Camping fridge: Wh needs (not nameplate watts)
Compressor fridges cycle. Using “running watts × 24” overstates energy badly. Use manufacturer average Wh/day or measured Wh.
WattNeeds defaults: inverter efficiency η=0.90, DoD=0.90, buffer=0.15.
One-liner: nameplateWh = (whPerDay × days × 1.15) / (0.90 × 0.90).
Always re-check continuous watts and surge against the station inverter.
Typical public ranges
| Fridge class | Rough Wh/day (mild conditions) |
|---|---|
| Small 12V compressor (~20–30 L) | ~200–350 Wh/day |
| Mid camp fridge (~40–55 L) | ~300–500 Wh/day |
| Hot ambient / frequent door opens | +20–50% or more |
Worked example
Fridge 320 Wh/day, 2 days autonomy, WattNeeds defaults:
nameplate = 320 × 2 × 1.15 / (0.9 × 0.9) ≈ 910 Wh
Plus lights/phones and you quickly need the ~1000 Wh tier. Prefer DC fridge input when the station offers it (higher effective η).
Uncertainty is high: ambient temperature, insulation, and set-point dominate. Treat any single Wh/day number as a planning band, then measure on your first trip.
Calculator · Cooler vs compressor fridge
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