3 way fridge help

luvrbus · May 10, 2011, 08:25:09 PM

It won't get very cold on 12 volt plug in to 110 and leave on for about a week it will start working better those fridges will last for years if they are working everyday sitting idle is the worst you can do for one

good luck

Don4107 · May 10, 2011, 08:33:04 PM

To work well they need to have the correct spacing from whatever backs up the fridge. If you are testing it sitting in the open it won't work as well. Needs the correct chimney effect.

Good luck
Don 4107

gus · May 11, 2011, 02:22:07 PM

Ir will never cool down on 12V only. It won't even stay cold on 12V even if it is cold to start with.

12V is for emergencies only or maybe during cold weather. Hot weather, forget it.

Barn Owl · May 11, 2011, 04:02:58 PM

QuoteIr will never cool down on 12V only. It won't even stay cold on 12V even if it is cold to start with.

12V is for emergencies only or maybe during cold weather. Hot weather, forget it.

Amen.....

I thought it would be a great idea to run on 12v and save on propane when we did some 700+ mile days. I thought my fridge was bad! 12v is worthless! Propane will freeze it up but sometimes it still struggles in very hot weather. Cool your stuff ahead of time if possible.

I bought an indoor/outdoor thermometer at Walmart that has a remote sensor that I keep in the fridge. Now I know how hot the driver's area is and if the fridge is staying cool.

luvrbus · May 11, 2011, 04:17:15 PM

BarnOwl,do have a 2 stage regulator or 1 stage the 2 stage regulator are not bad about freezing unless the vent hole is turned up instead of down or if they are installed on the liquid side instead of the vapor side and fwiw not to start a war here but the regulators are supposed to have a cover to help with that problem also

good luck

Cary and Don · May 11, 2011, 04:23:44 PM

Since we don't have it hooked up to propane, I guess we will make sure it is on the inverter for 110. We are considering installing a small propane tank to run it in case of emergencies or when the inverter is off.

Don and Cary
1973 Eagle 05
GMC 4107
Neoplan AN340

Barn Owl · May 11, 2011, 04:33:12 PM

QuoteBarnOwl,do have a 2 stage regulator or 1 stage the 2 stage regulator are not bad about freezing unless the vent hole is turned up instead of down or if they are installed on the liquid side instead of the vapor side

If it is the propane regulator I would guess it is a one stage. I should clarify that I can freeze the fridge if I turn it down low and don't open the door a lot, and then especially if it is cold outside.

It is a 1979 Dometic, and though not perfect and requiring me to keep tabs on it, it works. A real PIA to light and remain lit if it has been off for a while. That's where the thermometer becomes invaluable.

luvrbus · May 11, 2011, 04:38:30 PM

Go the propane route they will run for over a month on 5 gals going 110 through a inverter the batteries won't last 8 hrs without charging

good luck

demodriver · May 11, 2011, 04:48:27 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on May 11, 2011, 04:17:15 PM
BarnOwl,do have a 2 stage regulator or 1 stage the 2 stage regulator are not bad about freezing unless the vent hole is turned up instead of down or if they are installed on the liquid side instead of the vapor side and fwiw not to start a war here but the regulators are supposed to have a cover to help with that problem also

good luck

Can I get a two stage regulator at the hardware store? Or is it a rv surplus thing?

luvrbus · May 11, 2011, 04:51:53 PM

Hardware stores,Propane dealers,plumbing supply about anywhere but a RV dealer LOL buy the adjustable type

good luck

gus · May 12, 2011, 06:00:30 PM

As Cliff says, forget about running it all the time with the inverter. The power required is high because it is a resistance heating coil, nothing like a house frige.

LP is so efficient and cools so well, uses very little LP.