Porta Gaz fridge

eleblanc · Sep 30, 2008

So i've been looking for a fridge for some time. And in all honesty did not want to put 600-700$ into one.

So while i'm shopping around, i find this place near where i live and they specialise in RV fridge repair, replacement.

so after checking with them with different brand, Norcold, Dometic,etc.. price and delivery, the lady offers me a Fridge called porta gaz. It is a chinese import, but it runs on 12V, 120V and Propane, 35 and 50Liter are available. After looking at a 35L they have, and making sure it has a good warranty, i pull the trigger and decide to go with the 50L for a 450$. Price was good if you consider it is a 50L, and it run on propane, without any power source. Ideal IMHO, you runs 12V while traveling and once you camp is up you plug a standard propane bottle.

So i just tested it with propane and it works. But they highly recommand of initally run it on electricity so it reach it cold temperature then you run it on propane.

I've looked everywhere on the net and couldn't find anything. Except from the company that imports them. Propane Bouvrette here in Quebec.

here is the link to there web site, simply click on the fridge to get specifications.

http://propanebouvrette.com/produitsA.htm

Not mentionned on the spec page, but it uses 80 watts.

mountainpete · Sep 30, 2008

Looks like a good find!

Does the propane still work if the fridge is at an angle? That's often the challenge with gas models and taking them off-road.

Pete

Corey · Sep 30, 2008

I have a Dometic 12v, 110v, and propane fridge I bought from Camping World around '93.

It worked great.
I too ran it on 12v in the rig driving to the campsite, and once there I took it out of my truck and put it into my tent trailer.
My trailer at the time only had an icebox.

The fridge worked great.
No way would I use it though like I do my ARB fridge now, as running it on 12v would drain the battery very quickly.
They are not efficient like the ARB/Engel types that use the swing arm motor design.
But for running on propane or 110v at a full service campground, they work great.

Mine ss used now if the power goes out for a few days at my place during the winter.
I can stuff it full, and also use the ARB in my rig to store food until power comes back up at home.

eleblanc · Sep 30, 2008

mountainpete said:
Looks like a good find!

Does the propane still work if the fridge is at an angle? That's often the challenge with gas models and taking them off-road.

Pete

Yes but is just less efficient, since it uses a absorption system. How much less, i have no idea.

eleblanc · Sep 30, 2008

Corey said:
No way would I use it though like I do my ARB fridge now, as running it on 12v would drain the battery very quickly.

Not if the truck is running?

Corey · Sep 30, 2008

No, if your rig is running it is fine on 12v, the old fridge I have.
But the ARB and Engel fridges are made to go for four to five days at a time without wearing our battery down.

I run the ARB full time 24/7 in my rig now, and it has sat up to five days before without starting the rig, then when I do start the rig, it fires right up.

It only uses about 1.7 amps I think on cool mode.

eleblanc · Oct 11, 2008

So, i went to the Yankee toy fall gathering last weekend. I hook the fridge on 12V in the M101, so it can run while i drive. Once there i hooked th propane. Trying to start it with the igniter is a pita when it is windy. But it started right up with a match.

Work so good i froze everything to eternity, outside temp would go down to 0 deg C during the night. I should have shut it down over nights.

JIMBO · Oct 11, 2008

:wings: Thanx for another option in coolers

eleblanc said:
So i've been looking for a fridge for some time. And in all honesty did not want to put 600-700$ into one.

So while i'm shopping around, i find this place near where i live and they specialise in RV fridge repair, replacement.

so after checking with them with different brand, Norcold, Dometic,etc.. price and delivery, the lady offers me a Fridge called porta gaz. It is a chinese import, but it runs on 12V, 120V and Propane, 35 and 50Liter are available. After looking at a 35L they have, and making sure it has a good warranty, i pull the trigger and decide to go with the 50L for a 450$. Price was good if you consider it is a 50L, and it run on propane, without any power source. Ideal IMHO, you runs 12V while traveling and once you camp is up you plug a standard propane bottle.

So i just tested it with propane and it works. But they highly recommand of initally run it on electricity so it reach it cold temperature then you run it on propane.

I've looked everywhere on the net and couldn't find anything. Except from the company that imports them. Propane Bouvrette here in Quebec.

here is the link to there web site, simply click on the fridge to get specifications.

http://propanebouvrette.com/produitsA.htm

Not mentionned on the spec page, but it uses 80 watts.

However-80 watts at 12 volts sounds like THERMOELECTRIC and thats a battery destroyer

If it works on propane, I guess thats an alternate, but

I don't think so, but, thankyou for a new supplier other than the previous mentioned

:26_7_2: :gunt: JIMBO

eleblanc · Oct 13, 2008

JIMBO said:
:wings: Thanx for another option in coolers

However-80 watts at 12 volts sounds like THERMOELECTRIC and thats a battery destroyer

If it works on propane, I guess thats an alternate, but

I don't think so, but, thankyou for a new supplier other than the previous mentioned

:26_7_2: :gunt: JIMBO

I'm not to sure exactly what is thermo electric, but here are pictures. there is a thermostats when you run electric. so yes when it runs it uses 80 watts but it doesn't always run.