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Topic: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way (Read 305 times) previous topic - next topic
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Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Wondering whether the current mid-bath fridge is 2-way 110v/propane or 3-way 110v/propane/dc?
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #1 –
2-way.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #2 –
It's on the LD website spec sheet under Interior Coach Features:

http://www.lazydaze.com/FEATURES.PDF
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #3 –
Wonder why LD went with a 2-way fridge, rather than a 3-way fridge?
Is there a technical reason?
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #4 –
I don't see many 3 way 'fridges available. The power requirements to run on 12 VDC requires large gauge wiring, and from what I've heard, doesn't work very well. Propane is still the best choice IMO for underway cooling. Small lightweight inverters can be installed aftermarket to run the refrigerator on 110 VAC. if so desired.  There are many threads on this topic if you do a search.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #5 –
Kit, from reading old posts on this forum...
With the 3 way people didn't realize they were on 12v and ran down the batteries too fast.

Could have been a combination of things:
-- Most people don't have the better battery monitors that tell you % still available and how long you could last at the current usage (still not standard from what I understand),
-- Could have been the refrigerator on 12v was a hog (but then people also discuss the furnace being a hog, but maybe both together...),
-- Could have been with the standard batteries and standard one solar panel, the battery could not keep up (with fridge or fridge & furnace) in typical conditions,
or something else.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #6 –
PS, from what I have read in other forums, a board has been available to change your 2 way to 3 way if you wanted to do this.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #7 –
Our '83 LD had a 3-way. It also had a relay to prevent draining the batteries when the engine was off. The relay contacts fused due to high current, and the batteries drained. Once that was repaired, the alternator belt would slip from the high current needed, particularly at night with lights on too, and that would overheat the alternator and caused multiple failures and replacements over the years. Still, kept addressing and solving these issues, because it was nice to have the fridge cold for day-long drives without the propane on. Most folks would not have put up with the hassle.

Now, with our '04, I have a dedicated 850-Watt inverter and transfer switch doing the job, which works well with the beefy alternator. A lot of trouble to do the custom design and installation, but we like the saving in propane on those long drives...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #8 –
Absorption refrigerators are not terribly efficient, especially when running on electricity. The standard 6 cu. ft. fridge in most Lazy Dazes draws about 350 watts when running on 120 VAC. Use an inverter to power it from your batteries, and you're drawing 30 amps of 12 VDC. That'll drain your batteries pretty darn quick. The 3-way fridges that used to be installed back in the Eighties were also power hogs when running directly on 12 VDC, as Steve and others have pointed out--and even so, they reportedly did a poor job of cooling in that mode.

There is an alternative, although it has its own limitations: a modern 12 VDC compressor refrigerator from a manufacturer such as Vitrifrigo and Novakool typically uses only 4-6 amps of DC power. It doesn't care about being level, and it won't (as far as I know) catch fire, because there are no flammable coolants inside. And I can tell you from experience that propane usage is dramatically reduced when the fridge isn't using any. Considering the nuisance of bringing your rig to a propane dealer for a refill, that's a significant advantage.

The minuses are the cost (typically more than an absorption refrigerator) and the power consumption.Yes, 4.6 amps isn't much compared to 30 A for an absorption fridge, but it still adds up in the course of 24 hours. You'll need a decent set of solar panels and batteries to keep one of these going.

Compressor fridges aren't for everybody. But the advantages of having what is effectively a solar-powered refrigerator are pretty compelling for somebody like me. I've had these in two rigs now, and I'd never go back to the propane-fired type. (I also have a solar/battery/small fridge setup in my truck, and love having a 24/7 fridge/freezer there.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #9 –
Joan, I think it was her, posted something in the last couple years about the Energy Efficient Refrigerators, Freezers, and Sustainable Living Products -... refrigerators, saying she wanted that for her next refrigerator.  It had me drooling (and yup I bookmarked it for our forever rig).  They come much bigger (cabinet modifications needed) but use significantly less amps then the models Andy mentioned (which I also just bookmarked). 
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #10 –
I don't recall posting that site; another refrigerator seeker, I think!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #11 –
Sorry, that was Judie Ashford  who posted about the SunFrost fridge.
Though Sue Wilson posted about one back in 2015.
Joan - your reputation is so golden you just get credit for all kinds of things - like a magnet you pull credit towards you - lol.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #12 –
For an extra $100 LD put in a 3-way for me in 2006 (RM2663). For another $100 they ran a wire from the engine compartment to the refrigerator compartment which I used to run a relay in the 12V heater line. Engine off, heater no work. Fridge on DC when moving.

It works perfectly. Even with a dual battery system including lithium I still don't want to handle the power draw of a compressor fridge even tho I'd really like to have one. It is a better system.

I could add a third lithium battery but then I'd have to charge it.
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: Mid-Bath Fridge 2-Way or 3-Way
Reply #13 –
I'm constantly impressed by the depth and breadth of knowledge and wisdom here!
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)