Refrigerators

This may be something I need to post in an overlanding forum (if you know a good one let me know).

I want to get a refrigerator. I have a camper shell and do a lot of camping and would like to put a fridge in. Have any of you done this? Can I have one running 100% of the time? My truck never sits, I drive it M-F and usually both weekend days. My only concern is if it will drain the battery.

Also, if you guys do have them, which ones do you have?

 

Lots of people have them. Mine is very old - probably from the early 80s. I run it on propane but it can also run on 110v and 12v.

Lots of variables to consider but the short answer is you’ll likely need an aux battery unless you get very small fridge.

Edit: I’ll be switching mine over to 12v and I installed a solar panel to keep the battery topped up, and will also be installing a second battery.

 

Which solar panel setup did you go with? I am OK for not having an aux battery if I use that, correct?

 

It depends entirely on how much you use it. I could see the stock battery easily being drained overnight especially if it’s warm out...

 

I mounted a renogy 100w panel to my roof rack.

You’ll have to do some math. Someone else can tell you for sure, but I think it’s amps x volts = watts, to figure out how much you’ll be drawing.

 

I run one in mine. I have a dual battery setup set up with blue sea ML-ACR to isolate the auxiliary battery when parked. I run a group 27 AGM secondary battery rated at 75AH. I was able to run the fridge full time as long as I drove it daily.

Blue Sea Systems ML-ACR 12V DC 500A Automatic Charging Relay with Manual Control

$203 Blue Sea Systems 7622 ML-ACR 12V DC 500A Automatic Charging Relay with Manual Control, Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VIXLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eE4tCb2C24DRS

Now I have 100watts of solar permanently installed on the truck that I can expand to 400watts (temporary mount) on extended trips. I also added a second (removable) auxiliary battery. I seldom have to worry about power with that setup as long as the weather is good.

Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit w/ 100W Solar Panel + 30A PWM Negative ground Charge Controller + MC4 Connectors +Tray Cable+ Mounting Z Brackets for RV, Boat

$120 Renogy 100W 12V Solar Panel Starter Kit, 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, 30A LCD PWM Charger Controller, Adaptor Kit, Tray Cables, Z Brackets for RV, Camper, and Other Off Grid Applications

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFCNFRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lG4tCbTDV604V

I run a Whynter 45 quart fridge/freezer mounted on passenger side rear seat back. I would recommend an insulated cover no matter what fridge you get. Really helps with efficiency. I only run my truck set up like this through the spring and summer..

Whynter FM-452SG Elite 45 Quart Slimfit Refrigerator with 12v Option Portable Fridge/Freezers, One Size, Gray

FM-452SG 45 Quart Slimfit Portable Refrigerator, AC 115V/ DC 12V Real Freezer for Car, Home, Camping, RV-8°F to 50°F, Charcoal, Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F88ANYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sF4tCb1RKV283