Freedom Elite 22HE Fridge Type and Replacing

[FoxenTec]

Hello, Prospective buyer for a 2022 Freedom Elite 22HE. I searched the forum first and didn't see this answered.

The unit says the fridge runs on propane or electric. I assume this means 120V and not 12V DC. Can someone confirm that the fridge does or doesn't run on 12V DC? We haven't purchased quite yet so I don't have the unit in front of me.

We have been camping and using 12V Compressor fridges in all our camping vehicles. We are often above 7000' and prefer the compressor fridge over the evaporative fridge. Everyone is different I realize though.

I am trying to figure out if there is any 12V feeding the fridge that is a large enough gauge to accommodate powering a new fridge or if the existing 12V wiring is thin and just powers maybe the control board. Would like to have at least 12awg or 10awg copper stranded. We would also be upgrading the batteries to accommodate the fridge running full time on 12V DC.

Bottom Line:

In a 2022 Thor Freedom Elite coach, can it run on 12 volts, propane and 120V or just propane and 120V?

If there is any 12V wiring feeding the fridge area, what gauge wire is it and where does it terminate?

Thank you everyone.

Jon

 

[16ACE27]

That looks like the standard dual cooling absorption fridge. It can cool either using 120 VAC or propane. In either case it uses 12 VDC for control power. BUT that control power lead would be insufficient for a 12 VDC compressor fridge. You would have to run a new + wire to the battery compartment which doesn't look too difficult in your floor plan.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

When running on propane the fridge requires 12 volts to the control board. Propane refers are VERY efficient. A 12 volt compressor fridge will require heavier gauge cable AND likely a more robust battery bank.

I wouldn't even consider installing a compressor fridge without a minimum of 200Ah of lithium house batteries, unless you're always either on shore power OR running your generator.

You could fit those under your steps. I wouldn't connect a fridge power cable directly to the batteries... often times there's a single lug bus mounted on the frame near the batteries, which is used to split 12v to run across to the generator.

Find that bus and install a cable according to the amperage draw of the fridge. Make SURE the circuit is controlled by your battery disconnect switch. AND make sure the inline battery breaker is between that connection point and the batteries.

 

[FoxenTec]

Thank you both for your excellent help and instruction. Exactly what I was looking for. Really appreciate it.

 

[rapinboston]

Hello, Prospective buyer for a 2022 Freedom Elite 22HE. I searched the forum first and didn't see this answered.

The unit says the fridge runs on propane or electric. I assume this means 120V and not 12V DC. Can someone confirm that the fridge does or doesn't run on 12V DC? We haven't purchased quite yet so I don't have the unit in front of me.

We have been camping and using 12V Compressor fridges in all our camping vehicles. We are often above 7000' and prefer the compressor fridge over the evaporative fridge. Everyone is different I realize though.

I am trying to figure out if there is any 12V feeding the fridge that is a large enough gauge to accommodate powering a new fridge or if the existing 12V wiring is thin and just powers maybe the control board. Would like to have at least 12awg or 10awg copper stranded. We would also be upgrading the batteries to accommodate the fridge running full time on 12V DC.

Bottom Line:

In a 2022 Thor Freedom Elite coach, can it run on 12 volts, propane and 120V or just propane and 120V?

If there is any 12V wiring feeding the fridge area, what gauge wire is it and where does it terminate?

Thank you everyone.

Jon

I have that exact same camper, when running on automatic, fridge will switch automatically between shore power and propane. You have a very large propane tank, so I have never had an issue. FY.I