Best fridge for RV ???

Nick, it’s not about leveling for sleeping, but parking at a trailhead. You want your fridge to work while you’re away!

I followed these instructions to convert a regular mini-freezer into a fridge.  Takes some electrical know-how, but creates something that is cubic foot to cubic foot, more efficient than the expensive 12V fridges and only $200-300, less if you have a sufficient inverter already.

https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/4efrgd/creating_an_effective_and_ultraefficient/

defiantly only going to use my inverter for computer charging. those things suck major juice. 

I think it pays to overbuild in the inverter category, hence I put in 3000w of pure sine from closeouts at www.theinverterstore.com.  Can easily run the fridge and multiple charging laptops without any issue.

I'm averaging less than 1.0A for a 4.5 cubic foot fridge, FWIW.

I typically only charge my computer once a week. usually while doing laundry so I see no reason I would need anything other than the small inverter that I already have providing that I run a 12v fridge. 

all the reviews on the engel say it's loud. I have been checking out a  long haul truck site. https://www.raneystruckparts.com/truck-fridge-built-in-12-volt-dc-refrigerator-with-freezer-for-18-5-cabinets/?fbshop=1&utm_dpa=fullcatalogfb&fbclid=IwAR0LDbPRKvKcyORGZsl7bwMvTswBZAIFImc8WUpdAD8bJ-tZYgf2iotoQU0    planning on just running a fridge, ceiling vent fan and a few lights. wondering if I can get away with a 100watt system??  one panel and one 100amphr battery????

Nick Goldsmith wrote: defiantly only going to use my inverter for computer charging. those things suck major juice. 

You can buy DC chargers for most computers out there. I don’t have an inverter in my van (only 12v DC) and haven’t missed not having AC. 

Jim Lawyer wrote: Something to consider is the angle at which the compressor will function. With many fridges, if you park at a weird angle (as in not level), they stop working. Look for marine fridges with a danfoss compressor. The leveling issue has been worked out for boats. 

How does one find out what compressor is being used? I don't recall ever seeing that info on a website.

Definitely want a 3 way fridge.  Propane is super efficient.  DC wont cut the mustard.

Dankasaurus wrote:   DC wont cut the mustard.

I have been using a DC Engel for the last 4 years with nothing but success. The fan that every van has in its ceiling is by far the biggest draw (barring an inverter) AND the loudest.

Dankasaurus wrote: Definitely want a 3 way fridge.  Propane is super efficient.  DC wont cut the mustard.

Agreed.  Propane fridge makes no noise, and I have to have propane for my stove anyway.  

Marc801 C wrote:

How does one find out what compressor is being used? I don't recall ever seeing that info on a website.

I have a Nova Kool...they all use Danfoss compressors. 12v only, pretty quiet, and (going on ten years) never had a problem.

Nick Goldsmith wrote: all the reviews on the engel say it's loud. I have been checking out a  long haul truck site. https://www.raneystruckparts.com/truck-fridge-built-in-12-volt-dc-refrigerator-with-freezer-for-18-5-cabinets/?fbshop=1&utm_dpa=fullcatalogfb&fbclid=IwAR0LDbPRKvKcyORGZsl7bwMvTswBZAIFImc8WUpdAD8bJ-tZYgf2iotoQU0    planning on just running a fridge, ceiling vent fan and a few lights. wondering if I can get away with a 100watt system??  one panel and one 100amphr battery????

Design your system with expandability in mind. Use plastic conduit in the walls so that you can run new or change wiring without having to tear things apart. design your battery compartment to hold a couple of batteries. If you find that 100amphr is not enough, it can be easy to add more in the future if you plan accordingly now.

Zero intrest in a propane fridge. Like none. had one in the westy. total PINTA.  I am stoked on the soler gig. 

I would likely never run the fan at night. you run it while you are climbing so the rig is cool when you get home.   we are all about big windows with bug screens on both sides of the van for good airflow at night. 

Nick Goldsmith wrote: defiantly only going to use my inverter for computer charging. those things suck major juice. 

We essentially run everything off 12v. All of our laptops and chromebooks have aftermarket 12 car power supplies available. And we run a flat screen TV from laptop to watch movies etc that I bought at Walmart which has a wall wart power adapter supplying 12v DC to the TV input. I just cut off the transorfmer/rectifier wall wart part and wired the cable to a 12v plug, so it runs directly off the solar charged battery system.

Electrical needs:

-Fridge,
-Audio/video
-Fan
-Power to Propex propane heater
-lighting (All LED)
-computer charging
-USB charging

We do use a $20 inverter (portable, not hardwired) for charging electric toothbrush, rechargeable cordless tool batteries and a whirly blade coffer grinder. About equivalent to this: walmart.com/ip/Bravo-View-I…

We have no need for a 120V built in inverter system.

Mountain hick. How many  panels do you have? How much  storege battery?

Nick Goldsmith wrote: Mountain hick. How many  panels do you have? How much  storege battery?

Post # 8, Page 1, this thread.

1) You may want to look into how you are going to set up your solar a bit more. Here's a good place to start: https://www.explorist.life/diy-campervan-solar. He overbuilds, but explains all of the details really well. I knew NOTHING about electrical, and now my system gets more compliments than anything else.

2) Consider if you need an inverter. If you want to be #vanlife, and have a coffee grinder and a lava lamp, then maybe. If your fridge runs on 12v it is inefficient to run it through an inverter into 110v. Just run it how it's set up. Like other things: phones, tables, computers, headlamps, sports watches, wireless speakers, Maxx air fans, cameras. I only set up for 12v and I am very pleased. I honestly don't know what I would hook up to 110v if I wanted to. 

3) This is the fridge I bought, amazon.com/Costway-Portable…;-4°F/dp/B07CG4Q1YJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=costway+fridge&qid=1561247119&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 My rig is pretty new so I can't speak to durability yet, but low power draw and probably more space than I need. 

Getoutside wrote: 3) This is the fridge I bought, https://www.amazon.com/Costway-Portable-Refrigerator-Electric-Camping（-4°F/dp/B07CG4Q1YJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=costway+fridge&qid=1561247119&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

MP borked your link in your post. Above is the working link.