3 way fridge?

[alosix]

I see most of you guys swear by a few brands of AC/DC fridges, but does anyone use the LP gas kind camping?

like this:
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-refrigerators/compact-refrigerator-rc4000.htm

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Martyn]

We used to carry them, but they have some issues.

When in transit they stay cold by heating an electric element. It pulls a lot of power and if the socket is live after you turn your vehicle off it will quickly drain your battery.

When camped the fridge runs off propane. As with all heat loss fridges it will reduce the temperature within the fridge by a certain number of degrees below the ambient temperature. It has a tendency to act like a cooler during the day and a freezer at night as the ambient temperature changes.

There is also the fire danger of having a naked propane flame.

The big benefit of this fridge is you can run it on a 10 lb cylinder of propane for 5 - 7 days.

 

[Corey]

I have a Dometic similar to that one sitting in my closet.
I bought it years ago at Camping World to use in my tent trailer.

It worked good when camped for a week or just a weekend, but I ran it on propane once camped.
I would run it on 110v in home after loading it with the food, then transfer it to the truck and run it on 12v driving to the campsite.
Once there I would hook it up inside the trailer and it then ran off the 20 lb tank up front which also fueled the cook stove.

But as Martyn mentioned, they are not efficient temp wise or battery wise.
It will drain your battery fast.

I have not used mine in perhaps ten years.
Last time was for a blackout we had for a few days.

 

[kcowyo]

One reputed drawback to propane fridges is their propensity to shut-off when not nearly perfectly level. Keeping a vehicle level can be a chore when camping...

.

 

[Martyn]

One reputed drawback to propane fridges is their propensity to shut-off when not nearly perfectly level. Keeping a vehicle level can be a chore when camping...

.

Yes, a valid and accurate statement. I have an old propane fridge that still gets some usage I carry a level with me for setup.