First of i am showing how to use a domestic 240v fridge in a camper not how to convert it to 12v the purpose of this video is to help people that can not afford the expensive RV fridges. I help people thats what i do! How many people have you helped today?
@@BigVanSmallWorld actually two people with their car , Ive also rescued a hedgehog , now in my spare room getting warm and eating ! and caught and returned two runaway huskies heading for the high street ! All before ten am ! ! Soo 😝 to you and your dodgy wiring ! 😁
@@keswickadventure It is perfect like it is!! thats the way people who are looking for complicated ways to use cheap fridges in their bus will find this video and be happy
This is fantastic to know. Although you have demonstrated that without a load, the inverter goes low amp, there is nothing in the description/specs of the inverter that touts this information. It should be shouted from the rooftops for us vanners!
Hi Mel. We've been using a 240 volt fridge in our van for a couple of years now. Powered by a 2000 w inverter. The fridge is an A++ rating so very economical power wise, and our inverter uses very little power when not "working" The main reason for getting the 2000w inverter is that compressor fridges need a lot of power when the compressor kicks in. Our fridge was about £9O from Amazon a couple if years ago. So well done for making people aware they don't need to spend loads of money on a campervan soecific fridge.🙂👍
Good morning, Mel, You must be aware that, like me, every viewer was expecting a secret magical trick to converting a 240V fridge to a 12V fridge. A more fitting video title would be "How to Run a 240V Fridge in a Campervan" or "What Inverter to Use to Run a 240V Fridge." There's a small device that only costs £5 online. It's a temperature switch that works like a thermostat. You can adjust the settings to make it switch on and off at any temperature you choose. This would have been a lot cheaper than buying a dedicated inverter for the fridge. Coupled with a 4-pin automotive relay, it would have been a more practical way to run a 240V fridge. You could consider making a video about that to benefit those viewers who are now searching everywhere for the "Smart Inverter," which has been discontinued. I’m sure you’ll agree that a video like that would be more beneficial than merely entertaining. I must admit, though, I watch your videos to learn but enjoy the entertaining side more. The cheap £5 device is called “(12V/24V) Digital Temperature Controller Digital Thermostat Electronic Switch Heat.” It's selling on eBay for £7 but available elsewhere for under £4. I use the same device to control my DIY water heater-a domestic water storage heater that I converted by replacing the 240V heating element with a 12V (300-watt) heating element. It would be great for your viewers to see how cheaply they can use a 240V fridge in a campervan without killing the battery. As for the entertainment side of your videos, I even enjoyed watching you cook. Haha, I thought you might start another channel about cooking in campervans! I’m looking forward to your video about the weekend at the campervan and motorhome event.
@@punkypixie6970 as shown in the video , use an inverter. you will need large battery capacity and solar system for when you are off grid. it all depends on how much battery AH you have. I just use a cool box with ice for cheese, butter and milk. I dont store food in fridges or freezers, there are supermarkets all over. if anything needs a fridge to be stored I buy and use on the same day. also, when on out in a campervan. never needed a fridge or freezer in a campervan.
Interesting, but now we need a vid testing how much power the fridge + inverter use over a 24 hours - and compare that with the 12v fridge in your van. The important thing is not whether you CAN run a 240v fridge in a van, but the power consumption.
Uploaded even whilst at Vanlife, I’m impressed. Sorry I’ve not had chance to say hello, every time I saw you both you were chatting to someone else. Nevertheless nice to see you both and Monty, maybe next year lol.
Good afternoon becky and Mel I love you and your building your new campervan I hope you are all well and enjoying your building your new campervan I love watching your videos of you and your building your new campervan please keep up the good work up on your videos on your you tube channel
Mel even Easier, Its the Ampage that powers the Fridge, if you can switch its class to class two (12v) buy using a down lighter ballast that you would find in a kitchen light. The Ballast Converts 240 down to 12v Volts. Ballast for kitchen down lighter ftom wickes is £18 I use these ballasts hooked up to my inverter and it converts all 240 power down to 12v class 2 no earth required on applicance only at inverter. Just buy loads of 240 ballasts class 2 kitchen downlighter ballasts converts 240 -12volts And wire them up into a 240 double socket for each ballast and socket around rhe van and you have a socket that will power everything at 12v but easily enough ampage.
Hey Mr Mel That mastic tape you recommended was useless Stuck some trim on the side of of my van with it,came back a few days later the trim was on the floor😡 That's £11 you owe me😉
I used to have a 500w inverter to run my 240v fridge which worked most of the time, but every now and then these fridges surge and pull over 500w for a about 30 seconds which seemed to trip the inverter. They claim to be 1000w peak but can only manage if it's a split second. I upgraded to a 1000w inverter and it's been working ever since.
