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12 Volt fridge replacement

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12 Volt fridge replacement
« on: September 30, 2026, 04:16:43 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?

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CalCruiser

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Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2026, 12:38:08 pm »
Sufficient  battery capacity is the main concern. Does Phoenix still offer the Volta System option?

Ask Google Gemini “how many amps does a 12v rv refrigerator consume?”
Goin' where the wind goes...

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2026, 02:21:34 pm »
Somewhat related.....

I understand that the absorption fridge in a PC, most especially when mounted inside a slide-out with a high-mounted side discharge chimney, benefit from a low rpm secondary fan added in the chimney to increase air flow during hot weather.  Making it clear that I have no personal first-hand experience, only reading about it.  How effective is it at 90?  95?  100?  I don't know.  I hope someone with experience will chime in and share factual data.

A 12V-only fridge seems to be of concern.  Why not have a 3-way 120V/propane/12V?  This way you have options.  Back in 2007, we had a 3-way choice but decided on the 2-way 120V/propane.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2026, 02:25:08 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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LRUCH

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Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2026, 08:59:46 pm »
I waited a bit to reply, as I wanted to see what other ideas and advice was offered.  I don't have any advice contrary to what's been offered above. I can understand needing a fridge+freezer that is dependable and versatile.  With that said....


The Norcold line has been around for decades and will be for more, for good reason.  When RV'ing you may have electricity at your destination, but you need a power source when traveling. Sometimes that needs to be a power source that is fiumeless (no propane in tunnels or on ferries) ... And you may be boondocking and reserving your electrical power for lights and AC.  And that's where the 3 way Norcold excels.   TBH, I find my 2way to be as good it better than a 3 way after I upgraded to L-ion batteries.  At least I didn't spend additional money for the 3way... If the 2way quits one day, then I would consider it.


I also took the time to make some improvements to the installation of the Norcold.  Cleaned it up. Added insulation. Added positive air flow on the back side. Improved the air baffles.  It made a huge improvement.  Full details here [size=78%]https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=4820.0[/size]


This was a high return investment.




I would caution that just replacing a fridge could put you in the same place you are now, just less some cash paid for a new fridge because the problem more likely to be the cabinetry/air flow/insulation. 


The entire purpose of the fridge is to take heat out of the fridge and freezer and keep your cold food cold and your frozen food frozen.  On the really hot days if the  fridge is not able to get the heat OUT OF THE RV, a newer fridge is likely to not do it much better. 


I live in Texas and vacation often in Texas and the gulf coast Mexico to Florida on days over 100F and nights in the upper 80s. - - much hotter than California. (I used to live in Sacramento in the 90s)  I travel with rock solid ice cream in the freezer and a fridge full of produce, meats, dairy and beverages.  After these improvements I've never tossed food because it spoiled from being held at the wrong temp. And, maybe once a year I end up freezing some lettuce in the fridge because it works too well.  I just learned to not put the lettuce in the top shelf near the fins.


If you haven't read my fridge improvements writeup yet, please give it a chance. I think it is better money spent... And whatever fridge you end up with will not work as hard and consume as much energy.  I didn't record propane consumption so I can't provide evidence, but I now fill up the LP tank only once a year. I used to fill it up twice a summer and again in the winter. And I know for certain the interior of my PC is cooler since the fridge is not heating up the inside walls... I very pleased with the results.


Just my 20 cents (including inflation).


Larry
Larry

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Joseph

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Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2026, 09:15:43 pm »
I’ve had my absorption fridge spring an ammonia leak twice.  I was done and decided to try the JC refrigerator conversion.  I wish I had done it after the first time it crapped out. If I was ordering new under no circumstances would I have another absorption system.  I can’t give you a recommendation on which 12 volt but mine would definitely be 12 volt.

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Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2026, 11:46:20 pm »
I want to thank EVERYONE who took the time to reply…and to Larry specifically, I will try those recommended steps to insure food safety.  Not surprised that my questions will ALWAYS receive well thought out responses fromyou guys.

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LRUCH

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Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2026, 11:52:48 pm »
You are quite welcome. I have learned a lot from this forum and try to contribute whenever I have something worthy.


Feel free to reach out and ask questions when you work on your fridge cabinet/baffles/insulation/fan/etc. It was a big effort, but I am quite pleased with how mine turned out.


Larry
Larry