Best refrigerators according to redditors

I am a r/VanDwellers and live from a van that has a fridge (cooler-shaped, 12v/24v/120v Dometic 65-quart fridge/freezer combo), a little Camco camp toilet, pressurized hot water tank for dishes and bathing,a Camp Chef dual-burner propane stove with oven that uses Coleman tanks or a white tank, and a modest ($1,300) solar setup...

I've lived completely off grid and mobile since August 20 17 until this past Winter because cold and snow!

With a double bed across the back with regular linens, storage for clothes and tools and cooking, power outlets, I have all the comforts of home.

Not counting the van, my complete setup was about $3,500.

The Prairie Schooner can be disassembled in a day and all the components can be applied to a cabin - as soon as I get some land (LOL!) for said cabin - leaving a regular cargo van for work or resale.

2007 4Runner here with 50qt ARB on 24/7.

I went with the single big battery option as the dual battery option was too expensive and heavy for my tastes. I purchased the Batteries Plus X2 AGM with 990CCAs. Basically a rebranded Northstar and I have had zero issues/complaints over the last 2 years. Your fridge power options are as follows:

1. Buy AGM battery and leverage factory wiring from 12v in FJ. Probably need to do the "constant on" mod to make sure the fridge always has power. I would not leave it in the keyed "on" position all night. You might wake up jumpstarting your battery more than is probably ok with risk to damaging the battery. If it's like my 4runner this is a pretty simple mod. The issue here is the factory wiring is too small to consistently supply power to the fridge. Ok during colder months, but during the summer it's too weak. The ARB has a built in voltage detection which will kill power to the fridge if it determines the power is too low. I found that the inadequate factory wiring made this kick on a bunch and not fully power the fridge. Cannot speak to other brand fridges. YMMV
   
   2a) Buy AGM battery and wire directly to the battery. This is probably the BEST option for your requirements and is a really nice "pay it forward" to the next owner. This can be easily accomplished with the ARB Wiring kit from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10900027-Arb-Fridge-Wiring/dp/B0742LV4JW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2I28YIX4TSEC&keywords=arb+12v+socket&qid=1564509490&s=gateway&sprefix=arb+12v%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-4
   
   2b) Buy AGM battery and wire directly to the battery yourself if you can get the materials for cheaper. Make sure you use at least 8ga wire. Anything smaller and you run into power issues in option 1.
   
   
2. Some sort of external power like a GoalZero or other battery bank. No mods to the truck, no batteries to buy, but damn those things are EXPENSIVE. The upside here is you could take this with you from vehicle to vehicle, but if you're going to buy one might as well cry once and pony up for the big boy.
   
   If you're constantly driving you should not see any issues with killing the battery. Here in VA with the summer heat I can usually let the truck sit 24-36 hours before I need to go out and start up the truck. 36 hours is REALLY pushing it. In the winter the truck can sit for 3-4 DAYS before I think about starting it up.
   
   Good luck!

Spend the bucks on an actual compressor refrigerator when you can, or you will end up spending that much on ice.

The biggest issue with solar and camping is that most campgrounds have tree cover that makes solar useless. Where are you planning to use it? Will you be able to park your vehicle there, or will you have to move the panels and run a wire to your battery?

The most useful setup, honestly, would be an auxiliary battery in your vehicle with a solar panel you can use to maintain it. That way, if there is no solar at your campsite, you can still charge it with your car. The battery will have to be sized to run the fridge all night long.

A fridge like this will use about 0.55 kWh/day (computed based on this. That means you need a battery rated for 0.55 / (80% inverter efficiency) / (80% cycle depth) = 860 Wh, or 12V/71Ah. That's about the size of an SUV/diesel car battery (I have some BMW 105Ah batteries myself).

The bigger problem is how to replenish this with just solar. A 100W panel will only generate about 500Wh of electricity a day, so you will likely need 150W, and a good sunny place to put them.

Total budget is looking like $200 for panels, $100 for battery, $50 for charge controller, $100 for fridge, so somewhere between $300 and $500 total.

Here you go!

Then yeah, a good quality UPS would solve that problem. Probably going to cost you north of $100 though. Or you could get a nicer fridge and sell off the old one cheap.

UPS:

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-1300VA-Line-Interactive-SMART1300LCDT/dp/B00AX9Z7W4/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473445980&sr=1-4&keywords=ups&refinements=p_89%3ATripp+Lite

Fridge:

https://www.amazon.com/Igloo-FR326M-D-BLACK-Erase-Refrigerator-Markers/dp/B01D151EFA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473445936&sr=8-2&keywords=mini+fridge&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

One of these (Dometic RV fridge/freezer, top-opening)

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1480386758&sr=1-3&keywords=rv+fridge

I got the cfx 65 for my 140" sprinter: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=pd_cart_rp_2_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8VA9R0WQ7PWHFTM1TBD4

I was quite happy it came in grey.
You're welcome, glad you found it useful. More info at the blog next to my name.

