Good video. We have a 10.7 cu ft Everchill. We also have two 200AH lithium with 600 watts solar. Our set up, with the fridge, Coleman compressor cooler and 1000 watt inverter on will use 15% of battery through the night and is fully topped off by 9:00 AM. The lithium batteries charge in a fraction of the time it takes to charge lead acid. Another plus is its frost free. It only takes a couple hours to be totally down to temp. Maybe even less. No worries about level or ventilation. Propane absorption fridges efficiency goes in the toilet in triple or above ambient temps. I would never go back to absorption style. And, one of the most common RV fires is the absorption fridges.
Great video. I don't have any issues with your recommendation of 4-to-1 for solar to battery, but for anyone planning their setup, I will say that my 360 watts keeps my 200 amp hour Lithiums topped off just great. I do have a DC to DC as well. That said, we do go to bed pretty early and probably aren't heavy clon consumption. But 2-to-1 will prob also be a decent range for most ppl. Also, the Victron app is SO much more convenient, everyone should consider it. I had a buddy who went from a compressor in one set up to a 3 way in his Norther Lite, and that thing sucked. He could never park on a hill. Also, there was some sort of alarm either on the propane or the fridge that would go off. He missed his compressor fridge!
Great feedback! Thanks for sharing your feedback and experiences. I included some additional details in the video description. Our FWC had 200w with a compressor fridge and that was a constant worry and trouble (in the winter and adverse weather).
great video, love the thorough explanations, and the sharing of clever solutions, like the latch and “freezer blocker” you rigged up. You suggested that the Isotherm refrigerators may have a better latching system. I can confirm that my Isotherm Cruise 85 stays properly latched and closed during off-road travel. And this is despite the fact that is has a center latch, allowing for hinging on either side.
Thanks! Yes, we've had 2 Isotherm fridges and no issues with the doors coming open. Seems better build quality or better suited for rougher travel. Good to hear your experience!
Yes I had a couple full Nalgene in my isotherm I forgot to buckle down before a trip and can attest the door stayed closed even though they were a terror to the inside haha
I’ve had them all and with the fridge on propane they cool very fast if you are driving down the road it keeps all the fluids get all moved around and gets the bubbles out and gets cold fast becaus they tell you to make sure level but when your driving down the road you don’t need to be level but when you stop make sure you are level .
Thanks for sharing. Propane is definitely slower to cool down. The angle issue and propane usage can be a major factor... at least for us. We travel remote and off road for extended durations.
If you’re using an absorption fridge in triple digit ambient temps it’s a problem. Absorption fridge’s do not cool efficiently period. My Everchill cools great in hot or cold weather. We’ll never go back.
Hello Sir! I own the old Electrolux 3 Way model is RM4360. the fridge needs repair as i never managed to work it on Gas. 12V or 220V works ok but is 120W/h and it is a lot it also needs about 6+ hrs to get cool, so after there is no more solar light it will drain my 100AH battery overnight. So i am in the dilemma to replace it with a 220V Sharp F class (Europe) that it says 136KWH/annual, i found a nice model that will fit exact on my old dimensions. I made the formula and this would be only 15W per hour, even if it is a little bit more is safe for the battery overnight (correct me if i am wrong).But ... i am also thinking to give the 3Way a chance and repair the gas, based on the manual it would consume 0.25kg/day so it would be around 8KG per month and this is a very good option for my 10KG gas bottle. EVerything tells me to go to the 220V Sharp Compressor fridge but if i can repair the gas on the old Electrolux would be a very good idea. Another big advantage from what i understand with the compressor fridge is that i can start it in the morning (i have 3x100W panels) and will get super fast cold even in 1 hour at least to save meat for the dinner. I have so much energy wasted from the panels during the day that i do not use and it is a shame. Even if i want to save the battery on the 220V compressor fridge i can switch it off some hours overnight or even completely switch it off and fire it up next morning. What do you think?
Compressor fridge no contest. Extremely fast to cool. Most efficient to leave on (and safer for foods) - maintain temp vs full cooling. The more packed out the fridge the more efficient. Our 200ah battery drops approximately 10% overnight including running lights, h2o pump, electronics charging and just normal use. Can operate at angles (think marine environment). We only run 12v. Probably owned a dozen compressor fridges over the years. Danfoss makes the most reliable compressors. Realistically, they just work and somewhat mindless. Highly recommend.
