3 way fridges

[j-top paj]

not sure if its the right section, can Scott or Jet-6 move it if needed?



im looking at fridge options for my yacht, and am considering one of the 3way gas/12/240v style fridges.. something like a waeco or similar..

the question is, do they draw too much current to be usefull?
or should i just use it on Gas? (ventilation??)

id ideally like a 21L engel but its hard to find one at the right price so im considering other options.. and at $400 for a brand new one, these fridges have caught my eye..

i currently have a 150AH (main) battery and 40AH (AUX) battery on board (may be changing this setup, see other thread)


i need it to be able to be used for a weekend away without too many dramas

[-Scott-]

I have no problem with this being in Auto-Elec, but you'd probably get better coverage elsewhere.

AFAIK, gas fridges need to be level & stable - I don't think they work too well otherwise (but work REALLY well when set up right.)

Everything I've heard suggests they don't work well on electricity, and the only one with which I've had experience (small "bar" fridge, about 16 years ago) was absolutely pathetic on 240V.

That's probably not really relevant, but asking questions is a good place to start.

Good luck,

Scott

[j-top paj]

(but work REALLY well when set up right.)

set up how? like sitting on level surface at a campsite etc???

its only a 26footer so will be affected by passing waves etc... would that be enough to give me trouble??

Everything I've heard suggests they don't work well on electricity, and the only one with which I've had experience (small "bar" fridge, about 16 years ago) was absolutely pathetic on 240V.

ive heard they arent the best on 12/24V but nothing about 240v..


thanks for the info Scott.. il have to look into it further and get some specs from a few models im considering.....



any one else??

[drivesafe]

Hi j-top paj, if you have the ability to run a 3 Way fridge on gas it will work well.

They also work well on 240vac and the usual practice is to run the fridge on 240 for up 24 hours before you set off so that the fridge is cold.

On 12 volts, they can only keep the fridge at what ever temp it was at when you switched over from gas or 240 and the reason they have to be pre cooled.

Also, on 12 volts, your battery set up would be lucky to keep the fridge running for much more than about 12 hours because 3 way fridges draw anything from 10 amps up, continually.

In your situation, you would be much better off with a compressor type fridge.