You're most welcome! I bought the following:

4x100W Panels

Panel Mounting

Solar Panel Connectors

Tool Crimper

Assembly Tool

Panel Connectors

Power Information

CTEK Charger

CTEK SmartPass

200ah AMG Battery

Fuse Block

300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter

LED Strip

Dometic 35 Fridge


I bought all these items with research into my solar needs and following the advice from here in the vandwelling subreddit and also information I gathered from Amazon. I am probably doing a bit of overkill on my solar setup but I thankfully have the money to do it and don't want to mess with adding anything later.

I will have to do research myself on how to combine the four panels into the battery but that will be a few weeks away so I haven't done much in that area. I do plan to buy 10GA wire from Lowes and use the crimping tool and connectors to form my own wiring harness so it will be clean looking. \

EDIT: Adding info.

It's kinda pricy..

Dometic CFX-65DZUS Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 61 Liters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e82gzbQNP9S6Z

Actual 12v refrigerators are pricy, but they are the real deal. I'm talking popsicles on 100 degree days.

Sadly I'm still slumming it with the tiny base model top/bottom freezer/fridge. But one of my life goals is to have one of these monstrosities: https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-Built-Refrigerator-Freezer-Stainless/dp/B013XG06QA

Actually that's pretty attainable albeit extravagant. If I were rich I would go for a full sized walk-in.

Well if you want to use a traditional fridge you will need a big system. But if you go with a fridge like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K

Those can run nearly indefinitely on a car battery and a 100 watt panel.

05 Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van/132k miles, SOLAR, 158 wb $25000 (East Sacramento)

Imgur Mirror Link



>2005 Mercedes / Dodge Sprinter Camper Van

>Clean Title

>132k miles

>Highly Desired 158 wheelbase with 5 cylinder T1N engine, runs great and gets

>25-27 mpg!

>No DEF fluid needed (pre 2007)

>Come join the amazing Van Life world with this ready to go Camper Van! We

>spent months meticulously setting up this van to be simple and functional

>while still providing luxuries such as a sink, comfortable bed and

>refrigeration.

>We used this van for countless climbing trips, mountain biking and ski trips.

>Large diesel tank and great gas mileage. Very comfortable for long trips.

>AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth stereo with upgraded speakers. Kept up on maintenance,

>fresh oil change and brand new smog certificate all completed at Kniesel's

>Auto Service. Rebuilt AC unit last year.

>We really love this Van (named Pedro) however it is the point in our life

>where we need to buy a home and settle down- this Van still has a lot of

>adventuring left in its life, it just needs a new home!

>Converted into camper van with the following items!

>Front passenger swivel seat

>Solar System:

>2 Renogy 100 W Solar Panels

>Renogy MPPT 20 Amp Charge Controller (MPPT is %30 more efficient, equivalent

>of a 3rd panel!

>155 Amp Hour AGM Gel Deep Cycle Battery

>-The solar powers the fridge, vent fan, lighting and charges your phone/runs your laptop etc with no problem in California! In the Northwest you may want to add a second battery or third panel which would be very easy to do for under $500. However in CA we have had no problem with power.

>Inverter:

>Tripp Lite APS750 Inverter / Charger 750W 12V DC to 120V AC 20A 5-15R 2 Outlet

>&gt This inverter will allow you to run AC power and it also functions as a

>Converter so you can charge your battery by simply plugging in to a regular

>power outlet! (You shouldn't have to charge from an outlet unless you are

>completely in the shade for several days)

>*I was an aircraft electrician and completed all the electrical work myself. All components are properly fuzed and grounded safely. I will include an easy to follow diagram of the system

>Refrigerator:

>Dometic CFX-35US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 34 Quarts

>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T36NUYA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp psc=1

>&gt High efficiency refrigerator that runs completely off solar.

>Fantastic Fan Ventilation

>Custom built butcher block counter tops with fresh water faucet

>Custom built cabinets and drawers

>Custom built Bookshelf

>Laminate flooring with rubber flooring in the rear for storage

>Custom built bed with mattress

>CO Monitor

>Fire extinguisher

>Tire Chains

>tags: freightliner promaster 2500 1500 158 170 140 diesel RV campervan camper



 

2005 mercedes-benz sprinter cargo van|
:-
condition:good|
cylinders:5 cylinders|
drive:fwd|
fuel:diesel|
odometer:132500|
paint color:white|
title status:clean|
transmission:automatic|
type:van|


---
^| ^I'm ^a ^bot ^| ^For ^bug ^reports, ^suggestions, ^or ^if ^you ^want ^me ^in ^your ^sub ^message ^/u/Vendigroth ^|

My dad knows the seller, the seller almost never used it. I'll probably still get it checked out though.
I like the idea of a chest freezer. The top loading is obviously a plus. However, I did find this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N142GLI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3HNFJPL3ZEWY1&psc=1
What do you think?

Also, after insulation is installed, can I use wood or plastic paneling for the interior?

Hell, if you are gonna go there you might as well go there.

I have a Dometic CF-35 that draws 4 Amps when running (48W) but it only runs 1/4 or less of the time, so that would come close to your requirement.

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-35US-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00T36NUYA/

But, it's pretty large.

