Fridges

Hi Ian .. not a lot of information there on your application use ?? but I asked a similar question few years ago but I can't find it in my search :(( as search option on this forum his close to useless .
Can't find where to search for my previous posts anyway Goodluck

Hi Ian,

There are very strong opinions in both camps, both will swear by their individual choice.

Absorption (3way) fridges are not as efficient as compressor fridges. Ask yourself this question, why don’t we have absorption fridges in our homes anymore, even in remote areas? Absorption fridges need to be level in order to work as efficiently as possible. Absorption fridges will struggle in hot humid conditions, even the tropical rated ones, it is the high humidity that they really struggle with. There are more questions on caravan forums with regard to problems with absorption fridges than any other single issue. Yes, there are a few “tricks” to help them along such as extra insulation, extra fans both inside and outside the actual fridge. There is a reason why all the Expedition Trucks that are designed to be fully self sufficient and self contained have compressor fridges with the appropriate batteries and charging capacity, and not absorption fridges.

Compressor fridges require a sustainable power source. Sufficient batteries and Solar charging capacity and or generator. LiFePo4 batteries are the way to go, as you can have a larger number of batteries with less overall weight. You are of course reliant on sufficient sunlight to keep you batteries charged up. This may be an issue in the southern states like Victoria and Tasmania in the winter months. Compressor fridges do not have to be level to be efficient. Compressor fridges are not as effected by high humidity as absorption fridges.

It will probably come down to a personal choice. I have had both compressor and absorption fridges, and would not go back to an absorption fridge. Many people have swapped out their absorption fridge in their van for a compressor fridge, very few if any swap out a compressor fridge for an absorption fridge.

Just my two cents worth.

Macca.

As an Off Grid caravanner I am very satisfied with a 220 litre Compressor fridge. My previous fridges were 3 way.
It's quite an investment to run it, lithium batteries and 600w of roof mounted solar. The investment is totally justified by the performance ...it's just like being at home in the outback.

When we bought our caravan, one of the requirements was reliable and efficient refrigeration. After talking too a few seasoned travellers, it was clear that compressor fridges were the best option.

I'm not very tech minded so can't offer any scientific reasoning but our compressor fridge (Dometic 220 litre fridge freezer) has always worked just like our home fridge/freezer in even very harsh conditions.

I believe its worth every cent of the cost for enough solar/batteries to ensure the power supply is adequate.

Thanks for the great help. I replaced my 3way about 3 years ago (CRX110) even though it’s small. The former was basically useless. A friend of mine is buying a new van with a Dometic 245 3way which I admit have improved greatly, but since he is having 2x120ah lithium batteries plus ample solar I couldn’t understand why he preferred the 3 Way system. He is also getting ready for retirement.
I appreciate everyone’s help.
Ian

We still have our 3 way, and have never had our frozen food unfreeze.
Sometimes the beer is only cool, but that’s OK for me.
The fridge works remarkably well considering, and not having to worry about battery charging all the time works for us.
Still trying to keep things as simple as possible.
Cheers
Jim