RV FEATURE
may find a more efficient fridge that consumes less power . There could be variations in the effectiveness of the insulation , meaning the compressor cycles less than another fridge .
At the end of the day , you might be able to find a domestic fridge that consumes slightly more or even an equal amount of power over time as a dedicated 12V RV fridge . The price will almost certainly be cheaper too .
Powering an electric kettle like this one rated at up to 2200-watts from an inverter will test any battery setup . Probably best to use your gas cooktop and a regular kettle when free camping
But here ’ s the deciding factor . Domestic fridges are designed to be placed inside a dwelling , where they remain stationary for the majority of their life . In a caravan or motorhome , they are constantly on the move and subjected to endless bumps and vibration . Twelve-volt RV fridges are designed for these harsh conditions . You would have to question how long a domestic fridge would last in this environment and , if it did fail , would the manufacturer honour the warranty ?
IN SUMMARY
Inverters are fantastic devices that allow us to take all our technology and modern conveniences with us while free-camping . It is easy to see their appeal . But like most things to do with RV electricity , they are not a set and forget item .
They do a great job but at the expense of battery capacity , and owners need to understand that before buying one or having it fitted to a new caravan .
For most applications , an inbuilt inverter with dedicated power outlets will be sufficient
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