Very interesting video great how you converted it 😊 it’s the same as mine but mines 12v, but does have 240v connection at the back. cost me £585 three years now the best fridge freezer I have in my campervan narrow boat fridge freezer all the way no way getting a campervan fridge freezer there ridiculous expensive and tiny 💙
What I've found is if you put a 12v supply - jumpers, booster or charger - across the first battery in a 24v system it will work also as long as the both aren't too fully drained. I also found that the first one also goes bad first.
Dont know if its just me but your Amazon link goes to a 1000W £99.99 inverter. You will need to clear your browser cookies to show this as it may go to the correct inverter on your browser. Great idea Mel Thanks
Thanks Mel, I’ve been waiting for this video since you mentioned it some time ago, inverter ordered via your link, checking out fridge. On a different subject bluetti have released the D40 add on for the A200L ( which I have ) which turns the 48v socket into a very useable 12 volt supply amongst various other things. Sadly not available in u.k yet but everywhere else. Perhaps you could have a word. Love your videos mate.
Great vid. Made me think of other options. Is that particular inverter pure sine wave? Given the loss of efficiency with inverters i wonder what sort of life an expensive lithium battery could have using inverter vs using a 12v fridge, if you also ran a load like a diesel heater most of a night?
The titles a bit cheeky mate! I thought you would be swapping the compressor or modding the electrics? Been looking forward to this idea but that’s not converting the fridge at all :/
@@SACREDTRAVELLERSo are you saying you’d rather make videos that are a bit misleading to get the views over content that’s genuine and gets viewed by less people? That’s a sorry state of affairs if that’s how it works now. I for one watch through my subs list not just what’s suggested so I’d always have it pop up in my feed anyway. Im just disappointed with this one as it’s something you’ve spoken about doing for a while and I genuinely thought you’d be converting a domestic fridge to 12v not just plugging it in to an inverter.
Hi Mel, just do like I do and use one of your solar generators, I use a Bluetti eb70... It makes no noise and uses only 50w when fridge kicks in. Btw the Amazon reviews says it does not go into standby, and I can't see where it states that it does? 🤔
This may help me with my current situation, the question I have and didn’t see it in the comments or may have missed it… How long do you find that the battery lasts running this? If you have solar how much do you think you would need to be putting back in to keep the battery at a good level for other items running in the van like lights?
There are so many variables it’s impossible for me to answer this question. But for me I have 610wt solar and and the fridge will run 24 7 no problem at all
I just got a 12v fridge freezer for my van and I thought about this, but I didn't want a full size fridge I wanted a good size but still to fit in my kitchen and full size wouldn't of worked so I spent £330 and I don't regret a penny of it.
Mel how are you going to make it work while running the van off bleutii tho? I'm thinking this is good when you use DIY system but if you're using power bank as main source of energy then how does it work?
It goes off in the tube so seal it well after use or use it all up in one go, sika tends to be slower to go off in the tube if left after it's opened 👍
Use a micro timer switch say 15 min in every hour from your existing inverter or a thermally operated switch something like an inkbird ( better suited to converting a small freezer to a fridge ) freezers work better as they are better insulated
Littlebit misleading title: Not converting a fridge to 12V but running it on 12V via converter. Not new - but nice tip with the "smart" inverter. By the way: are you running your second system on 12V - why not 24V, as the vehicle voltage?
Usually listed as "smart" inverter but read the description to make sure it auto detects a load, some manufacturers use the term smart to cover the USB port power levels ! It's a minefield TBH 👍
So, I've got the fridge, got a renogy 1000w inverter, and it's drained my battery to 56% and inverter started beeping. Have had to turn it off, which is not ideal, as I thought this would of worked treat. So what's happening, what am I doing wrong, (my battery is approx 6 yr old, lithium)... Others have suggested a new battery??
Hi there. My 5 year old setup draws zero when cold and about 6amps when running. (Fridge freezer). Sterling power products did a comparison test a few years ago. The big difference really is the initial cost.
Hi there @ dirt-digger if you’re replying to me then I have to explain that my freezer and inverter has been rewire so that when cold enough the stat turns off the inverter completely.
Hi Becks & Mel, LOL, I was really hoping to see you both at the Van Festival today. I got my tickets after buying a van for my conversion, but it broke down on the first day. After getting it repaired, it broke down again the first day I picked it up. I ended up returning it for a full refund. Then, I bought a second van and started installing windows and heating, making good progress on the conversion. But disaster struck again yesterday when the second van broke down-seems like the handbrake mechanism inside the wheel hub failed. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it fixed in time for today. On a positive note, after watching your latest video, I did purchase the fridge you recommended! I'll have to wait until the next show you're attending to catch up with you both. Please get in touch; I'd love to come down and stay with you for a short time. All the best to you two, and keep up the great work!
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Hi Mel, just a quick question, are you concerned that fridge might keep you awake at night? Are you going to enclose it and if so what about air flow? No doubt it will chuck out some heat when running.
