Community Forums

spinnaker84 · 11-27-2022, 09:32 AM

Has anyone connected an absorption fridge to a Bluetti power station to use while running down the road. I don't want to run propane while driving to keep fridge cold.

If so, how did you set it up. I am thinking I could run an extension cord from the back of the fridge into the camper and plug in the Bluetti.
Any thoughts?
thank you

Jay D. · 11-27-2022, 10:04 AM

i run my frig on propane from the time i leave home until i get back, might be a month or more. i will switch to 110 at a campground if available. thousands of people do this. why is it that you don't want to run it on the road? i don't see anything wrong with useing the power station (BUTTEI) as long as it stays charged. and you get it hooked up right. is it going to run the frig on 12 volt or 110 volt?
i took a 5CF freezer with us when we went to Alaska to put all the fish we caught in. put it in the back of the truck. i have a 3500 generator on the rear of my T/T and ran a extension cord under the T/T and up to the freezer. my plan was to run the gen on the road to keep the freezer cold for the week travel home. NEVER used it, DIDN'T catch any fish!!!!!
PS i looked them up and they sound like a good setup, rather expensive. sure would solve the noise problem. i'm going to do some more research.
Jay D.

Old-Biscuit · 11-27-2022, 10:16 AM

Which Bluetti power station ???

Fridge AC Element is going to be 285W - 440W depending on Brand/Model of fridge
3A to 5A when energized

AC is NOT very efficient on Absorption Fridges

Why no propane?
Propane systems are safe, have built in safety features and have been used for decades
*If not safe to use in transit I wouldn't feel comfortable using it while stationary

Should post info about your RV also.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 11-27-2022, 10:22 AM

spinnaker84-

First off, welcome to iRV2!

Second, you should add a "signature" to your profile. It contains whatever info you want; most people put info about their RV there, so they don't have to type it into each message. Instructions for adding a signature are here.

Re: Bluetti. I used a Bluetti EB70 to power a 10 cubic-foot residential refrigerator when 120VAC shore/generator power was not available. The startup current was 6A and steady-state current 0.5A, both at 120V. A propane/electric absorption refrigerator uses electric resistance heaters when cooling in 120V mode, so I'd expect higher steady-state current demands than 0.5A; you'd want a larger Bluetti model.

For wiring, I wired a second outlet behind the refrigerator, running an input cord with plug inside the motorhome to the Bluetti. I would manually swap the refrigerator 120V plug between the house and Bluetti-supplied outlets.

rarebear.nm · 11-27-2022, 10:24 AM

I have always operated out frig on propane while driving. Switching to shore power when I can.

IMO- there are much greater dangers lurking on the road besides worries about propane frig operating.

Dave Pelletier · 11-27-2022, 01:59 PM

I run my fridge on propane while driving and have no concerns about it. Turn it off when refueling, on a ferry or other situations that call for it. An absorption fridge takes quite a bit of power to run on 120v and a Bluetti is really just a lithium battery.....I'd spend money on upgrading my house batteries and solar before buying one of those.

theoldwizard · 11-27-2022, 03:05 PM

I would assume that your absorption refrigerator is connected to your house battery. Just add a good DC-DC charger.

spinnaker84 · 11-28-2022, 05:42 AM

thanks for all the replies

Yosemite77 · 12-05-2022, 03:27 PM

This video might prove useful for the OP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RraxjVpLhUc

RonandDeb · 12-07-2022, 06:20 AM

I have the same 2000ah Bluetti that's in the posted video. Personally, if you don't have a really good use for it, other than the fridge, I wouldn't haul it around. That thing is a beast at over 60 pounds. It's bulky and even with two handles it's a pain to move around.

I'm actually thinking about selling mine as it just sits in my family room.

As others have stated, I too run my propane when traveling. I can certainly understand though why you are hesitant and if you don't feel comfortable, then don't do it.

It's your rig and you use it however you like

fcbbob15 · 12-07-2022, 06:52 AM

I would just use propane. I have run my absorption fridge on my solar system with the battery bank and inverter. It does work but is a power hog. Normally just use propane. Easy and safe.