I have a Nova*Kool fridge in my coach/rv that I really like. It uses a 12-VDC compressor and R-134a as a refrigerant. It draws between 1 and 5 amps per hour at 12-VDC depending on the ambient temperature. This is for a 5.5 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer (3.5 ci fridge/2.0 ci freezer). Their smaller units use even less power. They are designed for use in boats and will run at up to a 30-degree angle without any problems.

Their 120-VAC option is nothing more than a regulated 12-VDC power supply with a built-in transfer switch, I wouldn't get it but would install a small battery charger to used when connected to shore power.

(http://www.novakool.com/products)

My Vanagon Camper has the stock portable Dometic RC-160E fridge which is also a great unit, but very hard to find. I've used a yellow-top Optima as an aux battery for the last 3-years and would recommend it. The Dometic draws between 6 and 8 amps at 12-VDC and the Optima can still keep it under 40F for 6-8 hours with +90F ambient temperatures.

As for the relay, the stock relay for my auxiliary battery stopped working in my camper and I replaced it with a standard 30-amp relay without any issues. $49 for any 12-VDC relay kit is out of line.

Good luck,

Tim

Tom DeMarcus <papa_tom@BELLSOUTH.NET> wrote:
Folks,
I've begun camping more and plan to run fridge, stereo, interior
lights, maybe power inverter from auxiliary battery. GoWesty sells kit
for 49; recommend Interstate 41 battery. Can anyone recommend fridge?
Tom, Atlanta

TJ Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
1981 Bluebird Wanderlodge, FC-33
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album
FAVOR website:  http://home.earthlink.net/~clubvanagon

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