Replacing Camper 3 way

**101RRS** · 23rd June 2013, 11:38 AM

In my Camper Van I have the standard Dometic upright 3 way 60l fridge. Basically works OK but after the camper has been sitting for a long time is hard to get going properly. The small freezer section always works but the temp in the general fridge is a bit high.

I am thinking of replacing it with a upright compressor fridge of about the same size. I could just put a compressor chest style (camper) fridge in the spot but would prefer a built in upright.

Has anyone done this and was it an improvement.

Thanks

Garry

**101RRS** · 26th June 2013, 12:28 AM

No one put in an upright 12v compressor fridge in their caravan or camper van to replace the standard 3 way??

**Graeme** · 26th June 2013, 05:23 AM

Someone posted details of an upright Engel they were about to fit. Looking at the Engel web-site there's a few versions.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 26th June 2013, 06:25 AM

The only real alternative is a 12v Engal upright.
How can it not be an improvement??
3.5 max current draw against 15,
able to be used whilst vehicle is in motion,
able to be used at fuel stops,
and it actually gets stuff cold just like the Engal car fridges!!!!

**Judo** · 26th June 2013, 09:39 AM

I saw some upright compressor fridges about that size on ebay when I was doing research 6 months ago. Cheap no-name brand, but I don't see why it won't be the same as all the other cheap ebay fridges we've been buying - I.E. works great.

I can't see it on ebay anymore, but IIRC it was $500-600. Must be able to purchase somewhere still...

I tried a second hand 3-way for a short period, but hated it. Bought a compressor fridge and I'm never ever going back. The only negative is you need power (Eg. buy solar panel set up as well), but I would still much prefer this than gas.

**Judo** · 26th June 2013, 09:44 AM

Tried another search, but still couldn't find the cheap ones I saw last time.

Good little Fridge 12V / 240V | Camping & Hiking | Gumtree Australia Fraser Coast - Maryborough

Evakool 106L 12V Upright Caravan Fridge Motorhome RV | eBay

(too big tho)

**Judo** · 26th June 2013, 09:47 AM

Third time lucky!!!!

2013 Model NEW DC 60 Litre Caravan CAR Freezer Fridge 12V 24V 240V White Colour | eBay

I'll stop spamming now.

**101RRS** · 26th June 2013, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

The only real alternative is a 12v Engal upright.
How can it not be an improvement??
3.5 max current draw against 15,
able to be used whilst vehicle is in motion,
able to be used at fuel stops,
and it actually gets stuff cold just like the Engal car fridges!!!!

I tend to agree however, the 3 way uses gas when stopped so there is no 15 amp draw (mine draws 9amps on 12v) when camping.
A 3 way can be used on 12v when in motion or stopped for fuel and I do - you have quuite a few hours grace before it becomes an issue.
My 3 way does actually work OK (can keep ice creams frozen in summer) BUT needs to be shaken up after being stationary for a few months and as it is built in, it is not easy to do. This is the main issue.

Cheers

Garry

**101RRS** · 26th June 2013, 10:53 AM

Justin,

Thanks for those links - I have bookmarked them and will follow up.

Cheers

Garry

**Graeme** · 26th June 2013, 11:52 AM

My 3-way is past its use-by date but as a new 3-way wouldn't get regular use to keep it working, a 12V/240V version is the only viable option for my use. The car's fridge has been adequate to date but one in the van would be better.

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