Thread: Inverter versus 12v

I can see the advantage of using an inverter for one of those 12v, 240v Gas fridges because to be completely honest the 12v option on these types of fridges that are often fitted to caravans are pretty useless and will only attempt to keep things cool at best.
The 240v option is quite good on these types of fridges so while the van is being recharged via the trucks alternator the extra power usage via the inverter wouldn't be an issue.
For the normal 12v/240v fridges (Engel, Waco etc.) the 12v is just as good as the 240v option so there is No advantage in using an inverter to power them.

Originally Posted by trout1105

I can see the advantage of using an inverter for one of those 12v, 240v Gas fridges because to be completely honest the 12v option on these types of fridges that are often fitted to caravans are pretty useless and will only attempt to keep things cool at best.
The 240v option is quite good on these types of fridges so while the van is being recharged via the trucks alternator the extra power usage via the inverter wouldn't be an issue.
For the normal 12v/240v fridges (Engel, Waco etc.) the 12v is just as good as the 240v option so there is No advantage in using an inverter to power them.

I think a lot of the problem with using 12v is because the wiring and connectors are under rated. On my previous Goldstream and my current Jayco I have re-wired the 12v to the fridge using updated cables and better connections. Now I have to be careful what I put in the fridge when on 12v as it often goes below zero and frozen lettuce and cucumber isn’t great even when defrosted.

Originally Posted by 67hardtop

F means Following......its a fb thing. I got confused

No. It’s a lazy FB thing..

Even on FB a simple tap in the top corner and select “turn on notifications”

Just like you can do in this forum!

Originally Posted by Milton477

Are we talking about an inverter fridge which runs off 12v with it's own inbuilt inverter or a 12v / 240 vac fridge with a separate inverter which can also power other appliances in the setup?

Not quite sure what you're getting at here.

There are two basic types of fridges.

The compressor fridge such as your common or garden variety household fridge and your typical Engel/Waeco 'camping' fridge. The difference between these is that the household fridge uses a 240 volt AC motor to drive the compressor and the Engel/Waeco uses a 12 volt DC motor to drive the compressor. Your typical camping fridge also has either an internal or external 240 volt AC to 12 volt DC power supply (a bit like a battery charger) to allow operation from the mains.

The other type of fridge is an absorption type fridge that uses heat to operate. These are your typical 3 way fridges (though can also be a 2 way fridge) eg. Dometic, Finch etc. These use an electrical heating element (12 volt DC or 240 volt AC) and/or a small gas flame as the heat source.

There are advantages and dis advantages with either system but with cheap solar and efficient design IMO compressor type fridges are by far the better choice for touring/off roading.

I've not come across a fridge with a built in inverter.

Deano

Mick, what sort of fridge are we talking about? An Engel or something like that or an older 3 way 240/12/gas or you thinking about using a 240 only fridge? (don't do that).

Had a chat with another Oka owner today and he was extolling the virtues of inverter fridges. It seems that inverter fridges (as in inverter air conditioner technology) are being made now by LG/Samsung for example and are reputed to be very electrically efficient.

Deano

Originally Posted by DeanoH

Had a chat with another Oka owner today and he was extolling the virtues of inverter fridges. It seems that inverter fridges (as in inverter air conditioner technology) are being made now by LG/Samsung for example and are reputed to be very electrically efficient.

Deano

Just had a quick Google to look at specs. Couldn’t find a small one with specs but a 450 litre unit runs at around 300KW per year - bloody good going for a fridge that size. If a 160 litre unit used say half that it would be easy to run of a decent battery and solar system. The one I looked at was under $1000 too so a third of the price of a new 3 way of similar capacity.

Do these inverter fridges take the absolute pizzling that the engel's and Waco's do?