@@TruckCamper Yeah this is what i think also, thank you for the fast repl!. But...! I might give a chance to fix the Gas system on the old Electrolux for this summer trip and later i will mightly go to a compressor. I understand that the best move would be a 12V compressor fridge but would be lot for my budget, i used to own many years ago one portable from Englel and i know how nice they work by consuming no more than 50W/H and getting even ice in 3-4 hrs. Thanks again for you reply, i will have to look around how much they will charge for service the old Electrolux and if it's much higher than buy a 220V compressor i will have to reconsider. BTW this is the one that i was thinking on and is exact the same dimensions like the Electrolux, what do you think about the energy ? it says 136kwh/annual and for sure we will have to add more or less 5W/H for the inverter that will always have to be on: sharphome.eu/uk-uk/sj-uf088m4s-en
@@darkovsky Just watch the online classifieds for a compressor fridge. We've sold numerous over the years. Ebay. Craigslist. Facebook market. Find a good deal on a quality compressor fridge and be done.
Any problem getting it thru the door? My truck camper door is 21 inches wide. Looks like I'll have to remove the frame to get a fridge inside? My Norcold is getting old & tired.
@@TruckCamper Aha! I assumed you replaced an existing absorption fridge. Didn't know manufacturers are installing DC fridges now. Thanks for the reply!
I have had all types of fridges and you need a way to let the heat out and you do need away to let heat out even your home needs a vent to let heat out so does your home fridge reach around back and feel the heat but nobody does that with big ac unit .
These fridges have interior vents top/bottom. They are designed to be installed in cabinets (no exterior vent). Propane do need exterior vents for both heat and hazardous gas. No contest between 12v compressor fridge to propane absorption.
I used foil tape to close our lower vent. Put it on the backside so doesn’t show outside. Also put a rocker on/off switch behind the fridge so I can shut off the power.
I have 2 Lithium 100 and these batteries will run my ac for 5 hrs and when and what is really nicethe temp is out side and if is 100 out side it may only last 2 hrs. And a good thing is that 2 lithium will weight as much as one lead acid so you can use 4 lithium when you remove 2 lead acid . A DC to DC charger so they charge as you are driving. I have one solar panel that I have puts out 425 watts and that’s a lot for one panel . The dc to dc charger is the best and my5.9 diesel in my Dodge 3500 dullay will use less fuel than a lot of generators that are running wide open and my diesel would be at idle so that’s a great thing because the farther north you go the less your panels will put out .
It is impressive how efficient diesel motors can be at idle. Although it is difficult to get the same charging power a dedicated generator can provide. I've seen people run dual alternators but still a generator can produce much more. But we love the DC charger for "free" power while driving. And like you said it is essential in low sun times (like winter or snow conditions). Good stuff. Have fun!
And I forgot to add my 05 Dodge 5.9 has a fast idle and it’s like 1000 and with 2 alternators thoes lithium’s will suck the voltage out of everything and they say to wire the trigger wire so your dc- dc charger but I did not like that so I have a flush mount switch that turd red when on. I did this so everything would get warmed and my starting batteries woul get fully charged and then I would turn the charger on and the red light reminds me to turn charger off because if you don’t and the lithium will drain your start batteries in a half hour and haven’t had that happen yet. But I carry a big Norco jump box that has a light and Moria code and ports to charge phones and start a 8.6 diesel and mines 5.9 and will start it like nothing .
Good video. We have a 10.7 cu ft Everchill. We also have two 200AH lithium with 600 watts solar. Our set up, with the fridge, Coleman compressor cooler and 1000 watt inverter on will use 15% of battery through the night and is fully topped off by 9:00 AM. The lithium batteries charge in a fraction of the time it takes to charge lead acid. Another plus is its frost free. It only takes a couple hours to be totally down to temp. Maybe even less. No worries about level or ventilation. Propane absorption fridges efficiency goes in the toilet in triple or above ambient temps. I would never go back to absorption style. And, one of the most common RV fires is the absorption fridges.
