LPG Drawer fridge for a teardrop galley?

[t3jem]

I've been searching online, but haven't found one. Was wondering if anyone here has had any luck sourcing an LPG powered drawer fridge.

I like the idea of a pull out fridge that is really small. The best I could find for a small LPG fridge is here: https://www.amazon.com/SMETA-Mini-12V-1 ... op?ie=UTF8

If I could get smaller that'd be great though as I think that one is pushing the limits of my galley space.

[John61CT]

These can be found for $4-600
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dometic-CD-030 ... 2734894977

might be discontinued?

[t3jem]

That is exactly what I want, except powered by propane rather than dcv.

I don't plan on having a large battery on my camper, nor running the generator often, so I'd like one that can use propane instead.

[John61CT]

Propane requires much more precise levelling, and can't (shouldn't) be used in transit.

The old-school 3-way Absorption type units, mains to pre-chill, 12V while in transit and gas while parked (level) off grid,

are the best for your case. But in a height that low, never heard of such a thing.

Maybe build a custom box and fit the guts off one?

Or just design around a smaller cubicle one.

But these days, compressor fridges are really taking over the market, for good reasons.

Then again many make do with a super-cooler, will you really be away from civilization more than a week at a time?

[Socal Tom]

FWIW, I run my CF35 fridge on a standard 85 AH Walmart marine battery. If it’s charged when I leave home, I make it through most normal weekends without needing to recharge. ( the lowest it’s gotten is about 45% based on watts used and voltage). If I need a recharge, a few hours on the generator gets me back above 80%.

[greygoos]

What size generator are you using? For weekend travels I use a thermoelectric cooler and have a 50 ah. Although they dont take temps from warm, I prep my meals at home before leaving and freeze them. It usually works well for me for short trips. Lat winter on a 3 month trip down south I used solar when I dint have electric

[GuitarPhotog]

Propane fridges have a flame and must be vented top and bottom when operating. Can you do that in a pull out drawer??

[t3jem]

Ya'll bring up some good points. I especially wasn't thinking about the venting issue (I of course have a vent in the cabin, but wasn't considering venting for the fridge).

Perhaps it would be best to instead get a larger battery and an efficient fridge.

Looking at batteries it seems I can expect to pay ~$250-$400 for a 200Ah deep cycle battery. So with a constant load of 4amps (that seems to be the load I've seen for most efficient RV 12V fridges) I should be able to get through 2 full days.

Does anyone have any idea how often a 12v fridge will be running at full power on a warm (~80F) day?

[John61CT]

A small efficient compressor style fridge will use 20-40Ah per day in coolish to moderate ambients. That's with duty cycling under / around 50%, so many variables though.

Used as a freezer can double that easy.

Adding extra insulation helps.

Ensure good cooling ventilation of the condenser / electronics.

Keep it full, e.g. water bottles rather than air.

Minimize number of openings per day.

[Socal Tom]

Ya'll bring up some good points. I especially wasn't thinking about the venting issue (I of course have a vent in the cabin, but wasn't considering venting for the fridge).

Perhaps it would be best to instead get a larger battery and an efficient fridge.

Looking at batteries it seems I can expect to pay ~$250-$400 for a 200Ah deep cycle battery. So with a constant load of 4amps (that seems to be the load I've seen for most efficient RV 12V fridges) I should be able to get through 2 full days.

Does anyone have any idea how often a 12v fridge will be running at full power on a warm (~80F) day?

A lot depends on whether its in the sun, whether you keep it full. Do you keep adding warm stuff to it ( drinks to cool down etc). Mine uses about 25AH per day. This review shows most average about 1 amp per hour. https://gnomadhome.com/best-12v-portabl ... preadsheet

Like I said above, I get by fine with an 85 amp hour battery for 2 to 3 day weekends. FWIW, my CF 35 holds as much as a 50quart cooler (allowing for ice). I keep it full, but I will add drinks from my cooler once the ice melts in my drink cooler.
Tom

[GPW]

Not to mention all the FIRES started by those 3 way refrigerators ( IRV) … for which they sell a $1000.00 extinguisher system … By the time you’re done protecting yourself , getting the replacement Amish unit , and fire prevention, you could have bought an Ice House …