Extended camping - fridge options?

We use a Chescold 3-way fridge on gas when camping, with 4kg bottle lasting for 10-12 days [in cooler climates we turn it off overnight and can get 18-21 days from 4kg bottle]. We carry 2kg gas bottle [as spare] which can last for 5-10 days [when turned off overnight]. When driving we run the 3-way on 240V via 500W inverter connected to an Odyssey 500cca / 1200pca, which is just enough to crank the Td5 once / twice if our main battery fails [next time I'd go for Odyssey 825cca / 1600pca as backup for main battery]. Ocassionally when our 3-way struggles in hot climates we turn it off during daytime [and avoid opening it!!] and turn it on overnight when cooler. I may end up with solar panels and an Engel but for the time being the 3-way and inverter work fine on/off the road and for 10-28 days camping.

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Originally Posted by greenextreme

We use a Chescold 3-way fridge on gas when camping, with 4kg bottle lasting for 10-12 days [in cooler climates we turn it off overnight and can get 18-21 days from 4kg bottle]. We carry 2kg gas bottle [as spare] which can last for 5-10 days [when turned off overnight]. When driving we run the 3-way on 240V via 500W inverter connected to an Odyssey 500cca / 1200pca, which is just enough to crank the Td5 once / twice if our main battery fails [next time I'd go for Odyssey 825cca / 1600pca as backup for main battery]. Ocassionally when our 3-way struggles in hot climates we turn it off during daytime [and avoid opening it!!] and turn it on overnight when cooler. I may end up with solar panels and an Engel but for the time being the 3-way and inverter work fine on/off the road and for 10-28 days camping.

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We used to use a 3 way until camped for a week in above normal October temps in western Qld, when it couldn't cope. Why run it in the vehicle on an inverter? We always found ours worked perfectly well on 12 volt. As with the Waeco thing, it is a wiring issue. If you provide the proper size wire for the current draw, it will work fine on 12 volt.

IMHO, none of normal cranking, deep cycle, or Odyssey batteries are good choices for this kind of service now that you can get good AGM batteries like the ones Deep River make.

The AGM batteries can be discharged much lower than a cranking battery, but have very low internal resistance, so can be charged quickly and fully from an alternator, unlike a deep cycle battery.

They are the best choice.

Well, I think I'm going to cut to the chase and get the AGM battery Springers recommended (RA12-120S Ritar AGM 12V | Springers Solar Panel Specialists), and charge it with 2 x 80W solar panels.

I noticed Jaycar have the 160W kits for around $1100 with controller, and also got a heads-up on another forum about these ones RA12-120S Ritar AGM 12V | Springers Solar Panel Specialists. Naturally I feel safer going with Jaycar, but the eBay ones are certainly a good price.

I have no experience with the product but there is a 70 litre Primus 3 way with specs it operates at 38-40 below ambient

Optomistic specs....30 tops

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Originally Posted by waynep

Optomistic specs....30 tops

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I thought so too but there is an obvious spec difference between the 55 litre model and the 70 litre model.

Primus 55 litre, 33-35 below ambient
Primus 70 litre, 38-40 below ambient

I am looking at purchasing a 3 way for 2-3 week base camping every year. Unfortunately I cant find any reviews but it looks like a decent unit.

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Originally Posted by Ranga

Well, I think I'm going to cut to the chase and get the AGM battery Springers recommended (RA12-120S Ritar AGM 12V | Springers Solar Panel Specialists), and charge it with 2 x 80W solar panels.

I noticed Jaycar have the 160W kits for around $1100 with controller, and also got a heads-up on another forum about these ones RA12-120S Ritar AGM 12V | Springers Solar Panel Specialists. Naturally I feel safer going with Jaycar, but the eBay ones are certainly a good price.

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Dave's Interesting Things - 80 Watt Mono Solar Panel

Dave's Interesting Things - 12v 20amp Solar Charge Regulator

another option :P