@mickvenables44624 ай бұрын
Hi mel,we enjoyed the vlog as per,I went in the link to buy that inverter but there's no link, could you tell me what make/model it is please, pS,will you be raffling off Mary, joking lol, cheers...
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
i am thinking of raffling off Mary
@deeeeeeeench12094 ай бұрын
I just got a 12v fridge freezer for my van and I thought about this, but I didn't want a full size fridge I wanted a good size but still to fit in my kitchen and full size wouldn't of worked so I spent £330 and I don't regret a penny of it.
@EnglishVeteran4 ай бұрын
Which Fridge Freezer did you buy ?
@deeeeeeeench12094 ай бұрын
@@EnglishVeteran Kirknalls EEEEEBAY
@deeeeeeeench12094 ай бұрын
@@EnglishVeteran Kirknalls on the famous bidding site rhymes with "way" brand new in box
@deeeeeeeench12094 ай бұрын
@@EnglishVeteran this is how it is listed R 50L 12v compressor fridge Freezer in Black Campervan , Mobile home , VW T5 T6
@deanearlyyearsupholstery4460Ай бұрын
Mel, what battery is that ? Do you have a video about batteries?
@BigVanSmallWorldАй бұрын
Yes CREABEST
@piperssonpipersson75814 ай бұрын
Is a domestic fridge a bit noisy compared to a proper caravan/ camper fridge?
@steved21894 ай бұрын
Any pointers in the direction of a similar invertor pls mel !
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
@chillicamper4 ай бұрын
It's all about power so How much power does it use compared to a 12v fridge , it must use more ?
@craster_van_kippers4 ай бұрын
Hi there. My 5 year old setup draws zero when cold and about 6amps when running. (Fridge freezer). Sterling power products did a comparison test a few years ago. The big difference really is the initial cost.
@craster_van_kippers4 ай бұрын
Hi there @ dirt-digger if you’re replying to me then I have to explain that my freezer and inverter has been rewire so that when cold enough the stat turns off the inverter completely.
@retro4234 ай бұрын
That was an anticlimax, I was expecting to see lots of bodged wiring and dodgy practices and maybe even a big blue flash with lots of smoke
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
lol 😂
@TheM6aae2 ай бұрын
Hi Mel, Where did you get your orange 12v battery from?
@BigVanSmallWorld2 ай бұрын
Hi The battery is from Creabest uk creabest.co.uk/
@Urge3811 күн бұрын
Why would you not simply power the 230v fridge from the inverter???? Some inverters have eco mode, so as the thermostat in the fridge cuts off, the inverter that's producing 230v goes to sleep in eco mode No tampering, no mods, just plug and play
@BigVanSmallWorld11 күн бұрын
This is exactly what I do lol
@Urge3811 күн бұрын
@@BigVanSmallWorld So why the thermostat mod ?????? The current thermostat runs off 230v If the fridge was being run straight off the inverter, the thermostat mod would not be needed Some folk use 230v chest freezers as they are SO BETTER INSULATED These require a thermostat mod for above freezing thermostat regulating. But again, a 230v thermostat is used and the whole lot is run off a inverter that has eco mode A inverter with eco mode is key
@BigVanSmallWorld11 күн бұрын
@@Urge38 dude did you not watch the video to the end????
@Urge3811 күн бұрын
@@BigVanSmallWorld Send me to jail. I wont pass go or collect £200 My bad, No I did not watch the entire video I will eat humble pie and apologise I turned off as soon as I say you fiddle and talk about the thermostat Apologise once more
@BigVanSmallWorld11 күн бұрын
@@Urge38 Apology accepted it happens all the time probably my own fault as I do tend to waffle on 🤣😂👍
@nigelphillips94264 ай бұрын
Could you please recommend a 30 amp battery mains charger to charge my battery for lesure battery not lithium
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
A friend of mine has one of these and absolutely swears by it amzn.to/3S25kUD
@kraftyrise34904 ай бұрын
Ah mel a bit disappointed you didn't actually convert anything just added an inverter 🤣 i though you had found a 12v compressor kit of some sort
@Theonebaddude4 ай бұрын
I’m a bit disappointed too. Unless I’m mistaken the fridge is still running on household current that’s supplied from a ‘smart’ inverter that pretty much doesn’t draw power until the fridge cycles on. The thumbnail made it seem like you were going to actually convert the fridge to run on 12 volt. Feels like you promised steak then served salad.
@mentalneil4 ай бұрын
Is it not running on a 12v battery ????
@Theonebaddude4 ай бұрын
@@mentalneil the battery is 12 volt but the inverter boosts the voltage to household current (240 or 110 depending on what part of the world you’re in) so what is actually delivered to the fridge is 240 volt not 12, so the fridge is still running on 240 volts and there has been no conversion.