Can you pls re-post the link to that inverter or name of that inverter to look up for alternative sellers. Thanks. Also, do you happen to know if the same manufacturer makes 1000 W inverter? Thanks a million.
yes they do make 1000w inverters Bapdas 1000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 12V to 230V 240V Car Converter Adapter with 2AC Outlets and USB Port amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Hi there. I’ve been running one for 5 years. An initial more complicated setup had now been simplified enormously to run a fridge freezer. When the unit is cool enough it all shuts down and draws zero power.
@@craster_van_kippers I had not seen this solution before. The only thing I've read before was that residential fridges are not as well insulated as marine/caravan/motorhome ones, but that's as far as I saw. That inverter solution sounds pretty sweet. Thanks for your comment.
You're better off buying a compressor 12v portable fridge, my one uses 45 Watts intermittently, and costs about £170. It works really well and no converting needed 🤔🤔🤔🤔😀😀😀
I always thought Mel was better than click bait titles for video's, There are so many fake youtubers out there now looking for quick fame and fortune that I only watch Mel and a few others but after this I think I will stop watching them all, Bye Mel it was good for a while but I'm just feeling used right now to get you your views rather than how you once did things.
Hi Mel, bought that 500w inverter and came today. Get an overload buzz, red light for about 10 seconds then starts working. Using a simple under counter fridge in my van. Normally run it off 1000w inverter. Any ideas to shut off the buzzing?
It seems to only buzz when the battery is over 97%..(200ah) my 1000w inverter also makes beeping sound on fridge start up. Had it running now for two day. Battery at 99%
Be careful, a lot of the so called "smart" inverters are only smart in certain ways, a quick 5 min glance on amozon shows 5 that are listed as smart but only for the USB outlet NOT the AC !!! Read the description well don't trust the listing headlines 👍
For fuck sake you would think some commenters where paying to watch you videos,and you somehow Duped them. MEL you can please some of the people some of the time but you cant please all of the people all of the time.. I think you should give them all of the money back,that thry didnt give you. Love your channell.
I’m a bit disappointed too. Unless I’m mistaken the fridge is still running on household current that’s supplied from a ‘smart’ inverter that pretty much doesn’t draw power until the fridge cycles on. The thumbnail made it seem like you were going to actually convert the fridge to run on 12 volt. Feels like you promised steak then served salad.
@@mentalneil the battery is 12 volt but the inverter boosts the voltage to household current (240 or 110 depending on what part of the world you’re in) so what is actually delivered to the fridge is 240 volt not 12, so the fridge is still running on 240 volts and there has been no conversion.
But it's not any inverter it's an inverter that didn't need any work and it's not constantly using up the battery like a normal untampered inverter does
For long term use you probably want a low frequency inverter (victron etc) and I'd suggest getting 10x the running power of the fridge so if its a 100 watt fridge you want 1000 watt inverter (with victron this would be a 1200VA model). Why 10x the power of the fridge? Because that's what they draw when the compressor kicks in and if the inverter can't handle that it will eventually burn out. Short term occassional use then a cheap inverter will probably do.
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Hi mel,we enjoyed the vlog as per,I went in the link to buy that inverter but there's no link, could you tell me what make/model it is please, pS,will you be raffling off Mary, joking lol, cheers...
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know. I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar. But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is amzn.to/3yIGKB3
hopefully this works creabest.co.uk/products/lifepo4-battery-12v-200ah-for-campervan-rv-solar?currency=GBP&variant=47142904103246&Google%20Shopping&stkn=654eb0b33d09&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9vqyBhCKARIsAIIcLMG36NzNwLDlt319a4vP1r9tDvMIsoeUSa_H9ZhKUk8BeRDjFjGt07YaAgzIEALw_wcB
A domestic fridge will not last long. Not a bargain. 1. The copper pipe runs are much longer in a domestic fridge, which is bad news for you….the pipes will rub bend from going down the road, bumps, and will rub and split. Thinner pipes. 2. The compressor is on longer internal springs for quiteness, bad news is, it will shake of the springs 3. Let’s do a review again in 6 months, providing that u are not still parked where you are, and you have actually used it as a camper van fridge, not as a mobile home fridge. It won’t be for ultimate van life adventures, that’s for sure
Hi Mel, i do enjoy your videos but am a bit disappointed with this one......the click bait used was very misleading! I use a 240v table top fridge through my inverter in Betty and was looking at you coming up with an alternative option based on the click bait! People watch you because of you and not because of click bait 🤔
Thank you I didn’t realise that it would be Sean as click bait I was just trying to make the video rank in search 👀 was not my intention to make it miss leading
Title creates clicks for CZcams video to work = successful. This is what the CZcams platform demands when it’s your job and you create content for a living.
