Fridge 2 way versus 3 way

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 19:15

ThreadID: 35339 Views:11808 Replies:9 FollowUps:3

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Member - Marilyn B (WA)

We are about to buy a new caravan and really do not know whether to get a 2 way or 3 way fridge. So called experts tell us it is important as to where you go. We intend to travel through the North of Australia. We are told that the ambient temperature is vital as to the workings of the 2 or 3 way fridge. Any comments whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.

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Reply By: Brew69(SA) - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 19:34

Reply By: Alloy c/t - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 20:01

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 20:07

Reply By: Old Scalyback & denny - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 20:34

Reply By: Motherhen - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 23:40

Reply By: Member No 1- Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 07:52

Reply By: Wizard1 - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 08:29

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 08:29

We've looked at replacing our 3 way electrolux with a 2 way compressor fridge but keep getting scared off at the cost versus benefits comparison.

At between $1200 to $2000 for the the fridge, depending on manufacturer and size.

Then when you do the calculations for power use you need at least another $1800 or so worth of solar panels, not including the battery setup, etc to support it. The added weight of at least 2 batteries and the solar panels is another issue.

Funnily enough speaking with Kedron, they still fit 3 ways to vans where they try and keep the weight down, where the larger ones, usually towed by a larger 4WD have more solar panels and batteries for the 2 way fridge.

We already have a CF50 Waeco, which at times has become the 3 way's saviour.

Three ways are by no means perfect, but do have benefits when free camping using gas and don't need a lot of extra's to keep them running. However 2 ways do work better in the heat, what to do?

AnswerID: 180777

Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 09:18

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 09:18

Wizard,

$1800 for solar panels???

What are you buying and where are you shopping mate.

For a CF50 an 80-100AH battery should be adequate and an 80 watt solar panel costing around $800 is all that should be required.

There is always an initial investment in setting up a fridge/battery setup.
But buying the right equipment (I won't go into brand names) will return that investment in trouble free operation for many years.

Some people choose solar panels to maintain their battery(s).
Others use a Genny & charging unit.

My setup (75AH portable battery system) and a 40 watt solar panel works for me.
If the solar panel can't/won't put enough back in, I have the option of charging from the vehicle while travelling, or if s h i t really happens, while stationary.

I have the option of adding another 40 watt panel if necessary but I haven't found the need at present.

The 40 watt panel (BP solar) was bought for under $500, including regulator.

Bill

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FollowupID: 437059

Follow Up By: Wizard1 - Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 13:25

Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 at 13:25

Sandman,

You obviously didn't fully appreciate the setup I was describing. I too have a second battery setup and run a CF50. However, I was providing feedback based on replacing a 3 way caravan fridge, I assume, with a similar size compressor 12/24 volt unit.

I too looked into this in detail. On advice from the chaps at Solar Panel Xpress, they suggested in order to have enough solar re-charge capabilty to keep upwith the power draw from:

1 x compressor fridge in the van (This draws 65 - 70 AH per day)
1 x CF50 (24 AH per day)
van lights, water pumps, stereo, etc (Approx 5 AH per day)

As you can see that is a lot of power requirements per day to re-charge.

I would have needed 2 x portable solar panels (the wattage I cannot recall, but I think it was around 85 watts each) all wired up for around $1800 for the pair.

The portable units available at most camping outlets would not have provided enough watts. If I were not to have a 12/24 Volt van fridge the story would be quite different and much cheaper.

If add the cost of 2 x deep cyles (cheap 100 ah start around $130 each )
A charge regulator (Arrid twin charge) $399

As you can see it starts to add up.

I have already done some research on the matter but I do appreciate your advice.

FollowupID: 437102