@tonydean12624 ай бұрын
But it's not any inverter it's an inverter that didn't need any work and it's not constantly using up the battery like a normal untampered inverter does
@tonydean12624 ай бұрын
Been waiting for this and I'm pleased it's as easy as that still saved me £535 so I'm happy with that thanks Mel
@dangeroustoman4 ай бұрын
Your link brings up many different 500w inverters, which one is it?
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
@Michael-m4y4 ай бұрын
Hi Mel, I clicked on link and it comes up with a different one not the one you are showing in the video (Invertor)
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
@topup733264 ай бұрын
Hi Mel, bought that 500w inverter and came today. Get an overload buzz, red light for about 10 seconds then starts working. Using a simple under counter fridge in my van. Normally run it off 1000w inverter. Any ideas to shut off the buzzing?
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
I’m not sure I’d send it back mate
@chrisb58394 ай бұрын
These fridges surge every now and then and pull over 500w for about 30 seconds. This is enough to trip 500w inverters so the 1000w would work better.
@topup733264 ай бұрын
It seems to only buzz when the battery is over 97%..(200ah) my 1000w inverter also makes beeping sound on fridge start up. Had it running now for two day. Battery at 99%
@robertanderson21424 ай бұрын
Brill mel
@carvanlifestyle4 ай бұрын
Hi Becks & Mel, LOL, I was really hoping to see you both at the Van Festival today. I got my tickets after buying a van for my conversion, but it broke down on the first day. After getting it repaired, it broke down again the first day I picked it up. I ended up returning it for a full refund. Then, I bought a second van and started installing windows and heating, making good progress on the conversion. But disaster struck again yesterday when the second van broke down-seems like the handbrake mechanism inside the wheel hub failed. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it fixed in time for today. On a positive note, after watching your latest video, I did purchase the fridge you recommended! I'll have to wait until the next show you're attending to catch up with you both. Please get in touch; I'd love to come down and stay with you for a short time. All the best to you two, and keep up the great work!
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you
@denisecafferky22484 ай бұрын
Genius 👍
@howardatherton38894 ай бұрын
Love that idea Mel. Thanks for posting
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
You are so welcome!
@ddjc8624 ай бұрын
Whats the name or make of inverter so i can try and find one?
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
@FunnyDodoBird-be5ob4 ай бұрын
Does anyone know if a peugeot boxer L3L2 is the right hight for a legal camper conversion thanks to anyone that can help
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
No idea what a L3L2 is
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Do you mean L3H2 if so yes 👍
@FunnyDodoBird-be5ob4 ай бұрын
@BigVanSmallWorld thanks very much I must of been on about a limousine van haha 😄
@UKvet2464 ай бұрын
Mel thanks so much for this, the KZbin videos I've watched previously shows modifying the fridge and the inverter.
@kelv6514 ай бұрын
Hi mel where did u get that big battery from ? How much did it cost
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
hopefully this works creabest.co.uk/products/lifepo4-battery-12v-200ah-for-campervan-rv-solar?currency=GBP&variant=47142904103246&Google%20Shopping&stkn=654eb0b33d09&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9vqyBhCKARIsAIIcLMG36NzNwLDlt319a4vP1r9tDvMIsoeUSa_H9ZhKUk8BeRDjFjGt07YaAgzIEALw_wcB
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
it's a really good battery i have been using it for all my experiments
@robertanderson21424 ай бұрын
Mel its as simple as turning it off or on great vid laddie👍👍
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Yes! Thank you!☺️
@johnshaw41404 ай бұрын
Mel , you say it's a 500 W inverter , do you not have to check that the refridgerator is a 500 W or less device ??
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Correct 👍
@After9094 ай бұрын
15 minutes video just to plug a fridge into a inverter I thought you was going to fit a step up transformer
@graygoescampin4 ай бұрын
I want to fit an inverter for a fridge is a 500w all you need for a 240 fridge yeah?
@matthewwakeham22064 ай бұрын
For long term use you probably want a low frequency inverter (victron etc) and I'd suggest getting 10x the running power of the fridge so if its a 100 watt fridge you want 1000 watt inverter (with victron this would be a 1200VA model). Why 10x the power of the fridge? Because that's what they draw when the compressor kicks in and if the inverter can't handle that it will eventually burn out. Short term occassional use then a cheap inverter will probably do.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
@Photostoryhr4 ай бұрын
Are there other brands of pure sine wave inverters that do not draw power as soon they are connected? You say SMART is that what to look for?
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Correct 👍
@Dirt-Diggler4 ай бұрын
Be careful, a lot of the so called "smart" inverters are only smart in certain ways, a quick 5 min glance on amozon shows 5 that are listed as smart but only for the USB outlet NOT the AC !!! Read the description well don't trust the listing headlines 👍
@Photostoryhr4 ай бұрын
@@Dirt-Diggler Thank you very much.
