Overview
These two appliances are major problem solvers. With my previous camper, refrigeration and cooking with propane were ongoing problems.
I had to always remember to switch my three way refrigerator to 12 volts when driving and to propane when camping. If I forgot (and I did forget on several occasions) the propane flame would go out while driving or the battery would go dead while camping and the food in the refrigerator would get warm. The refrigerator had to be level when camping or it wouldn't work.
Propane was a hassle because it seemed like I was always running out and it was difficult to find. The gauge on the tank was inaccurate. Propane is also very flamable and potentially very dangerous. If a propane leak develops, propane is heavier than air and will accumulate at the bottom of the camper until an ignition source causes an explosion. Propane tanks are frequently restricted from ferries, tunnels and ships, creating further hassles. Even if the propane isn't a cause of a fire, the propane tank is a bomb waiting to explode if a propane equipped camper is involved in an accident or fire.
An open propane flame in the confined space of a camper is a recipe for disaster. One brush with a paper plate or napkin and the camper is kindling. As if that wasn't enough of a reason for wanting to eliminate propane, a propane flame emits water vapor into the camper causing condensation and high humidity.
Diesel Stove
My ceramic diesel stove looks and works just like the ceramic cook top stoves you find in expensive homes. My ceramic cook top is easy to keep clean, and since there is no open flame, it is much safer than a propane stove. Eliminating propane entirely from my camper makes it much safer and frees up the space normally occupied by the large propane tank. It also simplifies life when I'm traveling since all I need to do is fill up with diesel and water and I'm ready to go. No more searching for propane!
In practice, the stove heats up quickly and is easy to use when cooking. It burns cleanly, uses very little fuel, and the exhaust is vented to the outside of the camper. Even though the exhaust is located on the white side of my camper, it burns so clean that there is no marks from the diesel exhaust.
Compressor Refrigerator
The refrigerator only draws about 2.5 amps when the compressor is running. It is quiet and even has a small freezer! I leave it running all the time, and my electrical system has power to spare.