Great feedback! Thanks for sharing. :)
It’s for the heat to escape out the top .
Good latch solution. Still amazed for some reason that companies don’t test their products in real world scenes.
Agreed. It would be simple for the manufacturer... much more complicated for the consumer.
Great job. Building a shuttle bus. Will do 12v now thank you for your review
It's the way to go!! Have fun
Very helpful. Thanks for the in depth explanation I learned tons
Excellent! Thanks for sharing 👍
Great video. I don't have any issues with your recommendation of 4-to-1 for solar to battery, but for anyone planning their setup, I will say that my 360 watts keeps my 200 amp hour Lithiums topped off just great. I do have a DC to DC as well. That said, we do go to bed pretty early and probably aren't heavy clon consumption. But 2-to-1 will prob also be a decent range for most ppl. Also, the Victron app is SO much more convenient, everyone should consider it. I had a buddy who went from a compressor in one set up to a 3 way in his Norther Lite, and that thing sucked. He could never park on a hill. Also, there was some sort of alarm either on the propane or the fridge that would go off. He missed his compressor fridge!
Great feedback! Thanks for sharing your feedback and experiences. I included some additional details in the video description. Our FWC had 200w with a compressor fridge and that was a constant worry and trouble (in the winter and adverse weather).
I do enjoy all of your advice and experience you share!! Your solar setup is win, especially how you closed off the roof hole. =)
Glad it was helpful! We do enjoy the solar... makes travel less complicated. :)
great video, love the thorough explanations, and the sharing of clever solutions, like the latch and “freezer blocker” you rigged up. You suggested that the Isotherm refrigerators may have a better latching system. I can confirm that my Isotherm Cruise 85 stays properly latched and closed during off-road travel. And this is despite the fact that is has a center latch, allowing for hinging on either side.
Thanks! Yes, we've had 2 Isotherm fridges and no issues with the doors coming open. Seems better build quality or better suited for rougher travel. Good to hear your experience!
Yes I had a couple full Nalgene in my isotherm I forgot to buckle down before a trip and can attest the door stayed closed even though they were a terror to the inside haha
I’ve had them all and with the fridge on propane they cool very fast if you are driving down the road it keeps all the fluids get all moved around and gets the bubbles out and gets cold fast becaus they tell you to make sure level but when your driving down the road you don’t need to be level but when you stop make sure you are level .
Thanks for sharing. Propane is definitely slower to cool down. The angle issue and propane usage can be a major factor... at least for us. We travel remote and off road for extended durations.
If you’re using an absorption fridge in triple digit ambient temps it’s a problem. Absorption fridge’s do not cool efficiently period. My Everchill cools great in hot or cold weather. We’ll never go back.
@@MoParRus340 Agreed.
Hello Sir! I own the old Electrolux 3 Way model is RM4360. the fridge needs repair as i never managed to work it on Gas. 12V or 220V works ok but is 120W/h and it is a lot it also needs about 6+ hrs to get cool, so after there is no more solar light it will drain my 100AH battery overnight. So i am in the dilemma to replace it with a 220V Sharp F class (Europe) that it says 136KWH/annual, i found a nice model that will fit exact on my old dimensions. I made the formula and this would be only 15W per hour, even if it is a little bit more is safe for the battery overnight (correct me if i am wrong).But ... i am also thinking to give the 3Way a chance and repair the gas, based on the manual it would consume 0.25kg/day so it would be around 8KG per month and this is a very good option for my 10KG gas bottle. EVerything tells me to go to the 220V Sharp Compressor fridge but if i can repair the gas on the old Electrolux would be a very good idea. Another big advantage from what i understand with the compressor fridge is that i can start it in the morning (i have 3x100W panels) and will get super fast cold even in 1 hour at least to save meat for the dinner. I have so much energy wasted from the panels during the day that i do not use and it is a shame. Even if i want to save the battery on the 220V compressor fridge i can switch it off some hours overnight or even completely switch it off and fire it up next morning. What do you think?
