Fridge woes.

[Pudsey Bear]

Kev might get away with it with a decent battery set up and B2B as he never stays put for more than five minutes

Actually, Barry, I am tending to set off around 09:30 and have had enough by 14:00 or so, with a few stops in between. When I worked, I took the van to work on a Friday, Liz would meet me there, and we'd be in bed on Skye the same night. I could probably still do it, but I'd be no good the next day, and it would have to be automatic too, with CC.

 

[colinm]

Kev might get away with it with a decent battery set up and B2B as he never stays put for more than five minutes

Which, no kidding, was my thought as well, but only worthwhile doing if the fridge completely packs up.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Overall, it feels to me that it might be cheaper to just replace the fridge if it dies and can't be repaired than bother with a compressor fridge and all the kit to make it viable, not to mention getting one to fit the space.

 

[Fazerloz]

Maybe I'll avoid this particlear rabbit orrifice then.

Everything has a knock on effect.

 

[barryd]

Overall, it feels to me that it might be cheaper to just replace the fridge if it dies and can't be repaired than bother with a compressor fridge and all the kit to make it viable, not to mention getting one to fit the space.

I would agree. You can pick up second hand tested and working 3 way fridges for not much money and you then don't need to change anything. I suspect there may be a few more coming on the market (I've not looked) as people decide to invest in lithium and go gasless.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Aha!!!




Diesel Fridges vs. Other Options

• How They Work: True diesel fridges typically use a Webasto or similar diesel-powered heater component to generate heat (instead of a gas flame) to drive an absorption cooling unit, or they may use diesel to generate electrical power to run a compressor.
• Main Benefit: The primary advantage is total energy independence from LPG gas. It allows you to use your diesel tank for heating, cooking, and refrigeration, simplifying logistics.
• "Diesel" vs. 12V Compressor: Many people looking for a "diesel" solution actually end up using highly efficient 12V compressor fridges (like Dometic, Indel B, or Dellcool) paired with a solar/lithium battery system. This is often preferred because it avoids the complexity of installing a diesel-burner-driven fridge.

Key Considerations

• Efficiency: True diesel fridges are very efficient for long, off-grid trips, as diesel is widely available.
• Noise and Smell: Because they have burners, they can produce some odor and noise, similar to a diesel heater.
• Installation: These systems often require specialized installation and, while they don't need annual gas certification, they may require regular maintenance for the diesel burner.

 

[Robmac]

Overall, it feels to me that it might be cheaper to just replace the fridge if it dies and can't be repaired than bother with a compressor fridge and all the kit to make it viable, not to mention getting one to fit the space.

If your system works for you Kev then why not?

I went over the top with my system and I am completely satisfied with it, if my van ever requires major and expensive repairs I will probably scrap it having first transferred the electrics/solar and Lithium to another van along with the fridge, windows, Diesel heater etc. etc.

Those nice, square box vans are looking very tempting now, but I might not live long enough for another fitout!

 

[Fazerloz]

Overall, it feels to me that it might be cheaper to just replace the fridge if it dies and can't be repaired than bother with a compressor fridge and all the kit to make it viable, not to mention getting one to fit the space.

It just needs a good fettle and it will see you out.

 

[exwindsurfer]

The first thing I done 13 years ago when I first started the van conversion was get a compressor fridge and its run ever since with not a bother.I don't switch it off ever when I stand at home for a few weeks .I guess having 600watts of solar and400amp of lithium batteries helps.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

If your system works for you Kev then why not?

I went over the top with my system and I am completely satisfied with it, if my van ever requires major and expensive repairs I will probably scrap it having first transferred the electrics/solar and Lithium to another van along with the fridge, windows, Diesel heater etc. etc.

Those nice, square box vans are looking very tempting now, but I might not live long enough for another fitout!

I daren't get a new fridge, it's taken me 16 years to train Liz on this type, and that's still on going.

 

[Tezza33]

If your system works for you Kev then why not?

I went over the top with my system and I am completely satisfied with it, if my van ever requires major and expensive repairs I will probably scrap it having first transferred the electrics/solar and Lithium to another van along with the fridge, windows, Diesel heater etc. etc.

Those nice, square box vans are looking very tempting now, but I might not live long enough for another fitout!

The first thing I done 13 years ago when I first started the van conversion was get a compressor fridge and its run ever since with not a bother.I don't switch it off ever when I stand at home for a few weeks .I guess having 600watts of solar and400amp of lithium batteries helps.

