Petey/59 said:
Can I convert from a 2-way Norcold DE-0061/EV-0061 fridge to a 3-way fridge?
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The short answer is no, you can't convert THAT refrigerator to work on propane, but you can install a propane-electric refrigerator in it's place if you provide proper venting to the outside of the RV for the propane flame and the waste heat.
The
Norcold DE-0061/EV-0061 is a compressor driven refrigerator that operates on 120 VAC or 12 volts DC.
Propane refrigerators use a completely different cooling process. Instead of a compressor pressurizing Freon gas to create cooling, a heat source like a small flame or an electric heating element boils a water and ammonia mixture and the resulting gasses cool the refrigerator when they condense back into liquid form.
If it was me, I'd keep that refrigerator and install some additional batteries to extend the time before you have to start the generator and recharge them. Or add some solar panels to charge the batteries and eliminate having to start the generator at all.
A compressor driven fridge is much more energy efficient than a propane fridge, making it practical to run on battery and/or solar power. It will continue cooling when it's off level and in 100+ degree temperatures, two cases where propane refrigerators come up short.
You can install enough solar capacity to run that refrigerator indefinitely for less cost than replacing the fridge.