Marije Onderwaater
EditorMarije has been camping under canvas for as long as she can remember. She travels with her partner and their two sons in a Campooz Fat Freddy trailer tent, and writes about motorhomes and camping gear for Campingtrend.
Thetford focuses on 12V compressor refrigerators and introduces new models
The 12V compressor refrigerator is increasingly gaining ground over the absorption fridge in recreational vehicles. Thetford is responding to this with new compressor fridges for compact campervans and an update of their under-counter models. The brand has just presented these new refrigerators at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.
Manufacturers and campers choose the compressor fridge
Thetford is seeing the camping industry increasingly opt for compressor refrigerators in new motorhomes and caravans. Campers are also choosing them more often when replacing their absorption fridge. This shift has prompted Thetford to expand its range of compressor refrigerators, ensuring there is a suitable model for every camper.
Why choose a compressor fridge instead of an absorption fridge?
The main difference with an absorption fridge lies in the technology. An absorption fridge cools silently on gas, 12V, and 230V, but often underperforms in outdoor temperatures above 30 °C. A compressor fridge operates only on 12 volts or 230 volts and cools just as powerfully as your fridge at home. As a result, the contents remain ice-cold regardless of the outside temperature.
More efficient cooling
In addition, a compressor fridge is an efficient cooling method. Due to changes in recreational vehicles, the demand for reliable cooling performance, and the growing focus on energy efficiency, more and more manufacturers are opting for compressor refrigerators.
Pros and cons
That said, an absorption fridge is by no means a bad choice. It has many advantages, for example, for campers who want to stay away from campsite hook-ups for long periods or for those who appreciate silent nights. We previously outlined the pros and cons of both absorption and compressor fridges in this article.
Which new Thetford compressor fridges are available for compact campervans?
These are the TR1050 (53 litres) and the TR1065 (67 litres). These space-saving 12V compressor fridges are designed for installation in compact motorhomes and campervans. Featuring low energy consumption, these refrigerators perform optimally at ambient temperatures between 10 °C and 43 °C. Ventilation can be configured at the top or side, making them suitable for various layouts. Thetford offers the TR1050 and TR1065 with a traditional outward-opening door or with drawers. There is also a choice between a black or brushed metal front.
Thetford 12V compressor fridges: two new under-counter models
Thetford’s N4080 and N4090 absorption fridges are making way for two new under-counter models: the T1080 (81-litre) and T1088 (89-litre) compressor fridges. Thetford designed these new 12V compressor refrigerators to be installed above the wheel arch and under the worktop. In terms of installation dimensions, they are identical to the N-models, but thanks to their deeper interior, they offer more cooling capacity. The fridges feature internal ventilation. These models also perform best in ambient temperatures between 10 °C and 43 °C.
When will the Thetford 12V compressor fridges be available?
Thetford is already supplying the new 12V compressor fridges to manufacturers of leisure vehicles. Next season, they will also be available for purchase by campers looking to buy a new refrigerator for their existing motorhome or caravan.
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