Motorhome and Campervan Fridges and Freezers

Poole based VW T6 camper converters Uberbus have just launched their latest conversion which features the Vitrifrigo C37L top opening 12 volt fridge.  The conversion is on a short wheelbase VWT6 and features their UBERBUS Flux rock and roll ribbed seat converting into a full width bed. By using a 12 volt top opening chest fridge, installed by the sliding door, Uberbus have kept the interior looking open and uncluttered while ensuring that the fridge is always easily accessible.

Positioned by the sliding door allows you to easily access the 12 volt fridge from outside the van or under an awning. With the addition of their kitchen unit which attaches neatly on the side allows you to cook alfresco with the fridge and cooker side by side – see image below.

At night the full bed is easy to set up and covers the whole width of the van with the mattress cushions running down the side and over the top of the 12 volt fridge lid. However, the mattress is set up to allow you to easily lift the corner to get to the milk for the morning cupper!

Installation of the Vitrifrigo C37L 12 Volt fridge

The C37L has a remote compressor and Uberbus have mounted this behind the fridge by the wheel arch. It requires 144cm2 ventilation in and out of the compartment that the compressor is located. This can be achieved with vents back into the living space and/or with floor vents through the vehicle floor allowing cool air from under the vehicle to be drawn up to the condenser on the compressor. This is particularly good if you have any plans to take the van to the south of France or beyond where the ambient temperatures are higher.

So How Efficient is this 12 volt fridge?

So what about power consumption?  In UK summer 25 degrees Celsius we would expect the C37L to consume at little as 1/2 an amp per hour. The compressor will run at 2.3A and should only need to run for around 15 minutes in the hour to maintain 4-6 degrees in the fridge.  This would equate to about 12-14 amp hours in 24 hours so with a 75 amp hour battery (37 hours of power), you would have more than 72 hours of power to run the fridge before you need to put any charge back in the battery. So even with a relatively small leiaure battery you have more than enough power to park up for a long weekend of surfing, cycling or simply chilling out!  Add a 40W solar panel to the roof and you will generate enough power in the day to run the fridge indefinitely – how cool is that!

So if you are thinking of a conversion and conversion with bed sized maximised, but still giving you decent fridge storage and cooking options, either within the van or under the awning contact Clough at Uberbus. Or if you are looking for inspiration for your own conversion then check out the Vitrifrigo 12 volt fridges top or front opening via the link below: www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/shop/category/vitrifrigo-12-24-volt-top-opening-fridges-freezers/