Dorm fridge in a vehicle?

[TravelingManVan]

Reviving an old thread:

I am giving this set up a try right now in my self built campervan. Been going for 7 days now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgIFlWRnJOo

• 2 12 Volt Super Start Marine Batteries, Group 24, 75Ah, wired in Parallel for 12 volts. (from Orileys)
• 2 AWG Wiring: Battery to Battery, Battery to Inverter
• 1200 Watt Inverter, Peak WorkZone 1200W continuous, 2400W peak surge (from Orileys)
• 115 Watt Solar Panel
• 1.7 cu ft fridge; http://www.target.com/p/emerson-1-7-cu-ft-compact-refrigerator/-/A-14041809

 

[highdesertranger]

ok I'll take the bait. a little background I go out to the bush every summer for about 2 to 3 months. ice was killing me every 5 or 6 days would have to make an ice run unless we were close to snow. so I was looking for options. tried the dorm fridge. my observations, very inefficient, in warm weather must turn all the way up which means running all the time which means more energy. lots more. also if you open and close the door allot same thing. second they don't like off road conditions had 1 blow a line on a washboard road, cracked line right at the compressor where it was soldered. you should have seen the cloud of Freon. you must realize these things are made in china and are not of the highest quality. so I finally bit the bullet and bought 12v refers. should have done it from the get go. I have had 2 of them for the last 4 years. no more ice runs, hardly draws any power, and the beer is always ice cold. mind you I had to add some solar panels but between the gas and time to chase ice down and spoiled food I am ahead of the game. highdesertranger