There are a several reasons we have considered switching to a 12-volt variable speed compressor rather than an absorption refrigerator. You are correct in that the 3-way absorption refrigerator does use some 12 -volt while using the propane function. The newer 12-volt variable speed compressors use about 5 amps until they reach the desired temperature than drops down to about 1/2 -1 amp to maintain the temperature. The biggest advantages for switching: 1) you can drive with the refrigerator on rather than the absorption where you should turn off the propane when driving 2) the compressor refrigerators cool down much faster only taking a few hours, 3) you don't have to be level for the refrigerator to continue to work efficiently, 4) you don't have to worry about the sun hitting the side where the absorption refrigerator is located. Here is the best YouTube video I have found that compares absorption, compressor, and residential refrigerator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwHU_NY0Auo&t=124sIn prior posts, a few PC owners had the company install compressor refrigerators but that was a few years ago. The variable speed compressors appear very efficient, provide more refrigerator space, and should easily fit into the same location as the factory installed Norcold absorption refrigerator.
Dave
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