Inherent fridge problem

Jan 27, 2013
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Getting pretty tired of having the Dometic fridge failing to freeze at high
ambient temperatures ie +30°C reading here and elsewhere that absorption
Fridges need extra cooling to work etc why should we still have to put up with the same marginal performance I had to suffer from in the 70's?.
Been looking
at Waeco compressor fridges which are advertised to work at +40odd °C
giving a freezer at -18°C, average power consumption of C2.0Ah/h,
similar prices but no gas option obviously. Sounds too good to be true
or am I missing something?
Was wondering why with
decent battery power and with occasional mains esp the motorised caravan
types, why do we still put up with Dometics offering especially in new Campers and Caravans which often have solar panels from new?

OK Rant over
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Nov 19, 2010
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Sounds great Roger - but don't they drain a lot of battery power if you're not "plugged in" for a few days at a time?
And if they're basically the same kind of fridge we have at home, when they're actually running they're not exactly silent, which might be an issue for those fo us who sleep in the kitchen (in the van, NOT at home!).
Or are they both quieter, and more frugal, than I'd expect?
 
Dec 2, 2011
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Our Waeco behaved well on our six week trip through France and Germany, never defrosted once
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once Id got used to it, you have to remember when you stop to switch the power switch on the control panel . I liked it much better than faffing about with gas.
We have two 100wt batteries and a solar panel, we managed for 5 nts off grid before moving on our last leg.

The compresser is audible but didnt keep me awake, and turning the setting down on a night it doesnt run as long .
 
Jan 27, 2013
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My understanding is that a 100l fridge uses 2.5Ah/h over a 24hr period or about half the capacity of an average 110Ah leisure battery not counting top up from a solar panel and, being a mobile camper, from the alternator. The disadvantage would be any loud noise but not being the shrinking violet type, I can sleep on a train, and have been known to drop off during a prolonged sermon
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that should not matter, and knowing subconsciously that my rum and raisin is still edible will overcome any annoyance.
I think the advantages are that Compressor fridges provide a freezer that attains -18°C even in the hottest UK or French Summer, thus enabling you to keep frozen goods in prime condition and always being cold enough for Ice cream, even in transit or on the ferry.
 
Dec 2, 2011
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Yes your right about the freezer even my ice cream stayed frozen
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but mine is only an 80ltr fridge ( I think) !! but plenty big enough for us. The noise isnt loud I would describe it as some-one running their engine at the other side of the field!!!
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and it does switch on and off, Im a light sleeper normally ! and other half can sleep through an earthquake when his hearing aids are out, and also you can get used to it sometimes Ill ' think I hope its still running' as Ive not noticed it.
 

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