@@SACREDTRAVELLER so you see a title for brick laying and its one for cooking ..that ok with you..follow like a sheep ..cool vid but just click bait none sense to get more pennies..wrong world we live in
You do know you did say ‘CONVERT A 240v FRIDGE’ don’t you??? 🤣. You just plugged it into an inverter - that’s taking clickbait to the next level mate 🙄🙄🙄
Hmmmmm 🤔 so no 12v conversion , and a dubious connection to a cheap 'n' nasty inverter ??? Have you been out licking frogs in the garden 😋
First of i am showing how to use a domestic 240v fridge in a camper not how to convert it to 12v the purpose of this video is to help people that can not afford the expensive RV fridges. I help people thats what i do! How many people have you helped today?
@@BigVanSmallWorld actually two people with their car , Ive also rescued a hedgehog , now in my spare room getting warm and eating ! and caught and returned two runaway huskies heading for the high street ! All before ten am ! ! Soo 😝 to you and your dodgy wiring ! 😁
You need to change your video title then Mel… 😂 you definitely said d you’re converting it to run on 12v 🤣🙄
@@keswickadventure It is perfect like it is!! thats the way people who are looking for complicated ways to use cheap fridges in their bus will find this video and be happy
This is fantastic to know. Although you have demonstrated that without a load, the inverter goes low amp, there is nothing in the description/specs of the inverter that touts this information. It should be shouted from the rooftops for us vanners!
Hi Mel. We've been using a 240 volt fridge in our van for a couple of years now. Powered by a 2000 w inverter. The fridge is an A++ rating so very economical power wise, and our inverter uses very little power when not "working" The main reason for getting the 2000w inverter is that compressor fridges need a lot of power when the compressor kicks in. Our fridge was about £9O from Amazon a couple if years ago. So well done for making people aware they don't need to spend loads of money on a campervan soecific fridge.🙂👍
Thank you that’s really encouraging to hear that 👍
Great insight into running a 240v fridge. Sometimes the simplest way is the best.
Good morning, Mel,
You must be aware that, like me, every viewer was expecting a secret magical trick to converting a 240V fridge to a 12V fridge. A more fitting video title would be "How to Run a 240V Fridge in a Campervan" or "What Inverter to Use to Run a 240V Fridge."
There's a small device that only costs £5 online. It's a temperature switch that works like a thermostat. You can adjust the settings to make it switch on and off at any temperature you choose. This would have been a lot cheaper than buying a dedicated inverter for the fridge. Coupled with a 4-pin automotive relay, it would have been a more practical way to run a 240V fridge. You could consider making a video about that to benefit those viewers who are now searching everywhere for the "Smart Inverter," which has been discontinued. I’m sure you’ll agree that a video like that would be more beneficial than merely entertaining.
I must admit, though, I watch your videos to learn but enjoy the entertaining side more. The cheap £5 device is called “(12V/24V) Digital Temperature Controller Digital Thermostat Electronic Switch Heat.” It's selling on eBay for £7 but available elsewhere for under £4.
I use the same device to control my DIY water heater-a domestic water storage heater that I converted by replacing the 240V heating element with a 12V (300-watt) heating element.
It would be great for your viewers to see how cheaply they can use a 240V fridge in a campervan without killing the battery. As for the entertainment side of your videos, I even enjoyed watching you cook. Haha, I thought you might start another channel about cooking in campervans! I’m looking forward to your video about the weekend at the campervan and motorhome event.
How do you wire this to the fridge? Do you replace the plug with 12v cabling?
@zack9633
Can u advise me how I can run a 240v fridge in my van then....
I've a 12v but it's on its last legs
@@punkypixie6970 as shown in the video , use an inverter. you will need large battery capacity and solar system for when you are off grid. it all depends on how much battery AH you have. I just use a cool box with ice for cheese, butter and milk. I dont store food in fridges or freezers, there are supermarkets all over. if anything needs a fridge to be stored I buy and use on the same day. also, when on out in a campervan. never needed a fridge or freezer in a campervan.
Interesting, but now we need a vid testing how much power the fridge + inverter use over a 24 hours - and compare that with the 12v fridge in your van. The important thing is not whether you CAN run a 240v fridge in a van, but the power consumption.
Great point 👍
The Bluetti 12v is limited to 30A so the maximum possible drain is 360W running at 240v 1.5A.
Total fantastic thanks very much Mel for sharing with us all A+++++++++++++. Kevbo&Babyjack
Glad you enjoyed it
I would love the life you have,Van,tools,and a massive shed/barn and helping others for sweet FA
Thanks for the tip Mel and for showing us your special tool 😉
He couldn't wait to get it out and demonstrate how it works. Definitely talking from experience when he explained it can make your hand sore 🤣🤣🤣
Uploaded even whilst at Vanlife, I’m impressed. Sorry I’ve not had chance to say hello, every time I saw you both you were chatting to someone else. Nevertheless nice to see you both and Monty, maybe next year lol.
