Quality Control

Originally posted by DH Thanks so much for the tip on the fridge. But I have decided to let that go. I spent hours trying to get that thing to work including starting it up two days in advance and freezing things before I put them in. Even then basically using it as an expensive cooler it was pathetic. If refrigeration isn’t possible in the heat then I wish they’d just make a cabinet there so I’m not towing the extra weight for no reason. I’m thinking of converting to lithium battery and getting a compressor fridge. I only camp in isolated places with no electro so it would probably benefit me. I just have to study up. I’m a girl and have never been exposed to electrical theory. Thanks again.

Electrons don't care what gender you are.

So don't worry, we will help walk you through the process whatever you decide to do.

That being said, most folks wind up being reasonably satisfied with their absorption fridges once they get them sorted and learn how and how not to use them.

So I agree with Jato, please be sure your existing fridge won't work for you before going down the compressor fridge/lithium battery/lithium charging system route. It is going to be expensive and complex to make all the changes involved.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and I will definitely try that trick with the fridge. I also plan to look into those power modifications. I know the lithium is expensive but I’m sort of obsessed with it now. I hate the gas generator and if I can figure out how to switch over for under 2k it seems like I could camp for a week at a time width moderate conveniences like refrigerator, coffee maker and maybe tv. I didn’t mean to imply girls can’t get science. I was just never exposed to it and I have to start out with really basic concepts. Thanks again so much! That fridge trick could save me a bundle

You can get a dual 12vdc/120vac TV, they're not expensive, mount to the existing tv mount, and don't consume much energy. That way you will save having to run a generator just to watch TV. Ditto with the coffee maker, you can just get a single cup filter, heat your water on the stove, and pour it through. Or do what I do, get empty tea bags full them with the coffee of your choice.

You will need to run a generator for the microwave and/or air conditioner if you want those, whether you have a lithium battery pack or not. Those use too much energy to be practical to run on batteries and solar. (You could run a microwave for a short time if you get a big inverter but for most folks it's not practical).

I suggest you start your electrical "education" by getting and learning to use multimeter. It is a basic tool you will need to do any electrical work or measurements in your trailer. If you get one like say this which has DC current measurement capability you will be able to measure both volts and amps in your 12V system. Multiply the two together and you get watts.



meter

I think one thing people need to realize about the refrigerator is, you are not at home. I just camped in 100 + degree temps for a week. I had full sun on the wall where the fridge is. I keep thermometers in the fridge and freezer, with a wireless receiver outside the fridge. My wife likes to open the fridge, then think about what she might want to get out. You need to know what you want, get it, and close the door. My fridge was getting up to 47 - 48 degrees every day. Once I realized what was happening, I explained it, and from there on, we were running under 37. You also can't keep opening and closing it, you're camping, you need to do things differently. I also don't keep cold drinks in the fridge, that's a big problem too. Buy a quality cooler, and an ice maker or two, provided you have electricity.