12V mini fridge

[very_bland]

Howdy all

I don't really have the need for a large fridge in my van, but a mini fridge would be usefull for weekends away just for eggs, bacon, butter, milk etc.

If I got a 12v mini fridge such as this one:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... FRIDGE.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

anyone know if it would last the weekend on a leisure battery?

Cheers for any help!

[jason k]

doubt it very much

[very_bland]

Ha ha, ok ta Jason!

[very_bland]

Optimistic I know but how about with a cheap solar panel?

[Plasticman]

I have a red one got it for about £20 forgot why we bought it, anyhow I will have a look later on and see what the consumption is if its any help
mike

[jason k]

i had a 12v cool box and it ate the battery in a few hours.

get a gas fridge

[kevtherev]

yes gas is king.
there are gas fridges out there, try caravan breakers

[very_bland]

Right thanks all! You have to cut a hole in the side of the van for a vent with gas don't you?


Thanks a lot Mike but looks like its a no go, so no need. Cheers though!

[AngeloEvs]

The only 12V electric fridge that can be used on a leisure battery is the compressor type such as the Waeco available from around £200-00 +. Expensive but they work and won't flatten your battery even if left on all weekend. Those cool boxes reduce temperature by approx.18 degrees but inside temp of a van on a sunny day can easily rise to around 35 degrees......save your dosh, you will still have warm beer, runny butter, sour milk (and a flat battery!) but in an expensive box!

[very_bland]

Cheers for the info! I'll keep an eye on ebay for a cheap, decent Waeco then!

[jamesc76]

quote="very_bland"]Cheers for the info! I'll keep an eye on ebay for a cheap, decent Waeco then!

[/quote]
You'll be lucky if you do!

[very_bland]

Oh

If "compression" fridges draw less power, can a normal household compression fridge not be used with a good inverter? Or am I being a complete tool?
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/produc ... ation#spec" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Little compression fridge like that for e.g?

I know that you are not supposed to move household fridges while they are turned on (which would obviously be a problem if it was being driven around while on) but if it were turned off the prescribed time before you move (drive off) would this not scoot round the problem?

I didn't do well in physics so please tell me if I'm talking piffle!

I just can't really justify, let alone afford 200-400 quid for milk in my tea, and 2 days of meat/dairy while camping!

Thanks again!

[Plasticman]

In that case keep a nfew ltrs of longlife milk, cant taste tell the dif in tea ncoffee etc, coolbox is all you need then , get a good one, chill the stuff before hand and fill the spare space with more ice packs, freeze a carton of the longlife as well in stead of more icepacks.
that will be good enough for 2-3 days no probs.
No a domestic will not work for you so dont go there.
No you will not find a cheap comp'unit on fleabay
No you wont find a new comp unit under £350 imo
Mike

[AngeloEvs]

Seen domestic compressor fridges used in the USA running off an invertor but they seem to have what they call 'table top fridges' for drinks. The 12V types (such as Waeco) use low energy compressors and its these that push the price up. Mine draws around 0.4A/hr set to about 3 degrees and its fine for UK summer wild camping for max 4 or 5 days!

[very_bland]

Right thanks again... I think that's pretty much case closed then!

Cheers to all who helped, your knowledge and opinions are massively appreciated!

I'm going to keep an eye on ebay anyway