Compressor fridge vs 3-way
Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 13:11
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flaminbeads
Have done a search of the
forum but still don't have enough info to make a decision. After trying out an old
York for a couple of years and finding we liked caravanning we decided to bite the bullet and buy a new van. Looking seriously at a 16ft Majestic. However it has been suggested to me that a 12 volt compressor refrigerator is a better choice than a 3 way fridge. The van will have a 100 amp/hr battery and a 60w solar panel, and there will be an Anderson plug on the Rodeo to charge while driving. Fridge size 150 to 190 litre. Not intending camping for long periods away from parks, but need to be able to
camp without power for a couple of days occasionally. I need to know things such as -
What brands are there and how much power do they draw?
How long would this battery last with a compressor fridge and a few lights?
Do I need a bigger battery OR a bigger solar panel?
I could use a small generator to recharge the battery if it gets low - space and weight are not a problem with the Rodeo, and the generator could come in useful at
home as we get floodbound at times.
Have been told the 3-way can struggle at times, they need more maintenance, but are quieter.
Sorry for all the questions but I won't get any answers if I don't ask.
PS most travelling woild be done in the cooler months of the year.
Don
Reply By: Darian (SA) - Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 14:46
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 14:46
Yep - mild climate the 3 ways are good - when it gets opressively hot for days on end (and outback travel often does) they struggle. The compressor version would be good with your large deep cycle battery, and for a couple of days I'd guess, if other appliances were used minimally (there is a calculation for all this). The generator idea (presume you are talking inverter tech gennies) completes the picture - all situations are then covered IMO - charge the batteries, provide quaity AC for any appliance and use it round the
home too ......... as in the case here in
Adelaide, the mains power goes off so regularly that people expect it ...... a much reviled pollie (hmmm.... came from Roachies current
home base) flogged the power utility off overseas a few years back (after promising not to, of coiurse) and life has never been the same since. The current power supply mob use chinese fuses made from wood and they blow as soon as more than 3 houses in any suburb turn on the kettle.....sigh.......I'm ok now.
AnswerID:
150818
Reply By: flaminbeads - Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 20:25
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 20:25
Thanks folks for all the responses. Of course answers always lead to more questions. ie
What is a N70 or N70zz battery?
What is or who makes an "inverter tech gennie"?
As I said I am looking at a Majestic van - should I get the battery and panels installed by the manufacturer (Battery pack mounted in boot $800.00
40 watt solar panel including regulator ect. $600.00) or should I get it installed after market and if so what sizes, how much and from whom?
I live in northern NSW but will be picking up the caravan from
Melbourne so any installer between here and
Adelaide would do (going there after pickup)
I saw an Evakool 190l on the web. Any comments on these units?
Thanks again
Don
AnswerID:
150873
Follow Up By: Nav 8 - Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 21:13
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 21:13
The N70ZZ battery is a standard heavy duty battery generaly used in a diesel 4x4 as a starting battery. I use these batteries rather than the deep cycle type so I can fast charge them with the genset and also they are connected to my vehicle and charged by that when I travel. When the batteries are down and I get full sun the 10 Amp meter on the solar goes off the scale. Deep cycle batteries dont like that treatment and probably not too good for the ones I have either but I have POWER. Am running two 80 Watt panels.,,, Nav.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: flaminbeads - Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 22:52
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 22:52
Nav, are you saying that a deep cycle battery won't be charged by the vehicle when travelling??
Thanks
Don
FollowupID:
404465
Follow Up By: Nav 8 - Thursday, Jan 26, 2006 at 11:54
Thursday, Jan 26, 2006 at 11:54
No, but a deep cycle battery should be charged slowly at low amps, if you look up deep cycle batteries on this
forum it should give you all the details you need. A quick explanation is deep cycle means the battery can be discharged down to about 70% and recharged slowly. A starting battery should be only discharged to about 20% but can be recharged quickly eg higher amps. The alternator on a 4x4 will put out about 35 Amps mabe more depending on how much charge is in the batteries. This is governed by the regulator that senses the voltage or pressure of the batteries,eg lower the charge the more amps the batteries will accept,as the pressure or voltage rises so the amps drop back. For this reason I use the standard battery as they are cheaper and still do the job. I am sure ther are people on this
forum who do use deep cycle quite successfully but as crackles points out below each setup needs to be taylored to individual needs. Nav.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Crackles - Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 20:43
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006 at 20:43
Stick with a 3 way fridge for the van & fit a small fan in the back to aid ventalation in the heat. Our van has a similar battery & solar panel to run the lights, stove hood & inverter & copes
well with that but adding a big compressor fridge would require at least doubling your present system to be able to reliably run for a few days.
My educated guess on run time for your setup with a 150 l compressor fridge would be between 24 hours (hot day/in shade) to 4 days (cold day/full sun)
This is worked on the belief that your panel in ideal sun would still only be putting in about half the average daily required power.
Solar systems are very unique to each individual's requirements & you'd be far better speaking with a solar retailer to ensure it can sustain the loads you intend to use.
Cheers Craig...........
AnswerID:
150878