3 way fridges on camper trailer - best procedure - touring and camping

[AB]

Ok, I have never owned a camper before or never had a 3 way fridge before either.

I'm after any info on the best way to run the 3 way fridge...

Here is my understanding...

You can't run the fridge on gas on the road so I was thinking of running it on 240V for a few hours before I leave home and throw the chilled food in just before you leave. Possible throw in a frozen bottle of OJ if needed too.

Switch over to 12V for the journey and then switch to gas when you arrive and set up camp...

What does everyone do?

Also, how safe is the gas on the fridges...lol...I'm a paranoid unit and would hate to be out 4wding all day to return back to camp with a flaming camper!!!

It's a fairly new (One or two year old) Electrolux....

Any advice appreciated...

[Maxhead]

Sounds about right Andy, that's my understanding as well. I had an exhaust fan installed in mine to get rid off the heat at the back of it . It makes the fridge more efficient which means colder beer :)
Gas is pretty good I think, don't hear of too many caravans or campers burning down...LOL

[the evil twin]

Snip...

I'm after any info on the best way to run the 3 way fridge...

Here is my understanding...

You can't run the fridge on gas on the road so I was thinking of running it on 240V for a few hours before I leave home and throw the chilled food in just before you leave. Possible throw in a frozen bottle of OJ if needed too.

Switch over to 12V for the journey and then switch to gas when you arrive and set up camp...

Also, how safe is the gas on the fridges...lol...I'm a paranoid unit and would hate to be out 4wding all day to return back to camp with a flaming camper!!!



Hi Cobber,

Last bit first... they are extremely safe when on gas. I haven't heard of any 'flaming' mishaps for years now.

First bit last... yeah, you pretty much have it. When on gas they need to be level, stable and ventilated. They are an "absorption" fridge not a compressor driven jobby (well, at least all the ones I have used/seen) so they won't pull down as far below ambient or be as efficient on 12 volts but the upside is the miniscule amount of gas they use.

They are what they are... Enjoy... :thumbup:

[AB]

Thanks guys, I did read about the camper needing to be spot on level and heard if not level can cause serious damage.

I noticed the previous owner had put a hinged spring loaded flap at the rear of the fridge on the side of the camper which must be used for better ventilation.

Scared the pants off me when I opened it as he put the tightest spring in and it shot out like a jack in the box nearly slapped me in the face...LMAO

[Bob]

The Fridge in my Camper is only 240V and Gas.
I run it on 240V for a couple of days before the trip with food etc loaded.
Usually only travel for 4/5 hours and fridge will hold fairly well for that time.
Should be reasonably level when on site. Camper Vans are fairly easy to level.
By the way I dont think that when on 12V the thermostat cuts it out so watch you dont freeze.
Uses very little Gas and mine is not set above setting 4 as it will freeze easily.
Mine has a ventilation panel at the back of the Fridge and have never had any problems with overheating

[AB]

The Fridge in my Camper is only 240V and Gas.
I run it on 240V for a couple of days before the trip with food etc loaded.
Usually only travel for 4/5 hours and fridge will hold fairly well for that time.
Should be reasonably level when on site. Camper Vans are fairly easy to level.
By the way I dont think that when on 12V the thermostat cuts it out so watch you dont freeze.
Uses very little Gas and mine is not set above setting 4 as it will freeze easily.
Mine has a ventilation panel at the back of the Fridge and have never had any problems with overheating

Cheers Bob.

If you were to start yours off from room temp on gas how long would it take for the fridge to reach 4 degrees?

[Bob]

Cheers Bob.

If you were to start yours off from room temp on gas how long would it take for the fridge to reach 4 degrees?

Never done that but I would guess 1 to 1/2 hours .

I have mine out at the moment so will test that over the next couple of days

[pearcey]

If you run it on 12 volt while travlling I would fit a 12 volt motion cut out switch in the circuit . These swithes cut out 12 volt supply when the vechicle is stationary .These 3 way fridges draw heaps when on 12 volt and are not that efficent. But they are very efficent on gas.If you forgot to change to gas from 12 volt ,or stop for an hour or so for lunch you may well end up with a flat battery.

[AB]

If you run it on 12 volt while travlling I would fit a 12 volt motion cut out switch in the circuit . These swithes cut out 12 volt supply when the vechicle is stationary .These 3 way fridges draw heaps when on 12 volt and are not that efficent. But they are very efficent on gas.If you forgot to change to gas from 12 volt ,or stop for an hour or so for lunch you may well end up with a flat battery.

Good idea mate, thanks for the tip. That is something I would surely forget to do when stopped...lol

[Wizard52]

I've had a 60lt 3 way one for 20 years. Bought it new from a specialist repairer and he advised to run it on 240 volts for 3 or 4 days before you leave so insulation gets cold before you put food in. I don't run it on 12 volts but as soon as we get to camp,(up to 6 hrs) it is the 1st job to set it up on gas. Uses about 500grams gas a day on freeze so close to 3 weeks on a bottle Coldest part is at back near the top so and fish fillets have to be placed against inside wall to freeze quickly and you need to leave gaps between food/bait so it is not a solid mass lower down to keep everything frozen. Makes great fridge with dial turned right down.
If on the move regularly, a 12volt compressor type of freezer is far better. We have 70lt Trailblazer which is magic- uses so little power.

[AB]

My brother still has the old family Trailblazers....Bloody strong fridges, that one has seen the sites for over 25 years too.

Thanks for the tips!