@helendevlin6384 ай бұрын
Get on with it lol 😂
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Oi you
@WagnerGimenes4 ай бұрын
This is absolutely brilliant, Mel. How come more people haven't thought of this or is more widely discussed?
@craster_van_kippers4 ай бұрын
Hi there. I’ve been running one for 5 years. An initial more complicated setup had now been simplified enormously to run a fridge freezer. When the unit is cool enough it all shuts down and draws zero power.
@WagnerGimenes4 ай бұрын
@@Dirt-Diggler Thanks for letting me know I haven't yet watched the whole of the Internet. Must get on with it. Sorry to interrupt your day.
@WagnerGimenes4 ай бұрын
@@craster_van_kippers I had not seen this solution before. The only thing I've read before was that residential fridges are not as well insulated as marine/caravan/motorhome ones, but that's as far as I saw. That inverter solution sounds pretty sweet. Thanks for your comment.
@vanscran16724 ай бұрын
You're better off buying a compressor 12v portable fridge, my one uses 45 Watts intermittently, and costs about £170. It works really well and no converting needed 🤔🤔🤔🤔😀😀😀
@WagnerGimenes4 ай бұрын
@@vanscran1672 What capacity? Mel's is 120 L, which I think is ideal.
@brock5014 ай бұрын
Thankyou Mel , You have just saved me a lot of bother
@fraserhardmetal71434 ай бұрын
Saw the thumbnail and immediately thought back to Mel's explosive 12v TV conversion - good to see all ends well.
@Dirt-Diggler4 ай бұрын
Yeah that was a waste of a TV 😂 if only he'd checked which pin was negative BEFORE applying the power 😞
@daveboxer84864 ай бұрын
I always thought Mel was better than click bait titles for video's, There are so many fake youtubers out there now looking for quick fame and fortune that I only watch Mel and a few others but after this I think I will stop watching them all, Bye Mel it was good for a while but I'm just feeling used right now to get you your views rather than how you once did things.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
i really can't see what is wrong with my title or thumbnail ?
@daveboxer84864 ай бұрын
@@BigVanSmallWorld I can't myself I just wanted to be troll of week 😂 Can't lose you Mel your a star
@nigelwood80074 ай бұрын
One of the best chanel good info 😅
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Glad you think so! Thank you
@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.69574 ай бұрын
So I’m sitting here with solder iron, lots of wires, transistors,an assortment of screwdrivers. Electricity meter. And you cheated. Well done Mel.
@sashadog584 ай бұрын
For fuck sake you would think some commenters where paying to watch you videos,and you somehow Duped them. MEL you can please some of the people some of the time but you cant please all of the people all of the time.. I think you should give them all of the money back,that thry didnt give you. Love your channell.
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
lol thank you ☺️
@exilimitor19 күн бұрын
Not really a conversion..just running off an inverter. I think it's also worth pointing out the negative side of your "conversion" These are: 1. I would be wary of using an unkown branded Chinese inverters like the "badpas" brand in your link. Personally I would not recommend using any chinese brands like these in a campervan electrical system. The quality of the build is unknown, no warranty, so reliability and fire risk is a real concern. I would use Victron, Renogy or other well known brands used by professional converters, there is a reason why these products cost more! When you read things like ." Don't run at max 500W power load for long time." on the specification for inverter on Amazon you should steer well clear. 2. Electrical losses - No inverters are 100% efficient there will be losses, probably between 10 to 20%. This in effect means the fridge will consume more energy than 12 v fridge that does not incorporate an inverter as compressor motor etc..run directly off 12v. You will also be supprised how much much energy over a long period of time the inverter will take pulsing to check for a power demand. 3. Weight - most campervan specific fridges are designed to not to be freestanding but to be mounted in a cabinet and therefore are likely to be much heavier. 4. Voltage - most 12 vot fridges have undervoltage to rpevent total discharge or leisure battery. If you use an inverter you'll need to buy a separate undervoltage cut--off unless you have on fitted supplying all 12v appliances. Weighing up all the options above I think puts together a fairly convincing case to buy a 12v fridge rather adapting a 240v one.
@jonwallace7015Ай бұрын
There's some negative people lurking in that barn .not yet out of there shells .
@mentalneil4 ай бұрын
Many thanks for sharing this hack mel, not that I need it in my new caravan
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@TimH1234 ай бұрын
Actually, it looks like you live in a shed, in a campervan 😊
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Not quite i actually work in a chicken shed on a camper van or as the DVLA would say a van with windows 😂👍
@bettyourcampervan4 ай бұрын
Hi Mel, i do enjoy your videos but am a bit disappointed with this one......the click bait used was very misleading! I use a 240v table top fridge through my inverter in Betty and was looking at you coming up with an alternative option based on the click bait! People watch you because of you and not because of click bait 🤔
@BigVanSmallWorld4 ай бұрын
Thank you I didn’t realise that it would be Sean as click bait I was just trying to make the video rank in search 👀 was not my intention to make it miss leading