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How do I choose between a compressor and absorption trailer fridge?

Please take a moment to watch the video below for step-by-step guidance, or follow the step-by-step written directions.

If you need additional help, our After Sales team at Escape Trailer will be happy to assist you. You can submit a support ticket using this form. 

1. Identify Your Fridge Type

  • Absorption fridge (common in RVs)

    • Often called a “3-way fridge”

    • Can run on:

      • Propane

      • AC power (plugged in)

      • DC power (battery)

  • Compressor fridge

    • Works like a home fridge

    • Runs only on electricity:

      • AC when plugged in

      • DC from batteries when off-grid

 

2. Understand How Each One Works

  • Absorption fridge

    • Uses heat to cool a chemical solution

    • No moving parts

    • Heat source = propane or electricity

  • Compressor fridge

    • Uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant

    • Has moving parts

    • Cools faster and more efficiently

 

3. Decide Which Is Better for Your Situation

  • Choose an absorption fridge if:

    • You plan to be off-grid (“boondocking”) for long periods

    • You want to rely on propane instead of electricity

    • You don’t have a large battery or solar setup

  • Choose a compressor fridge if:

    • You have a strong battery system and solar panels

    • You want faster cooling and better temperature control

    • You are often plugged into shore power

 

4. Understand Power Use

  • Absorption fridge

    • Uses almost no battery power when running on propane

    • A 20 lb propane tank can last weeks

  • Compressor fridge

    • Uses less energy per hour

    • BUT draws power continuously

    • Needs reliable batteries/solar when off-grid

 

5. Use Your Fridge Safely While Driving

  • It is generally safe to run a propane (absorption) fridge while driving

  • Important safety rule:

    • Turn off the propane fridge when stopping to refuel

 

6. Use It the Right Way

  • If you have solar + batteries → compressor fridge works great

  • If you want long off-grid trips with minimal power worries → absorption fridge is best