Hi All,

I am going to have a fridge installed this spring and am wondering what size would be sufficient? I camp by myself (everyone always takes their own rig) My GN area is only a 3' short wall. But the space I have it going into will allow for either size. The longest camping trip is usually only 1 week at the longest. Most of my trips are 3-4 nights. I would not be keeping drinks in it ( ice chest for that ) just food and condiments as needed. Would the little 3.0 cubic be ok for a week long trip or no?

The biggest one you can get to fit. To me it is not only how much stuff you need when on the road, but how much you want to leave in it when at home to avoid repacking it. We use it just as much at the barn as we do on the road. Ours is not big enough most of the time. We found that the little ones don't do as good as job as the bigger ones.

The 3 CF fridge fits under a counter, and allows some counter space and storage areas overtop. It has two external vents, one on the floor and one at the counter height. The 6.0 also has two external vents, again one at the floor or bottom level, and one on the roof. The entire wall area behind the fridge has an open space between the two vents, top to bottom. It requires a rectangular hole cut into your roof, and a weather proof vent being installed.

Bigger is usually better ?. In this case the larger installation is more labour intensive, has a higher initial cost, and will cost more to own and use. Counter space is precious in any trailer, and you will eliminate any chance with the larger fridge.

We have a three CF in one of our trailers and a six CF in the other. With short trips and durations of one, two or even three nights, the smaller one suffices for two people. Longer trips and more people require the larger LQ and fridge.

Learing to pack only what is necessary to cool for a specific time period, will lessen the volume you need to keep constantly chilled. Many beverages can be stored warm until a few hours before they are consumed. There are microwavable meals that can be stored at room temperatures, and need no refrigeration. Many items can be carried in zip lock bags instead of rigid plastic containers. They take up much less space and we often cook the contents in the same bags cutting down on wash ups.  A microwave can be installed in the additional area necessary for the larger fridge.

Carefully consider how many people will be using the fridge and how much perishable food you will need chilled at the same time. Bigger may not be what is needed for everyone. Versatility with additional options may be more welcomed.

This sounds like a pretty dumb question, but I keep thinking about it (another dumb thing, I know lol).

What do you put in your refrigerators that requires so much space?  I've done a lot of backpacking, car camping, and road tripping, some rv'ing as well as doing things with the horses.  I just don't seem to need as much refrigeration as you all, but I may really be missing something as I haven't done much horse camping.  I do know that everyone's needs are different, of course.  I think of dairy (half and half, cheese, milk), eggs, chocolate, a few drinks, some sauces/dressings, some frozen something: some ice, a little meat of some kind or veggie burgers, or,  in the alternative a couple of frozen dinners.

Thanks.

A large fridge is very handy. However in a very small LQ (3' SW) the additional space it takes, will sacrifice several amenities that may be more useful. A counter space with a small sink can be placed above a 3.0. An over head cabinet containing a microwave can be placed above that. A second cabint can be installed over the first for additional storage. Under cabinet lighting and a radio with cd player can be installed along with a paper towel holder.

If all the available space is taken up by a fridge, how will you be able to microwave the food? Everyone's needs are different. You do have choices as to what is important in your travels. Choose wisely.

Thanks.  I hadn't thought of the ice packs for the saddle bags.  I'm showing more ignorance here but do you mind telling me what other foods that tend to get waterlogged are you thinking of? 

This whole refrigeration thing has been sort of difficult for me to figure out, from what kind to get (3-way?, propane, simple electric) to what size.  My trailer is very much like yours, btw, only smaller; a 3 horse with 4' dr.  I actually have a 3.0 refrigerator with small freezer (tested to use 50 watts when running) and another unit that is completely a 3.1 small freezer (tested to use apprx 95 watts when running).   We're currently testing the average power used on both.  Since they are both units that I had hanging around, I thought I'd give one of these a try before getting a propane one.  The space is set up for this size that fits under a counter.

OK, I went and read some articles on which fresh fruits and vegetables need refrigeration.  A few more than I had thought need the humidity of the refrigerator or they lose flavor, lose nutrients or wilt. It seems that mushrooms need the cold of the refrigerator or they grow too much bacteria.  I got the propane oven so that I can rely more on fresh vegetables than on frozen ones. 

I eat a lot of salad and veggies. No bagged foods like chips, etc. No more breads either... such as crackers too and the sorts. More meats now too. I like to grill every night. Also the group always has a pot-luck at least 1-2 nights of our trips. This can be 20 people! So, I need more fridge space I guess. Also, there is always some one asking for fridge space in some body elses fridge. ( those who don't have one yet, like me!)

I am setting up an outdoor sink under-neath the gooseneck area of my trailer. I bought one of those 5-gallon ( I believe) blue water bins with a white faucet type setting from Walmart. I want to have aluminum brackets installed under-neath the GN(because my trailer is all alum.) so that I can take the water bin in and out for refills etc. Or when I am not using it for the winter. It has a handy little valve for on and off water flow.

It sounds like you have a lot of fun - and that you definitely need the larger refrigerator.  When I did some quick research on the vegetables and fruits, I was surprised at how many require refrigeration.  Potatoes don't, but it sounds like potatoes may not be on your menu:). 

Cool idea on the outdoor sink station.