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General Discussion / Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« on: October 09, 2026, 10:13:33 pm »Hi all! Just spoke to the Mothership regarding ordering a new PC with a 12 volt fridge installed. Keith is a straight shooter when asked anything PC related and said while they will install a 12 Volt of our choosing, there are known issues regarding low battery voltage causing failures in these units.
We love our absorption Norcold but not practical for the type of specialty food we eat in that we live in the Central Valley of California. The absorption fridge will cool to around 40 degrees from outside ambient temperatures and we love hot weather! ( well, we love to boondock in summer so we have no choice😂). Since it’s usually mid to high nineties obviously we have a problem keeping our food sufficiently safe.
What think you fine folks about the 12 volt option?
I had two gas refrigerators in a TT and a PC. Both failed. I do not like those refrigerators. Keeping them level, proper outside rear cooling, uneven internal cooling are my dislikes. I cannot buy another RV with a gas refrigerator. I have been looking at fiberglass TT’s. Most of them and most TT’s now have 12 volt compressor refrigerators standard. Gas ones are becoming obsolete. Keith is right about low voltage battery. However, I believe if one gets a 12 volt refrigerator one must have lithium batteries, 200 amp/hour minimum along with 400 watts of solar to charge them. This arrangement allows better range of use for the batteries supporting the refrigerator. I believe PC still installs non-lithium batteries in their units. They will run down quickly powering a 12 volt refrigerator. Thus Keith’s comment. Unfortunately, adding lithium batteries also requires upgrading; solar, charger, protection and wiring upgrades. A DC-DC charger should also be considered. If one considers a 12 volt refrigerator I recommend going to an established service company specializing in lithium conversions to get evaluation of your system and what upgrades would be required.