Thank you we are parked up down buy the river if you still want to come say hi your more than welcome
Good afternoon becky and Mel I love you and your building your new campervan I hope you are all well and enjoying your building your new campervan I love watching your videos of you and your building your new campervan please keep up the good work up on your videos on your you tube channel
Good morning!
walked past you both today at shrewsbury, was tempted to say hello, however i guess you were enjoying the day without being hasslesd by youtubers
Come and say hi, we don’t mind
If you see us again today come say hi that is why we are here
thanks for sharing
My pleasure
Nice one Mel! very informative as it is entertaining! as well it was nice to meet u today I'm the bloke from brand's hatch! ed.
Thanks for coming was very nice to meet you too good luck with your future plans
Clever trick Mel
Thanks Mel, you've made my weekend!!!
Thanks matey
Just managed to buy the last one on Amazon on Saturday via your link👍🏻
well done 👍
Aussie boater-why I chose a 240v fridge. Check this guy for conversion
Mel even Easier, Its the Ampage that powers the Fridge, if you can switch its class to class two (12v) buy using a down lighter ballast that you would find in a kitchen light. The Ballast Converts 240 down to 12v Volts.
Ballast for kitchen down lighter ftom wickes is £18
I use these ballasts hooked up to my inverter and it converts all 240 power down to 12v class 2 no earth required on applicance only at inverter.
Just buy loads of 240 ballasts class 2 kitchen downlighter ballasts converts 240 -12volts
And wire them up into a 240 double socket for each ballast and socket around rhe van and you have a socket that will power everything at 12v but easily enough ampage.
Your welcome Mel 👍
Thanks
Hey Mr Mel
That mastic tape you recommended was useless
Stuck some trim on the side of of my van with it,came back a few days later the trim was on the floor😡
That's £11 you owe me😉
I used to have a 500w inverter to run my 240v fridge which worked most of the time, but every now and then these fridges surge and pull over 500w for a about 30 seconds which seemed to trip the inverter. They claim to be 1000w peak but can only manage if it's a split second. I upgraded to a 1000w inverter and it's been working ever since.
Mel its as simple as turning it off or on great vid laddie👍👍
Yes! Thank you!☺️
Very interesting video great how you converted it 😊 it’s the same as mine but mines 12v, but does have 240v connection at the back. cost me £585 three years now the best fridge freezer I have in my campervan narrow boat fridge freezer all the way no way getting a campervan fridge freezer there ridiculous expensive and tiny 💙
Great vlog Mel very interesting 👍 Great job 👍
Be safe
Thank you! You too!
Am i missing something? Did you just plug the fridge into the inverter and switch it on?
What I've found is if you put a 12v supply - jumpers, booster or charger - across the first battery in a 24v system it will work also as long as the both aren't too fully drained. I also found that the first one also goes bad first.
Dont know if its just me but your Amazon link goes to a 1000W £99.99 inverter.
You will need to clear your browser cookies to show this as it may go to the correct inverter on your browser.
Great idea Mel
Thanks
Me too. Showing a different inverter
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
interesting to see and learn, electrical always worry me about doing myself. nice video mate
Thanks 👍
Thanks Mel, I’ve been waiting for this video since you mentioned it some time ago, inverter ordered via your link, checking out fridge. On a different subject bluetti have released the D40 add on for the A200L ( which I have ) which turns the 48v socket into a very useable 12 volt supply amongst various other things. Sadly not available in u.k yet but everywhere else. Perhaps you could have a word. Love your videos mate.
This was how we used to do it before 12v fridges became a thing. It’s fine as long as you have plenty of battery capacity.
8:00 Mel falls for the "can I borrow the elusive 10mm socket" trick 😂
That was an anticlimax, I was expecting to see lots of bodged wiring and dodgy practices and maybe even a big blue flash with lots of smoke
lol 😂
B I barn intelligence 😂😂😂😂😂😂 love it.
Great vid. Made me think of other options.
Is that particular inverter pure sine wave?
Given the loss of efficiency with inverters i wonder what sort of life an expensive lithium battery could have using inverter vs using a 12v fridge, if you also ran a load like a diesel heater most of a night?
The titles a bit cheeky mate! I thought you would be swapping the compressor or modding the electrics? Been looking forward to this idea but that’s not converting the fridge at all :/
It’s all up to the CZcams analytics - otherwise we wouldn’t even be able to create content if no-one clicked
@@SACREDTRAVELLERSo are you saying you’d rather make videos that are a bit misleading to get the views over content that’s genuine and gets viewed by less people?
That’s a sorry state of affairs if that’s how it works now.
I for one watch through my subs list not just what’s suggested so I’d always have it pop up in my feed anyway.
Im just disappointed with this one as it’s something you’ve spoken about doing for a while and I genuinely thought you’d be converting a domestic fridge to 12v not just plugging it in to an inverter.
