Replacing a propane fridge with electric

[Fred Mc]

I am considering replacing my propane fridge with a small apt sized fridge. I wonder if it is feasible to run this fridge from a small(under 1000w) quiet generator running it for a couple of hours every day. Of course one would have to be careful in how often your opened the fridge door.
I have seen many campers using a small, portable quiet Honda generator that they place away from their motorhome instead of using a big mounted generator.

Anyone done this.
Thx

Fred.

[gumpy]

With the right battery bank and inverter, it's totally doable.

I use a small apartment fridge in mine. I typically run my generator once a day when boondocking to recharge the batteries and we don't do a lot of energy conservation.

[Fred Mc]

I was thinking of doing it without a battery bank and inverter but instead powering it directly off the generator.

[buswarrior]

Sure, why not?

It'll work.

Run it in the am, run it in the aft or evening, depending on the temp loss thru the day, or how much open door time you have,

I would drill a hole somewhere safe, and put a temp probe for a mechanical thermometer, so you can see the temp without opening the door.

And add insulation to the outside of the box, everywhere, except where the heat exchanger is. Adding a fan to blow on the heat exchanger can help speed the process, if the ambient temp is hot.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Lee Bradley]

Maybe something like one of these. Start your generator when the batteries get low.

http://www.roadtrucker.com/temperature-controll-coolers/koolatron-temp-controll-12-volt-coolers.htm

[windtrader]

Seems quite doable. The key variable is the amount of insulation it has, the better insulated the less power you need. Allow extra space around it to really pack around insulation while still allowing the various elements to get proper circulation.

[Zephod]

I have an old hair fridge myself. I'm sure it can be run from batteries.
I suspect it's a power hog


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[TomC]

NovaKool dual voltage refrigerator. Not cheap, but pulls only 5.5 amps at 12v. I have the 9cu/ft and really like it. Quiet. Good Luck, TomC

[Zephod]

Now this looks interesting..
http://www.novakool.com/products/conversion_units.htm
Build your own fridge with a handy kit.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[windtrader]

Check the price Z. almost a grand for the kit

[Oonrahnjay]

NovaKool dual voltage refrigerator. Not cheap, but pulls only 5.5 amps at 12v. I have the 9cu/ft and really like it. Quiet. Good Luck, TomC 

    Mine's a bit smaller than Tom's (I think 7.9 cu ft. but not sure of exact), slightly less 12V current draw, not dual, only 12V.  I like my NovaKool, too.  The fridge is good, the freezer GREAT!!

[Zephod]

Check the price Z. almost a grand for the kit

I couldn't find the price for that but... I did find condenser coils and evaporator coils online. Combine them with a 12v pump, a fan, thermostat and an expansion valve and you've got a fridge, freezer, air conditioner. Give it some rubber hose and you've got a mini split. For refrigerant.... the stuff in the car parts store. Easy easy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Zephod]

I just priced components for a DIY fridge. Using just car components available via eBay it's $110 excluding refrigerant and the pump. That's...
Evaporator coil
Condenser coil
Dryer
Expansion valve

Add in the pump, refrigerant, thermostat and rubber hosing and you have any one of the following...
Fridge
Freezer
Air Conditioner

A fan to blow heat away and another to circulate cold air might be helpful too.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[richard5933]

NovaKool is on my list for when my current electric fridge finishes dying.

If you read through their info online, they advise adding solid foam insulation during installation to further reduce electricity usage.

Richard

1964 PD4106-2412

[Oonrahnjay]

NovaKool is on my list for when my current electric fridge finishes dying.

If you read through their info online, they advise adding solid foam insulation during installation to further reduce electricity usage.

Richard

1964 PD4106-2412

      Price is stunningly high but mine has been solidly dependable and useful for about 6 years.  If somebody stole mine, I'd replace it with another one even if the price had doubled.
      Yeah, adding extra foam insulation is good for about anything.  I've also found that directing a small fan into the (built in from the factory) air circulation vent at the bottom helps a lot in triple digit temps.  As much as anything, I'd also suggest a layer of insulation against the inside surface of the side wall (i.e. with the air circulation channel and condenser area still free) -- I forgot to do that on my bus although I can retrofit it.