Residential frig vs a 12v/LP

[oildriller]

Newbe here. I am hearing the 12v/LP frig have a hard time cooling if you open the doors frequently. Still deciding on a reflection or S-class but wondering on what people think about Frig types and cooling? Should I upgrade to the residential type? I will be hooked up at RV parks and not much boondocking. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Cannon07]

Our last 2 have had a residential fridge and I hope to never go back to a LP. Our last one came with two batteries and never had any problems while traveling. This one only came with one and I figured I would need to install another but so far no problem after 1 1/2 years. This past Sun we drove 13 1/2 hrs. and it was 38 in fridge and -2 in freezer when we left camp ground. When we arrived home it was 38 and -2. I'm going to go a little longer on this battery and then swap out for 2 6v. It does have the truck to help keep it charged and we do not do any boondocking. Just like having your big fridge at home.

[NB Canada]

Newbe here. I am hearing the 12v/LP frig have a hard time cooling if you open the doors frequently. Still deciding on a reflection or S-class but wondering on what people think about Frig types and cooling? Should I upgrade to the residential type? I will be hooked up at RV parks and not much boondocking. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Quite positive all lines have or will be switching over to the Furrion 12v compressor fridge


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

[cfowler55]

Our first had a two way RV fridge , and we really didn’t like it , especially my wife. Cooling was inconsistent and recovery time too long. Have had a Samsung residential for 3&1/2 years now and would never go back. I haven’t had any experience with the 12V compressor fridges that seem to be more prevalent now , but I would think they should perform about like a conventional residential appliance.
Charlie

[SolarPoweredRV]

I think the key differentiator is whether you plan to Boondock or not.

For us, we like to Boondock and spend our overnights in places like Harvest Hosts. Consequently, we prefer the standard 120v/LP fridge.

For reference, just this past week we camped in the FL heat (88 degrees +) and I had trouble keeping our fridge above freezing. To be fair we had to get our fridge replaced and the new installer installed it right using all of the tricks he had learned over his 22+ year career to get the best performance out of our fridge as is possible.

That being said, we have never had much problems with our LP fridges keeping up with the high FL outside temperatures. As an aside, I don't need my ice cream frozen solid because, I like it softened up before I eat it.

I think the 12v compressor style would be an excellent option for anyone thinking about Boondocking, especially if they were planning on having at least one 100ah Lithium battery.

[Second Chance]

Just to clarify a bit... the RV absorption refrigerators don't "run" on 12VDC. They require 12VDC for the control circuits whether they are on propane or electric, but the the electric heating elements (when on shore power) require 117VAC. As @NB Canada alluded to, some lines have switched to 12VDC compressor refrigerators. Perhaps @huntr70 could chime in and tell us which lines are using this type and which may in the near future.

That said, our first 4-1/2 years full-time were with a 12 cu. ft. Norcold RV absorption refrigerator (LP/AC). We had nothing but trouble with it and had to replace the entire cooling unit once. As others have said, it cooled inconsistently. We ordered our Solitude with the residential refrigerator option (117VAC compressor refrigerator just like in a house with lithium batteries and solar to support it when not on shore power). We are extremely happy with that decision and, since we don't boondock, will not go back to an absorption refrigerator.

Rob

[huntr70]

So, everything except for Solitude and Momentum units will now run 12 volt compressor driven refers.

LP/110 refers are still available in Solitude and Momentum, along with 12 volt refers in Momentum travel trailer models and residential units in Solitude and other Momentum lines.

Transcend has been 12 volt for a while now. Imagine has transitioned to 12 volt (same Furrion refer as Transcend) and standard solar package, Reflection is also now 12 volt and standard solar.

Pic of the new Furrion side by side refer in Reflections.....

[530_Josh]

Residential fridge option was one of the best decisions we made in our 310gk-r.