Hi Mel, just do like I do and use one of your solar generators, I use a Bluetti eb70... It makes no noise and uses only 50w when fridge kicks in. Btw the Amazon reviews says it does not go into standby, and I can't see where it states that it does? 🤔
I am more interested in that battery you are using..... please tell me more
creabest.co.uk/collections/lifepo4-battery-12v/products/lifepo4-battery-12v-200ah-for-campervan-rv-solar
I'VE JUST LOOKED AT AMAZON LINK AND GREAT NEWS
IT RUNS A BREAST PUMP 😂😂😂😂😂
Cold and warm milk 😂😂
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
good video
Thanks
This may help me with my current situation, the question I have and didn’t see it in the comments or may have missed it…
How long do you find that the battery lasts running this? If you have solar how much do you think you would need to be putting back in to keep the battery at a good level for other items running in the van like lights?
There are so many variables it’s impossible for me to answer this question. But for me I have 610wt solar and and the fridge will run 24 7 no problem at all
absolute legend , saved me a fortune, great work
I just got a 12v fridge freezer for my van and I thought about this, but I didn't want a full size fridge I wanted a good size but still to fit in my kitchen and full size wouldn't of worked so I spent £330 and I don't regret a penny of it.
Which Fridge Freezer did you buy ?
@@EnglishVeteran Kirknalls EEEEEBAY
@@EnglishVeteran Kirknalls on the famous bidding site rhymes with "way" brand new in box
@@EnglishVeteran this is how it is listed
R 50L 12v compressor fridge Freezer in Black Campervan , Mobile home , VW T5 T6
15 minutes video just to plug a fridge into a inverter I thought you was going to fit a step up transformer
👍great vid as usual, as the inverter is sold out what did you search for ? I searched smart inverter no joy
I just searched for a 500w inverter
Brill mel
Mel how are you going to make it work while running the van off bleutii tho? I'm thinking this is good when you use DIY system but if you're using power bank as main source of energy then how does it work?
I’ll show you soon
Hi ,Mel I've always used sikaflex ,ordered some tiger seal as you recommend it ,will see how it goes hopefully as good as you say 👍
You’re be right 💪
It goes off in the tube so seal it well after use or use it all up in one go, sika tends to be slower to go off in the tube if left after it's opened 👍
Use a micro timer switch say 15 min in every hour from your existing inverter or a thermally operated switch something like an inkbird ( better suited to converting a small freezer to a fridge ) freezers work better as they are better insulated
Or just use the fridges inbuilt thermostat to switch either a relay or the remote on/off for the inverter 👍
@@Dirt-Diggler 💪👍 up there for thinkin an all that
Hi, great idea, does the other inverter you listed have standby feature the same as the smaller one as i am about to order one????
Yes it does
Littlebit misleading title: Not converting a fridge to 12V but running it on 12V via converter. Not new - but nice tip with the "smart" inverter.
By the way: are you running your second system on 12V - why not 24V, as the vehicle voltage?
That inverter is currently unavailable.Does anyone have a link to an alternative one that does exactly the same ?
I’m sorry
Could you please recommend a 30 amp battery mains charger to charge my battery for lesure battery not lithium
A friend of mine has one of these and absolutely swears by it amzn.to/3S25kUD
load sensing
Is a domestic fridge a bit noisy compared to a proper caravan/ camper fridge?
Hi Mel... what an awesome trick.... do u happen to have the inverter link, or point me in direction of what im actually looking for...thnx
Unfortunately they have sold out already
Oh shoot.... what wud I be looking for in a inverter for it to "turn off"....
Usually listed as "smart" inverter but read the description to make sure it auto detects a load, some manufacturers use the term smart to cover the USB port power levels !
It's a minefield TBH 👍
So, I've got the fridge, got a renogy 1000w inverter, and it's drained my battery to 56% and inverter started beeping.
Have had to turn it off, which is not ideal, as I thought this would of worked treat.
So what's happening, what am I doing wrong, (my battery is approx 6 yr old, lithium)...
Others have suggested a new battery??
@punkypixie6970 56% over how long 🤔 the inverter shouldn't beep a low voltage alarm till the battery is around 2% certainly not at 56%
It's all about power so How much power does it use compared to a 12v fridge , it must use more ?
Hi there. My 5 year old setup draws zero when cold and about 6amps when running. (Fridge freezer). Sterling power products did a comparison test a few years ago.
The big difference really is the initial cost.
Hi there @ dirt-digger if you’re replying to me then I have to explain that my freezer and inverter has been rewire so that when cold enough the stat turns off the inverter completely.
So I’m sitting here with solder iron, lots of wires, transistors,an assortment of screwdrivers. Electricity meter. And you cheated. Well done Mel.
Hi Mel,
Where did you get your orange 12v battery from?
Hi The battery is from Creabest uk
creabest.co.uk/
Hi Becks & Mel,
LOL, I was really hoping to see you both at the Van Festival today. I got my tickets after buying a van for my conversion, but it broke down on the first day. After getting it repaired, it broke down again the first day I picked it up. I ended up returning it for a full refund.
Then, I bought a second van and started installing windows and heating, making good progress on the conversion. But disaster struck again yesterday when the second van broke down-seems like the handbrake mechanism inside the wheel hub failed. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it fixed in time for today.
