Three-way fridge wasted

[concretebox]

The fridge in my 'new' RV is completely wasted. To get it back up and running would require a new thermostat and be coming unit. That's about $550. A new one is $650-$850, depending on where I look.

Eventually I'll probably buy a replacement Three-way, but in the mean time since I'll be staying on property with 110 available, I'm thinking of using an old dorm fridge I have laying around.

What are your experiences with three-way fridges?

 

[Mac J]

Just for the heck of it, turn your refer upside down for about 15 mins. then right side up. Sometimes if a 3 way refer is not level for long periods of time they need this readjustment. Its worth a try.

 

[rvwandering]

 RV fridges do a very good job of keeping food cold and are quiet and reliable but they are expensive. Ours first one failed after about 7 years of fulltiming. I don't know if this is typical but it's something to look into. You may be able to save some money by going with a 2 way - 120 volt or propane. A lot of RV fridges are being built as 2 way without the 12 volt option. When we had a 3 way we never used the 12 volt because it would drain the batteries too fast. We run exclusively on propane. Since the fridge uses very little propane it's a fairly economical way to keep everything cold and safe to eat.

 

[Willy]

 Turf the 3-way and buy a 12v compressor fridge. For the price of a new 3-way, you can buy a 12v compressor fridge and the solar panels to run it.. and it will work wayyyyyyy better than an absorption fridge. ..Willy.

 

[RV-Kitty]

Willy:  What happens when you have several dark rainy days (or more) in a row with no sun to charge the batteries?

 

[wagoneer]

 INVITE NEIGHBORS AND CHOW DOWN, (SORRY COULD NOT RESIST) I HAVE A COMPRESSOR 2 WAY AND EXTREME COOLING CHEST BETWEEN THE TWO I HAVE NOT HAD ISSUE ONE.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Usually, I have ice-packs in the freezer section, doesn't cost me anything to freeze them, and the solar panels will still charge when it's overcast, but at a reduced rate. I also have a battery isolator hooked up to my engine, so firing up the pig and driving will charge the 'fridge' battery. I plan to get an extra 120W of solar for the winter months. At present, I have 2 Waeco's, a CF-50 and a CR-50. One is a traditional fridge, while the other is a 'chest' style unit.. I prefer the latter.<br>&nbsp;If a person doesn't have enuf solar, and doesn't drive enuf to make a battery isolator worth it, than charging the battery with a genset every few days would also work. ..Willy. &nbsp; &nbsp;