Community Forums

Martian · 05-31-2023, 08:30 AM

Went looking at new travel trailers. One thing missing from almost all of them was an absorption fridge. Has chicken little sentenced this wonderful invention that has served so well in the two centuries it has been around to death because some owners are not diligent with cleaning? Or is it because every RV fire can be blamed on the device even though it is impossible to find the origins?
Either way, potential buyers are paying much more in money and effort to keep things cold. Residential fridges may cost a bit less but there is the issue of what to do on the road. Some put things in coolers until they are set up and the fridge is cold. Others spend large sums of money on solar, batteries and inverters so they can keep the fridge running going down the road. That may sit well with some but electrical problems have always been issues in RV's and I do not think more wiring and devices will help that.
Add to that the little clause that states the unit is for fixed residential use which makes having one in an RV problematic for warranty repairs. The 12v compressor units may fare better but sill require much more power than an absorption model and may require healthier battery banks.
I have only seen three trailer fires and all three were from propane heater faults. Nobody was hurt in any of them and all three saw the fire at the heater as soon as they got outside. In all three cases the fridge was on the opposite side of the unit and it could not have been the source of the fire. Even with the owners telling fire and insurance personnel the final report said "Undetermined origin" which would further fuel absorption fridge paranoia as it did not rule it out.
If residential fridges work for you that is great. Personally, I really like my cold all the time fridge that has a backup mode of running.

bigb56 · 05-31-2023, 08:34 AM

This has been the trend for a while now and the general consensus on the forums I belong to is that it is a cost savings move by the manufacturers and has nothing to do with fire safety or end user incompetence. It's all about money, they can throw in a cheaper unit and they don't have to pipe propane to it, huge labor savings. Let the buyer worry about how they will keep it running on the 100 watt solar panel and the FLA battery they provide with the RV.

Old-Biscuit · 05-31-2023, 08:37 AM

Welcome to the new norm...........

Soon propane stoves/ovens will join the absorption fridge and be replaced with induction stove tops and convection microwaves

Romer1 · 05-31-2023, 08:46 AM

When the Norcold died in our 2000 Suncruiser it was replaced with a 10 cu.ft. residential. Fit in same space as the Norcold with a lot more room. Spent $260 to install a 1500 watt inverter and now have a cold fridge in less than an hour and runs off my 2 12volt batteries when driving down the road. Don't need coolers or ice chest.

dons2346 · 05-31-2023, 09:05 AM

And here I thought this was about uncle Sam going to get rid of the magnets on our fuel lines

tap4154 · 05-31-2023, 09:12 AM

I'm sure it's just cheaper and easier for builders to source cheap residential refrigerators, and load more batteries. To me, the absorption fridge is perfect for RVs, unless you're a full-timer usually parked with hookups.

Wbago97 · 05-31-2023, 09:44 AM

I replaced a Norcold with a Magic Chef. More usable space and better temperature uniformity using 1/3 or less of the electricity. I wouldn’t see a reason to want to go back to adsorption fridge even when boondocking.

jaydee325 · 05-31-2023, 10:09 AM

We have a residential fridge. 8 batteries and properly sized inverter/charger.

Would never go back to absorption fridge or propane.

We dry camp frequently for up to a week and have no issues! We don't have solar either.

tap4154 · 05-31-2023, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wbago97

I replaced a Norcold with a Magic Chef. More usable space and better temperature uniformity using 1/3 or less of the electricity. I wouldn’t see a reason to want to go back to adsorption fridge even when boondocking.

When boondocking with an absorption fridge on propane, it uses much more electricity than a residential fridge? Please explain.

twinboat · 05-31-2023, 10:21 AM

A residential fridge uses 1/3 rd the electricity compared to an absorbsion fridge on 120 volt shore power.

Dry camping, the absorbsion fridge on propane and 12 volts is the clear electricity saver but your also burning propane.

Romer1 · 05-31-2023, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap4154

I'm sure it's just cheaper and easier for builders to source cheap residential refrigerators, and load more batteries. To me, the absorption fridge is perfect for RVs, unless you're a full-timer usually parked with hookups.

My 10 cu. ft residential can go for around 15 hours+ on just the 2 wet cell house batteries in 80 degree weather. Lost power last year while visiting relatives We lost 120 volt sometime during the day. Discovered the outage about 7PM and couldn't get power back until 8AM next day. Ran on the 2 house batteries all that time without killing the batteries.

tap4154 · 05-31-2023, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

A residential fridge uses 1/3 rd the electricity compared to an absorbsion fridge on 120 volt shore power.

Dry camping, the absorbsion fridge on propane and 12 volts is the clear electricity saver but your also burning propane.

But it only sips propane. The only time I have the absorption on 110 is when plugged in at a campground, using their power. To each their own, but for dry camping, and being a typical 3-4 day camper, it suits me. Also carry a nice ice chest for drinks that stays cold for up to 5 days.

tap4154 · 05-31-2023, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer1

My 10 cu. ft residential can go for around 15 hours+ on just the 2 wet cell house batteries in 80 degree weather. Lost power last year while visiting relatives We lost 120 volt sometime during the day. Discovered the outage about 7PM and couldn't get power back until 8AM next day. Ran on the 2 house batteries all that time without killing the batteries.

But an absorption fridge could have gone forever on propane, leaving your batteries free for other functions.

Wbago97 · 05-31-2023, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap4154

When boondocking with an absorption fridge on propane, it uses much more electricity than a residential fridge? Please explain.

I get your point, but if I already plan to need an inverter and batteries and a generator it seems the electrical demand of a compressor residential refrigerator can be met easily while the performance of the fridge is better.