The CF-18 is somewhat smaller outside: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B0136TQ65Y/

The CF-10 is smaller, still: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B005X97OHA/

Technology for DC fridge compressors has changed. I got rid of my 3way fridge and bought this Nova Kool 3.5 cubic foot 2way fridge for my Alaskan Camper. The DC compressor is amazing.I just got back from a 3.5 month trip driving around in Central America - think hot and humid - and the fridge never had a problem keeping up and making ice! I have one 160 watt solar on the roof, and a portable 80 watt that I used maybe 10 days. I'd spend anywhere from 1 to 6 days in one spot. While I was driving I also used a Dometic in the back seat of the truck for cold water, beer, and a place to store cold groceries on the road.

Anyway, the DC compressors have come a LONG way in the last few years. Pricey though.

The specific refrigerator is This One. It plugs into a 120VAC power source, but it can run off a 12VDC power source as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012EGZ9S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not to sure what could be causing it. Probaby won't get to far trying to figure out what it is unless you tear it apart and you know what you are looking for.

Haier is an option it is inexpensive as fuck.

I'm not a big fan of Haier or Danby or Avanti but those are the ones that will be around your Price Range. Frigidaire makes a 1.7 that is going for 250~ right now.

Maybe something like this fits your specs?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9A4MHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_0ZZzCb8NNJW9M

Or this:

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/isotherm--cruise-42-elegance-refrigerator-black--18912543

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-RF265BEAESR-Capacity-Refrigerator-Hub0153/dp/B06XKTTG8Z/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=samsung+smart+fridge&qid=1566434240&s=gateway&sr=8-2 this is my fridge if you need it

Kimchi fridges are big business in Korea. And not necessarily just mini:

https://www.amazon.com/Dimchae-Kimchi-Refrigerator-DPEA-427TRT-Standing/dp/B07FSSDBPK/

I will be freshman at Texas A&M this fall studying Aerospace Engineering. I'm going to need an Ethernet cable to connect my computer to the university internet :D
There's really no hope for me if I can't have internet :P
For you, every awesome dorm HAS to at least have a mini fridge! :)

Lots of good suggestions here. The meal plans are a huge ripoff compared to cooking for yourself. In addition to the dorm fridge and microwave that everyone seems to have I would recommend getting a small freezer, an electric kettle and a slow cooker/crock pot.The kettle is great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ramen in a hurry. A ten lb bag of chicken leg quarters can often be found for under ten bucks. Throw half a bag in to the crockpot (and the other half in the freezer) and you have a meal for yourself and a few friends.

Not actually "pure" nicotine, but probably 100 mg/mL nicotine. Much more potent than what you'll find in your normal bottles of e liquid. If I were a parent with small child I would keep my concentrated nicotine in a fridge with a lock and key or combination lock (example) for safety or just not DIY at home. It would probably also be worth showing them the safety equipment that I use because and explaining that they shouldn't ever go near my lab supplies. Actually talking to your kid is a big help.

> the heaviest fridge you could find isn’t over 300lbs

Not sure what your problem is, but here you go.. This took all of 1 minute on Amazon to find, by the way..

307 lbs

320 lbs

331 lbs

364 lbs

A real compressor fridge costs money. Sure, you can buy all kinds of crappy coolers for less but if you want a real fridge you are probably not going to get something really decent under $399.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J165FTO/

I'm looking at this refrigerator, which draws 43 W.

And this solar panel produces 100 W.

If the solar panels can produce more power than the refrigerator requires, wouldn't it be possible to power the device irrespective of the voltage/amperage, since I can convert the voltage/amperage with converters and all?

I've got a smallish apartment fridge like this (fridge) found it gently used on craigslist for $100 and a small space heater, then an arduino and raspberry pi setup with fermentrackto control the temps.

Dometic CFX-65DZUS Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 61 Liters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Un59ybCA4FZ1K

Someone asked for links because they are lazy. Understanding this issue at a deep level, here you are:

Dometic 90QT (what I'm considering) https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-95DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B01GEK9ZAK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Dometic 65QT: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478720&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=dometic+portable+fridge

Arb: https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10800472-Fridge-Freezer-Quart/dp/B002Q1INDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478738&sr=8-1&keywords=arb+portable+fridge

Whynter: https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-62DZ-Portable-Refrigerator-62-Quart/dp/B008VX01P2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478772&sr=8-2&keywords=whynter+portable+fridge

I’m looking at something like
https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-Built-Refrigerator-Freezer-Stainless/dp/B013XG06QA
Or
https://www.amazon.com/SABA-Heavy-Commercial-Reach-Refrigerator/dp/B01FRKS0AY/ref=sr_1_19?crid=QPOV5V9GU39P&keywords=commercial+refrigerators&qid=1570401807&s=appliances&sprefix=Commercial+re%2Cappliances%2C196&sr=1-19

Thanks.

https://smile.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-50US-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B01ENA4ZE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522194318&sr=8-1&keywords=Dometic+CFX-50US&dpID=51zix8%252BNzHL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

How do you pull 790w from two 325w panels? Or are you saying you have some 100w panels in the mix also? I'm fine spending money to get a decent charge controller so no problem there. I may just go with the one 330w panasonic for now. I'm trying to power a fridge, two fans, charging phone/laptops, and occasionally running the sound system. What do you think?