Comparing Caravan Fridges

Three-Way Fridges vs Compressor Fridges. Here's Jeb to go through the details surrounding these two options.
‪@DometicOfficial‬ #caravanlife #productcomparison #dometicfridge
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[@jenicecurrie4278]

Brilliant thank you.

[@regsmith3535]

Very interesting as always with you Jen, so thanks.

[@aldoantolli9993]

Very informative presentation well done compliments to the chef.

[@rossawood5075]

I'm being a bit pedantic here, however the Australian standard voltage is 230 vac now not 240 vac, also most modern ,portable refrigerators will operate on 12 or 24 volts DC. A compressor type unit especially modern ' inverter types' will be far more efficient on electricity and especially regulate temperature better. Even using a efficient sine wave inverter on a AC type 230 vac inverter fridge will be far more efficient than attempting to run an absorbtion type fridge on 12vdc or 230 AC and gas is quite expensive in many rural areas now n on a hot day an bsorbtion type fridge will use more than a pound of gas per day, 1/2 a liter easily. However, changing over a fridge in a caravan can be quite difficult as often a gas fridge is installed before doors or windows are fitted and won't fit through doors, unless there is a large enough window then you're in trouble. Jus sayin'

[@bernzie001]

So if you have a compressor fridge and only stay at caravan parks, the 240v coming into the van will charge the in house battery as it runs the fridge? We are looking at a new van and only stay on powered sites. The van will be in storage, so the ability to cool from storage during the trip and run efficiently when plugged into 240v is priority for us. If im correct, a 12v compressor fridge is the best option for us?

[@adelaiderv]

If the majority of your 'vanning' is at a caravan park either fridge is suitable because of how effective the 240v is on both fridges. A compressor will run directly from 240v when it is plugged in, not drawing on the battery. A compressor fridge is 18kg lighter than a 3-way fridge. The 3-way fridge does not rely on extra battery power. All the best!

[@kevinroberts2395]

@@adelaiderv So a compressor fridge switches automatically to 240V when the van is plugged into an external 240V supply, i.e., caravan park. Is that correct?

[@jeffreyallen130]

Hi Jeb, I have a leader gold on order here in NSW, I was told the 3 way fridge runs off the house batteries when connected to the car and the car recharges the house batteries! Could you please confirm how the fridge operates when connected to the car. Cheers Jeff

[@adelaiderv]

Hi Jeffrey, The 3-way fridge runs off the car's 12v system through the grey Anderson plug when traveling. It will recharge the battery if you have the Redarc Manager 30 battery system.

[@jeffreyallen130]

Thanks Jeb, the wiring sheet I have from ACC says the grey Anderson plug will be used to charge the caravan battery. Doesn’t mention suppling power to the fridge. Very confused. Cheers Jeff

[@MentorMoments]

You failed to mention a very important issue with the 3-way (absorption) fridge needing to operate within 3° of level. Many RV operators are not aware of this and unintentionally shorten the life span and performance of absorption fridges by running them off-level.

[@ausguy4385]

😂 upgrade but its not even more.. it doesn't need gas run so should be less....

[@cuttothechase777]

I have a Dometic fridge, on 240v it sucks so much power it kills the batteries within an hour after dark! on 12v within 2 minutes it begins melting the insulation off the wire! and on gas which I run it, it uses a 9kg bottle every 14-21 days depending on conditions, THE worst fridge I have ever owned, very poor quality and will never buy one of their product again!