On a positive note, after watching your latest video, I did purchase the fridge you recommended! I'll have to wait until the next show you're attending to catch up with you both. Please get in touch; I'd love to come down and stay with you for a short time.
All the best to you two, and keep up the great work!
Thank you
Any pointers in the direction of a similar invertor pls mel !
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know.
I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar.
But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is
amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Mel thanks so much for this, the CZcams videos I've watched previously shows modifying the fridge and the inverter.
Does anyone know if a peugeot boxer L3L2 is the right hight for a legal camper conversion thanks to anyone that can help
No idea what a L3L2 is
Do you mean L3H2 if so yes 👍
@BigVanSmallWorld thanks very much I must of been on about a limousine van haha 😄
Saw the thumbnail and immediately thought back to Mel's explosive 12v TV conversion - good to see all ends well.
Yeah that was a waste of a TV 😂 if only he'd checked which pin was negative BEFORE applying the power 😞
Nice one Mel but I defo want a Smart 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter if you know anywhere else I could buy one thanks
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know.
I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar.
But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is
amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Genius 👍
Get on with it lol 😂
Oi you
Hi Mel, just a quick question, are you concerned that fridge might keep you awake at night? Are you going to enclose it and if so what about air flow? No doubt it will chuck out some heat when running.
Not at all
Can you pls re-post the link to that inverter or name of that inverter to look up for alternative sellers. Thanks.
Also, do you happen to know if the same manufacturer makes 1000 W inverter?
Thanks a million.
yes they do make 1000w inverters Bapdas 1000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 12V to 230V 240V Car Converter Adapter with 2AC Outlets and USB Port amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Love that idea Mel. Thanks for posting
You are so welcome!
This is absolutely brilliant, Mel. How come more people haven't thought of this or is more widely discussed?
Hi there. I’ve been running one for 5 years. An initial more complicated setup had now been simplified enormously to run a fridge freezer. When the unit is cool enough it all shuts down and draws zero power.
@@Dirt-Diggler Thanks for letting me know I haven't yet watched the whole of the Internet. Must get on with it. Sorry to interrupt your day.
@@craster_van_kippers I had not seen this solution before. The only thing I've read before was that residential fridges are not as well insulated as marine/caravan/motorhome ones, but that's as far as I saw. That inverter solution sounds pretty sweet. Thanks for your comment.
You're better off buying a compressor 12v portable fridge, my one uses 45 Watts intermittently, and costs about £170. It works really well and no converting needed 🤔🤔🤔🤔😀😀😀
@@vanscran1672 What capacity? Mel's is 120 L, which I think is ideal.
I always thought Mel was better than click bait titles for video's, There are so many fake youtubers out there now looking for quick fame and fortune that I only watch Mel and a few others but after this I think I will stop watching them all, Bye Mel it was good for a while but I'm just feeling used right now to get you your views rather than how you once did things.
i really can't see what is wrong with my title or thumbnail ?
@@BigVanSmallWorld I can't myself I just wanted to be troll of week 😂 Can't lose you Mel your a star
Your link brings up many different 500w inverters, which one is it?
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
Thankyou Mel , You have just saved me a lot of bother
Hi Mel, I clicked on link and it comes up with a different one not the one you are showing in the video (Invertor)
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
Hi Mel, bought that 500w inverter and came today. Get an overload buzz, red light for about 10 seconds then starts working. Using a simple under counter fridge in my van. Normally run it off 1000w inverter. Any ideas to shut off the buzzing?
I’m not sure I’d send it back mate
These fridges surge every now and then and pull over 500w for about 30 seconds. This is enough to trip 500w inverters so the 1000w would work better.
It seems to only buzz when the battery is over 97%..(200ah) my 1000w inverter also makes beeping sound on fridge start up. Had it running now for two day. Battery at 99%
Are there other brands of pure sine wave inverters that do not draw power as soon they are connected? You say SMART is that what to look for?
Correct 👍
Be careful, a lot of the so called "smart" inverters are only smart in certain ways, a quick 5 min glance on amozon shows 5 that are listed as smart but only for the USB outlet NOT the AC !!!
Read the description well don't trust the listing headlines 👍
@@Dirt-Diggler Thank you very much.
Actually, it looks like you live in a shed, in a campervan 😊
Not quite i actually work in a chicken shed on a camper van or as the DVLA would say a van with windows 😂👍
For fuck sake you would think some commenters where paying to watch you videos,and you somehow Duped them.
MEL you can please some of the people some of the time but you cant please all of the people all of the time..
I think you should give them all of the money back,that thry didnt give you.
Love your channell.
lol thank you ☺️
Mel , you say it's a 500 W inverter , do you not have to check that the refridgerator is a 500 W or less device ??
