Compressor fridges

Post by **Sven** » 22 Aug 2007, 18:49

i've noticed that some german vans have compressor fridges. Is this linked to the fact that they dont seem to have vents to the outside of the van unlike the vans here with MASSIVE vents which must surely let water in and start rotting.
How do these fridges differ from the regular type we have??
Auto sleeper conversion....Electrolux fridge.
Thanks
Sven

Post by **DentedDevon** » 22 Aug 2007, 20:59

A compressor fridge works the same way as a domestic fridge , electric motor driving a compressor. The system is very efficient.

Only difference is the motor is 12 volt instead of 240 volts .This means it draws 20 times the current of a 240 volt fridge , a battery may only last a few days before needing recharging

An absorption fridge is driven by heat , this is how you can have it running from 12v , 240v , or gas. The system is much less efficient than a compressor fridge (reason for big vents). A battery will only run it for a few hours.

The advantage is that running on gas it will last for many days (weeks?) on one refill. Ideal for camping , no need to worry about charging or hooking up to 240 volts.

Post by **oxford_guy** » 23 Aug 2007, 07:30

Are compressor fridges noiser or quieter than conventional fridges? Have heard good things about Waeco fridges: http://www.waeco.com. Thanks

Paul

Post by **DentedDevon** » 23 Aug 2007, 18:18

A compressor fridge for a camper is like a scaled down version of a houshold fridge (plus it runs on 12 volts). You can hear them running , but the ones I have come accross have been realy quiet . You may notice the noise more at night.

A 2 or 3 way fridge for a camper is silent in opperation , it has no mechanical moving parts.

The waeco fridges are purpose designed for the leisure market , they have tried to keep the power consumption as low as possible.

Post by **kevtherev** » 23 Aug 2007, 18:22

The early campers did not have vents just flues...deciding to vent the heat into the van instead

nice in the winter

the fridge in our sleeper freezes beer overnight on gas if not turned down

Post by **Sven** » 23 Aug 2007, 19:34

I take it then that the Westys with compressor fridges are only two way then, 12/240 V that dont have the gas option.......what do you do when rough camping....how do i keep my beer cold!
Sven

Post by **oxford_guy** » 23 Aug 2007, 19:39

Sven wrote:I take it then that the Westys with compressor fridges are only two way then, 12/240 V that dont have the gas option.......what do you do when rough camping....how do i keep my beer cold!
Sven

Run the engine now and then to keep the battery charged? Not sure how long it would take to recharge a nearly flat battery, though...

As I understand it you get at least a few days out of a leisure battery with a decent compressor fridge, though.

Paul