LPG Frig in van. Level??

[James AKA Lynx]

Looking at some of the RV Frig's and the manual says to be within 5 degrees level. and 3 degrees the other way. Any body uses these off level ??<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[wrcsixeight]

What do you want to hear, that people ignore the manual, park on steep grades with no issues?<br><br>I've heard that unlevel operation is a cumulative damage thing with absorption fridges. &nbsp;The more off level outside those 3 and 5 degrees, and the longer it is operated off level the more damage, until the cooling unit needs replacement.<br><br>My 12v compressor fridge says upto 30 degrees, no problem.<br><br><br>

 

[Willy]

Yup, used 'em for years and then wised up and got a 12v compressor fridge. Use them more than a abt 3 deg off level and you end up screwin' up the fridge and.. it'll still be using propane, but not cooling. Buying new, they cost as much or more than a compressor fridge and I picked up my used (but in GREAT condition) Waeco fridge for $220. Get some solar happening, which you'll probably want done anyway, a battery and.. yer laughin'! ..Willy.

 

[Zil]

They fail when operated off level. They do operate ok while driving, not on propane, though.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Anybody rig up leveling device for the Frig only?<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Willy]

If you plan on getting a new fridge, why are you looking at an LPG one? ..willy.

 

[bee]

You sure they actually get damaged by being used off level? &nbsp;I thought they just don't cool well when off level.

 

[IGBT]

they could get a build up of crystalized something (I forget what) inside the cooling tube mechanism if operated off level for a significant amount of time.&nbsp; It will clog the tubes and stop the absorption cycle from working properly.<br><br>I don't know how long it takes to build up...some people have no problems with these fridges for 20+ years of use.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Having an LPG Frig you will not have to charge batteries.<br><br> Another question. If the outside temp is below 30 F. Will they work?<br><br>One report was when the outside temp was below 20 his LPG frig did not work but heated.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[highdesertranger]

james they have a hard time in cold temps,&nbsp; propane all by itself has problems in cold temps.&nbsp; &nbsp;also use allot of propane in high temps.&nbsp; they don't like to work out of level.&nbsp; you don't have to charge batteries but you have to buy propane.&nbsp; in the desert in summer heat 100+ degrees, &nbsp;a 20 lb bottle will not last a week.&nbsp; do yourself a favor and listen to everyone here and get a 12v and solar you will be so happy. &nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[wrcsixeight]

Modern Absorption fridges need 12 volt to run the circuit board.<br><br>On another site, a guy with a class C and a large &nbsp;absorption fridge measured 18 amp hours per day, just for the fridge.<br><br>That is what my compressor fridge uses with ambients in the mid 50's night, high 60's days

 

[James AKA Lynx]

OK, DC frig it is. I do have one, Waeco Coolmatic 19 qt. 7 amps at 12 volts. should run 10% of the time per the manual. I did not find this to be true. So it uses a lot of amps in the summer. More than what my 80 watts of solar panels could handle.<br><br>How many amp hours per day would I be expecting to use on a small frig?<br><br>Thanks, James AKA Lynx

 

[wrcsixeight]

7 amps at 12 volts is in the realm of 6+ cubic feet fridges. &nbsp;Mine pulls 2.5 amps at 12.6, and runs under 30% of the time.<br><br>That small waeco should use no more than mine, and in theory considerably less.<br><br>But even &nbsp;7 amps and a 10 percent duty cycle is within the realm of what 80 watts of solar could do, in summer anyway.<br><br>These danfoss compressors have adjustable compressor speeds, from 2000 to 3500 rpm. &nbsp;The faster the compressor speed, the faster it can cool contents placed within, and will have a shorter duty cycle. Most efficient is the slowest speed which keeps less than a 50% duty cycle.<br><br>I removed the resistor from my T stat circuit to reduce speed from 2500 to 2000.<br><br>Only with heavy use in hot weather will my Vitrifrigo c51is exceed 24 amp hours per day, but I have added 3/4 inches more insulation to both the fridge and cabinet&nbsp;

 

[IGBT]

I tested my 6.2 cuft absorption fridge and it draws less than 50mA for the circuit board.&nbsp; That is 1.2AH per day.<br><br>The guy whose absorption fridge circuit board was drawing 18AH per day...how fast does he go through vacuum tubes on that 1930s model???<br><br>

 

[Willy]

I have a Waeco CF-50 and it draws nowhere near 7 amps.. and I could run it off 45w of solar with no problem. ..Willy.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Thanks Willy. Mine is a 2008 and I have not ran it for years. I need to start it up and see what it will do. <br><br>Do you have this insulation wrap?<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[IGBT]

When we are comparing gas fridges to compressor fridges, are we all talking about the same size?<br><br>50 liters is what these little compressor fridges are, right?&nbsp; That is less than 2 cuft...

 

[highdesertranger]

7 amps seems way to high.&nbsp; I run 2 engel's 40 qt and they don't draw near that.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[James AKA Lynx]

I did start out discussing LPG Frig but due to the level problems and the inability to operate much below freezing, I have dismissed the lpg frig's. I have moved in to DC. I currently own a 2008 Waeco. <br><br>I am seeking info on what people are using with their DC frig and what Amp/Hrs usage and Solar panels needed. So much of this is general due to things like outside temps, insulation, how many time the frig is opened, temp of items before putting in the frig. And how much sun you get or gen battery charger time. <br><br>My problem with solar panels have been with clouds and shade from trees.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Willy]

I've added extra insulation, though not much,since it was lying around and didn't cost me anything. I actually have TWO WAECO's, a fridge and a cooler. ..Willy.