Compressor fridge no contest. Extremely fast to cool. Most efficient to leave on (and safer for foods) - maintain temp vs full cooling. The more packed out the fridge the more efficient. Our 200ah battery drops approximately 10% overnight including running lights, h2o pump, electronics charging and just normal use. Can operate at angles (think marine environment). We only run 12v. Probably owned a dozen compressor fridges over the years. Danfoss makes the most reliable compressors. Realistically, they just work and somewhat mindless. Highly recommend.
@@TruckCamper Yeah this is what i think also, thank you for the fast repl!. But...! I might give a chance to fix the Gas system on the old Electrolux for this summer trip and later i will mightly go to a compressor. I understand that the best move would be a 12V compressor fridge but would be lot for my budget, i used to own many years ago one portable from Englel and i know how nice they work by consuming no more than 50W/H and getting even ice in 3-4 hrs. Thanks again for you reply, i will have to look around how much they will charge for service the old Electrolux and if it's much higher than buy a 220V compressor i will have to reconsider. BTW this is the one that i was thinking on and is exact the same dimensions like the Electrolux, what do you think about the energy ? it says 136kwh/annual and for sure we will have to add more or less 5W/H for the inverter that will always have to be on: sharphome.eu/uk-uk/sj-uf088m4s-en
@@darkovsky Just watch the online classifieds for a compressor fridge. We've sold numerous over the years. Ebay. Craigslist. Facebook market. Find a good deal on a quality compressor fridge and be done.
Any problem getting it thru the door? My truck camper door is 21 inches wide. Looks like I'll have to remove the frame to get a fridge inside? My Norcold is getting old & tired.
We haven't needed to remove it. But it would be a tight squeeze or remove the door frame. It's easy to remove the door anyhow.
@@TruckCamper Aha! I assumed you replaced an existing absorption fridge. Didn't know manufacturers are installing DC fridges now. Thanks for the reply!
@@garyausher We custom ordered the camper with the compressor fridge. :)
I have had all types of fridges and you need a way to let the heat out and you do need away to let heat out even your home needs a vent to let heat out so does your home fridge reach around back and feel the heat but nobody does that with big ac unit .
These fridges have interior vents top/bottom. They are designed to be installed in cabinets (no exterior vent). Propane do need exterior vents for both heat and hazardous gas. No contest between 12v compressor fridge to propane absorption.
what brand is your 12v refrigerator? Dometic?
Yes. Dometic
Is there a way to use the foil tape to block the bottom vent without pulling out the fridge?
Not well. And it would look terrible! Pulling the fridge is easy. Especially after you do it once... go for it!
I used foil tape to close our lower vent. Put it on the backside so doesn’t show outside. Also put a rocker on/off switch behind the fridge so I can shut off the power.
I have 2 Lithium 100 and these batteries will run my ac for 5 hrs and when and what is really nicethe temp is out side and if is 100 out side it may only last 2 hrs. And a good thing is that 2 lithium will weight as much as one lead acid so you can use 4 lithium when you remove 2 lead acid . A DC to DC charger so they charge as you are driving. I have one solar panel that I have puts out 425 watts and that’s a lot for one panel . The dc to dc charger is the best and my5.9 diesel in my Dodge 3500 dullay will use less fuel than a lot of generators that are running wide open and my diesel would be at idle so that’s a great thing because the farther north you go the less your panels will put out .
It is impressive how efficient diesel motors can be at idle. Although it is difficult to get the same charging power a dedicated generator can provide. I've seen people run dual alternators but still a generator can produce much more. But we love the DC charger for "free" power while driving. And like you said it is essential in low sun times (like winter or snow conditions). Good stuff. Have fun!
And I forgot to add my 05 Dodge 5.9 has a fast idle and it’s like 1000 and with 2 alternators thoes lithium’s will suck the voltage out of everything and they say to wire the trigger wire so your dc- dc charger but I did not like that so I have a flush mount switch that turd red when on. I did this so everything would get warmed and my starting batteries woul get fully charged and then I would turn the charger on and the red light reminds me to turn charger off because if you don’t and the lithium will drain your start batteries in a half hour and haven’t had that happen yet. But I carry a big Norco jump box that has a light and Moria code and ports to charge phones and start a 8.6 diesel and mines 5.9 and will start it like nothing .