3way frig.

[dchris]

I have a three way frig. Propane, 12v, 110v. It seems to work fine on 110v and propane, but on my last trip out I left it on 12V for the drive out and my battery was complely discharged after a couple of hours. My battery still takes a charge and runs others items normally. Any ideas?

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 3way frig.

Doesn't sound like anything too unusual. RV fridges that are run on 12V have to be very carefully managed because they are very hungry for power and have been known to often drain and kill a battery.
Usually they are ok with the power bit so long as the vehicle is running at speed and fully charging. Never run it on 12V while the vehicle is off.
What kind of main battery are you running it off of? Heavy Duty? Deep cycle? or? What kind of vehicle?
BP

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: 3way frig.

I was afraid to read this post. A three-way frig??

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 3way frig.

I know in my RV, the 3 way fridge will drain the deep cycle RV battery in a few hours as well. They're the worst thing you can have for energy consumption. I typically move mine to propane if I'm without power for an extended period.

 

[j_martin]

Re: 3way frig.

110 is for when you're at a hookup. Propane is for camping in the outback, and 12 V is for keeping the beer cold while you're driving and the propane should be shut off for safety.

It's basically a flame fired amonia setup, and the electric side of it just runs heaters instead of a gas flame. Quite inneficient, can see it draining a battery in short order unless it's getting a constant feed from the alternator.

hope it helps
John

 

[Turin]

Re: 3way frig.

I have this Peltier element 12 volts cooler,

It can run on my car battery for more than 8 hour's and the battery isn't dead yet
But it is unable to start the car.
There for i have this build in motorcycle battery, it has enough power to start the car when the battery isnt completely empty.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: 3way frig.

The 110v and 12v options use two seperate elements. The 12v element in those 3 way fridges are typically between 100 - 125 watts, that's akin to leaving the headlights on. The 12v option is there to maintain the heat transfer, not improve it.

The best way to utilise the 3way is to run it on 110v at home for a few hours before the trip, then switch to 12v during the trip, then switch back to 110v or propane when you have arrived at your destination. Propane is (by far) the most efficient heater.

In oz, we use 240v instead of 110v. The 240v option is on par with propane.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 3way frig.

That gets me thinking...On my new RV it only has propane or shore power to run the fridge.Its a Dometic...should it run on 12v also?
Nothing in the book mentions it.
I know it runs fine on propane while going down the road.
I get it good and cold before leaving for a trip.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 3way frig.

That gets me thinking...On my new RV it only has propane or shore power to run the fridge.Its a Dometic...should it run on 12v also?
Nothing in the book mentions it.
I know it runs fine on propane while going down the road.
I get it good and cold before leaving for a trip.

You got the 2-way fridge. I'm surprised the salesman didn't let you know/upgrade to the 3-way.

But like stated above, the 12V option is power hungry and most settle for running on propane while moving.