Correct 👍
Ah mel a bit disappointed you didn't actually convert anything just added an inverter 🤣 i though you had found a 12v compressor kit of some sort
I’m a bit disappointed too. Unless I’m mistaken the fridge is still running on household current that’s supplied from a ‘smart’ inverter that pretty much doesn’t draw power until the fridge cycles on. The thumbnail made it seem like you were going to actually convert the fridge to run on 12 volt. Feels like you promised steak then served salad.
Is it not running on a 12v battery ????
@@mentalneil the battery is 12 volt but the inverter boosts the voltage to household current (240 or 110 depending on what part of the world you’re in) so what is actually delivered to the fridge is 240 volt not 12, so the fridge is still running on 240 volts and there has been no conversion.
But it's not any inverter it's an inverter that didn't need any work and it's not constantly using up the battery like a normal untampered inverter does
Been waiting for this and I'm pleased it's as easy as that still saved me £535 so I'm happy with that thanks Mel
I want to fit an inverter for a fridge is a 500w all you need for a 240 fridge yeah?
For long term use you probably want a low frequency inverter (victron etc) and I'd suggest getting 10x the running power of the fridge so if its a 100 watt fridge you want 1000 watt inverter (with victron this would be a 1200VA model). Why 10x the power of the fridge? Because that's what they draw when the compressor kicks in and if the inverter can't handle that it will eventually burn out. Short term occassional use then a cheap inverter will probably do.
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know.
I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar.
But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is
amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Hi mel,we enjoyed the vlog as per,I went in the link to buy that inverter but there's no link, could you tell me what make/model it is please,
pS,will you be raffling off Mary, joking lol, cheers...
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know.
I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar.
But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is
amzn.to/3yIGKB3
i am thinking of raffling off Mary
Whats the name or make of inverter so i can try and find one?
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter has now sold out!! thank you to everyone for letting me know.
I'm sure if you do your own research you will find one that is similar.
But the seller has this 1000w inverter in its place it is a little bit more money but lots of people are asking for a link so here it is
amzn.to/3yIGKB3
Many thanks for sharing this hack mel, not that I need it in my new caravan
Thank you 🙏
Hi mel where did u get that big battery from ? How much did it cost
hopefully this works creabest.co.uk/products/lifepo4-battery-12v-200ah-for-campervan-rv-solar?currency=GBP&variant=47142904103246&Google%20Shopping&stkn=654eb0b33d09&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9vqyBhCKARIsAIIcLMG36NzNwLDlt319a4vP1r9tDvMIsoeUSa_H9ZhKUk8BeRDjFjGt07YaAgzIEALw_wcB
it's a really good battery i have been using it for all my experiments
One of the best chanel good info 😅
Glad you think so! Thank you
Where did you get that battery from?
But doesn't your Bluetti do this already?
it could do but only in the summer
@@BigVanSmallWorld I mean doesn't the bluetti do the same as the proposed inverter or does the bluetti drain the battery when not in use?
forgeting that 240v using more watts than 12v
The amazon link leads to a 1000 watt inverter for 99 pounds..... 🤪
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
A domestic fridge will not last long. Not a bargain.
1. The copper pipe runs are much longer in a domestic fridge, which is bad news for you….the pipes will rub bend from going down the road, bumps, and will rub and split. Thinner pipes.
2. The compressor is on longer internal springs for quiteness, bad news is, it will shake of the springs
3. Let’s do a review again in 6 months, providing that u are not still parked where you are, and you have actually used it as a camper van fridge, not as a mobile home fridge.
It won’t be for ultimate van life adventures, that’s for sure
Hi Mel, i do enjoy your videos but am a bit disappointed with this one......the click bait used was very misleading! I use a 240v table top fridge through my inverter in Betty and was looking at you coming up with an alternative option based on the click bait! People watch you because of you and not because of click bait 🤔
Thank you I didn’t realise that it would be Sean as click bait I was just trying to make the video rank in search 👀 was not my intention to make it miss leading
@@BigVanSmallWorld i know 👍
Like we all been doing 1:31 for years..pure wave inverter,small fridge.works no probs..Title is wrong..nothing converted.
Title creates clicks for CZcams video to work = successful. This is what the CZcams platform demands when it’s your job and you create content for a living.
@@SACREDTRAVELLER so you see a title for brick laying and its one for cooking ..that ok with you..follow like a sheep ..cool vid but just click bait none sense to get more pennies..wrong world we live in
Feel a bit pi$$ed off. Bought a compressor fridge last year for £1300. Ouch.. wish I knew this then. But thanks for the video.
Sald out
Thank you for letting me know I’ve now removed the link looks like they have sold out and replaced the listing with a different inverter
running a 240 fridge at 240 using an inverter and 12v ..... bruh get that chinese ass inverter out your van before you have a bonfire.
What a lot of old moaners in this comment section! 😂
You do know you did say ‘CONVERT A 240v FRIDGE’ don’t you??? 🤣. You just plugged it into an inverter - that’s taking clickbait to the next level mate 🙄🙄🙄
lol what’s the point every person knows this!