Fridge? 3-way or ??

[jaydeb]

How do I run the fridge while traveling? It is a 3 way fridge, right?

[Festus2]

jaydeb -
Modern RV fridges are only 2-way, 110V AC or propane. Almost everyone on this forum uses propane to run their fridge while travelling. You won't find fridges operating on 12v other than in marine applications or other portable-type fridges.

[Bob Landry]

The 12V systems are all compressor type. The last number I read for the DC drain on a gas refrigerator was something like 17A per hour to operate the heater.

[Halibutman214]

jaydeb -
Modern RV fridges are only 2-way, 110V AC or propane. Almost everyone on this forum uses propane to run their fridge while travelling. You won't find fridges operating on 12v other than in marine applications or other portable-type fridges. Not to get off the subject at hand here and with all due respect the fridge in my Lance 830 is 3 way as is the one in my sisters Fleetwood.

[fla-gypsy]

3-ways are not as common but they do exist. Most travel trailers and 5th wheels have 2-ways.

[gepaine]

Festus2,

My 2010 Forest River R-POD had a 3-way.

[Festus2]

Sorry guys for going down the wrong way on a two-way street (or should I say 3-way) :o
That's what happens when you talk before you think.
I stand corrected.

[Halibutman214]

Your a stand up guy Festus. I really enjoy your being a part of a great forum.

[reubenray]

Just curious, but what is the third way? I know electric and then propane are the two.

[SAD]

Just curious, but what is the third way? I know electric and then propane are the two.

A/C power
12v / Gas
12v only <- Not common in larger, 6-8+ cu ft 2 door fridges. Mostly in smaller single door fridges like the size you might find in a popup.

In these less common models, the 12v controls the board, and also provides power for the gas absorption heating element.

[SteveC7010]

How do I run the fridge while traveling? It is a 3 way fridge, right?

Do you know the model number and manufacturer of your fridge?

Do you have the manual?

[rjsurfer]

Be aware that if you have a three way the 12v dc side draws a lot of current, and the cooling power can be limited by the gauge of the power line running to the fridge AND how much battery charge you have.

By accident I ran our fridge on 12v for just six hours and wound up with a dead battery but at least the food was still cold:( And that was while I was pulling the trailer and getting a small charge from the trucks DC side.

ron W.

[christopherglenn]

Other then on a ferry, where would running on 12 volts be a benefit? If it would kill the battery in a few hours.

[SteveC7010]

Other then on a ferry, where would running on 12 volts be a benefit? If it would kill the battery in a few hours.

You've pretty much answered your own question. For most folks, running a fridge on 12vdc is not very useful as it draws the battery down so much and so fast. I don't see much benefit at all.

I'm surprised to hear so many folks that have them and in fairly new trailers.

[hankpage]

Other then on a ferry, where would running on 12 volts be a benefit? If it would kill the battery in a few hours.

Most RV 3 ways draw about 15 amps 12 v DC. If your TV supplies that or more there will be no drain on the battery at highway speeds.

12v DC is the least efficient method to operate the fridge on.