caravan fridge rating

Hi Racey
"We currently run a Waeco 160ltr and it has never let us down."

You should say what the rest of your set up is, re charging batteries , battery size,time you stay camped without driving etc for the that statment to mean anything.

"The 3 way types are all absorption units which rely on heat input to operate. They are very inefficient and don't work to well in the hot weather"

THIS furphy continues to be circulated.
Correctly installed & ventilated 3way fridges will perform quite satisfactory in temps up to 40c as many have found out.
FEW if any are correctly installed by van manufacturers . You do not need large battery banks , generator or solar panels for a three way & the still work in in prolongedv wet or cloudy weather. For some one who does not have oddles of $ the 3way is the way to go. Just make sure you operate it level , & ensure it is correctly installed[ plenty of info on how to do this on various sites]or I can detail my set up if required.

JUST TO CLARIFY I have both, + 240w of solar+ 200ahrs of battery & I have often been glad I have the 3way to fall back on after prolonged periods of bad weather.

Hi Oldtrack,

Our setup is 2 100ah sealed deep cycle batteries and an 80 watt solar panel and as I said it has never let us down.

I must insist absorption units are inefficient if you check any authority on these units you will find that a fact. This link will get you started.http://www.airah.org.au/downloads/2002-08-02.pdf

Considering an Elux unit has a 12volt input of approx 10 amps (120 watts) and compare a similar sized compressor frig _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx only 3-4 amps, we are more than 50% in front. Running on gas is the same, the energy input is higher than a compressor unit.

I can accept the comments about correct installation. However, 40+ degrees and absorption units are stretching the operation of these units. With compressor units installation also rely on correct installation. When the ambient temperature rises with a compressor unit, the condensing pressure increases and the motor works a bit harder to maintain the compartment temperature; that's not possible with an absorption unit as far as I am aware. Regardless I would not go back to an absorption unit.

Cheers Racey

Hi Racey
"Our setup is 2 100ah sealed deep cycle batteries and an 80 watt solar panel and as I said it has never let us down. "

So with that battery capacity [ discharged to 50% max recommended depth of discharge for long life] & depending on ambient temp & fridge setting & warm loading etc you could run it for from 2 to 4days with no /little solar input.[or other means of recharging]My question still is how long do you claim you can run it in bad weather. Even in good weather your 80w solar will only put in about 30ahrs per day while your usage for the fridge alone could be between 20& 60 amphrs
It still comes down to how long you can go without having to find or use some additional means of battery charging.!!

"I must insist absorption units are inefficient if you check any authority on these units you will find that a fact. This link will get you started. http://www.airah.org.au/downloads/2002-08-02.pdf"

Totally agree if it was the thermal energy efficiency you were referring to between absorption & compressor fridge,those facts are well recognised.[& is why the post war domestic absorption fridges disappeared as cheap compressor fridges came onto the market. Who remembers the COLD FLAME & SILENT KNIGHT ABSORPTION FRIDGES , REAL ELECTRICITY CHEWERS.

I believed you were referring to the operation of the fridge, NOT IT'STHERMAL EFFICIENCY , which I think is what most would have thought.

Hi Paul
You should have bought a Dometic [{Electrolux] a long time on the market, well established name. Even the standard rated uprights will perform & freeze in the freezer @ 40c IF correctly installed.
Many years of personel experience leaves me very happy with mine. Yes slow to react ie to drop temp if heavily reloaded with warm goods. needs to be level etc as per previous post , but ALWAYS working unless temps get above 40 something.
We go for long periods away from supplies & use our Engel as a deep freeze. MY solar panels are mounted so I can tilt & rotate to track the sun from dawn to dusk, I also access how much power I need to recharge bats each morning & if anticipating a surplus turn the Engel to max freeze for the day, then turn it back to a warmer setting for the night. This gives me max efficiency from solar power available ,yet many times I have had to make use of the 3 ways freezer section OR PULLED OUT THE GEENY IF IN AN ALLOWED AREA.