Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:

Using a household refrigerator in an RV

Thank you for your article on How the Hermetic or Sealed System Works. I have a recreational Vehicle, and have gone through two of the absorption type refrigerators in two years. I've decided to go solar and purchased a G.E. 110 volt compressor type refrigerator.

I feel there is a need for 12volt compressor Refrigerators. When the RV is in an area where there is no 110 volt plug in as when your on the road you have to convert 12 volts dc to 110 volts ac with what is called an inverter. The problem is when you hook it up at 110 volts, you need a 1500 watt inverter, just to get it started.

Have you herd of any 12volt compressors? Can you lead me in the right direction on information that will help me to build one?

I've heard of a backyard mechanic building a 12 VDC compressor before with illusions of great wealth and success but I'm not sure how far he got.

Problem is, a domestic design is not suited for an RV application. The main reason for this is that the internal mechanism of the compressor is supported on springs which will soon collapse or stretch with the constant jarring during transport. This will happen after a period of time when the springs become what the metallurgists call "work hardened" If springs were not there it would prevent you from sleeping in the same room because of the noise.

I know that semi trailer tractors use a non absorption system in some of the higher end cabs, and I believe they have a 12 volt compressor, but the truckers aren’t too concerned with noise as the main engine is often left running all night anyway. You could check the cost of one of those units, but you may find yourself better off with a standard RV absorption unit. Hope this gets you started in the right direction.