Drinking all the beer before it gets warm also helps

 

[Geek]

How much extra solar etc do you need the WC with a compressor fridge?

In summer 100w of solar will give an average of 500Wh per day. Assume that half is used by sundry systems, leaving 500Wh for the fridge.

A lead acid battery ia about 80% efficient, so thats nearer 400Wh. At 12v that's an average of 1.4A, which is about right for a small compressor fridge.

Triple the solar panels and you should be OK, as long ascyou have enough battery to get you through a week or two with no worthwhile solar input.

In winter its a very different tale. That 100W panel will give you an average of 100Wh per day, all of which the van will need. None left over for the fridge. Adding more panels will increase the output, but three times nowt is mostly nowt.

Anyone who tells you they can run their compressor fridge from solar power through a winter is having you on. Or, more likely, having themselves on.

Once you have spent £600 on solar panels, £900 on batteries and it still doesn't work in bad weather in winter, it's not easy to admit you made a mistake.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

It has seemed to me since i first read about them that's it a bit emperors new clothes, I'm a bit the same with Lithium, most of us don't really need it.

 

[trevskoda]

WAY, WAY too many variables to generalise on the issue.

You wouldn't struggle a bit Kev, you'd find it impossible mate.
Most people advocating compressor fridges are summer users and/or hookup.
Completely off grid in the winter with anything other than a gas fridge is bordering on the impossible unless you drive for hours regularly or carry a generator.
AFAIK Rob is managing to run his compressor fridge 24/7 with his van while it's sitting on his drive over winter BUT he's got nearly 900W of solar and several hundred Ah of batteries and he's not opening the door and it's the only thing running, no TV, laptop/phone charging etc and certainly no cooking.

Strange mine goes easy 24 hrs on 200w solar and 180 amps of battery, but it is a small fridge, not a moster like bears require full of honey.

 

[MERL]

The first thing I done 13 years ago when I first started the van conversion was get a compressor fridge and its run ever since with not a bother.I don't switch it off ever when I stand at home for a few weeks .I guess having 600watts of solar and400amp of lithium batteries helps.

Have you ever camped off grid in the winter for a week or more Geoff? If so what do you use for cooking?

 

[MERL]

It has seemed to me since i first read about them that's it a bit emperors new clothes, I'm a bit the same with Lithium, most of us don't really need it.

I think we've hit the point where it's hard for ANY user justify a lead battery Kev.
That cracking little Temu battery I mentioned on here a couple of days ago at just £86 and a cheap B2B (£30 used or £70 new) and you've got a battery that'll last for yonks and wont mind if you deep discharge it or you leave it sitting partially charged AND you get more useable capacity and less weight.

 

[MERL]

Strange mine goes easy 24 hrs on 200w solar and 180 amps of battery, but it is a small fridge, not a moster like bears require full of honey.

Not strange at all Trev. 180Ah battery will run a compressor fridge for getting on for around four days but where's your recharge coming from when your batteries are flat? Cos you'll have naff all watts of solar in the winter, so you'll need to drive or use a genny or seek EHU.

 

[exwindsurfer]

Have you ever camped off grid in the winter for a week or more Geoff? If so what do you use for cooking?

I think I've had 5 days in the winter Merl and we cook gas in the winter .The worse I've had my batteries down to was 52 %.with me being able to till my panels and the sun is really low I can still get really good wattage out of them.

 

[trevskoda]

Not strange at all Trev. 180Ah battery will run a compressor fridge for getting on for around four days but where's your recharge coming from when your batteries are flat? Cos you'll have naff all watts of solar in the winter, so you'll need to drive or use a genny or seek EHU.

According to my voltage meter im getting a charge, may not be best in deep winter, but then again i only ever have done one night overs, then drive home.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I think we've hit the point where it's hard for ANY user justify a lead battery Kev.
That cracking little Temu battery I mentioned on here a couple of days ago at just £86 and a cheap B2B (£30 used or £70 new) and you've got a battery that'll last for yonks and wont mind if you deep discharge it or you leave it sitting partially charged AND you get more useable capacity and less weight.

We're such low users though, we charge during the day when driving, so we usually are around 13.8 when we stop for the day & around 12.7v at lights out. I do have all the data, but it's near enough for us