Electric only fridge on factory models

[N95556]

I'm in the market for a new 30' Flying Cloud and the salesman is telling me that the new FC fridges will be electric only, starting in 2022 but it may have already started in 2021 models? I haven't seen this online and the Airstream brochure only says "two-way".

Can anyone confirm/review the new fridge? Is it really all electric? Is it bigger on the inside since it doesn't have the absorption components? Did airstream remove the external vents?

Thanks in advance for the help and assistance on my first post in this forum!

[GetawA-S]

Welcome to the forum!
There are several threads about propane vs electric. I suggest you keep an open mind. There are haters in both camps.
I’ll summarize:
Electric: more efficient, less weather dependent, cleaner install, no need to run propane on the road
Propane: more flexible for boondocking (saves battery), familiar to old timers, quieter (but a circulation fan will be noticeable when is required to assist cooling)
As for a ‘21/‘22 comparison, in our experience, the dealer won’t know before you do, if you keep checking the Airstream company updates. You’re not likely to get your hands on a new ‘21 at this point anyway.
Your other questions:
Yes, the mechanical version takes less room compared to interior space. It cools faster. It runs on 12V, and typically has a transformer to run on 12V when on shore power. Your trailer converter does the same function, so I don’t see a point in running on 120V AC.
Happy shopping! Happy camping, when you get to that point!

[N95556]

Thanks! I actually prefer the all electric for many of the reasons you stated. Just confused that this is a relative unknown thus close to production!

[skyguyscott]

Originally Posted by N95556

Thanks! I actually prefer the all electric for many of the reasons you stated. Just confused that this is a relative unknown thus close to production!

Yes, welcome to the world of Airstream. Generally, you will find the trailers, after much initial adjustment and fixing, are great. The company, not so much. They do enough to stay viable, but only enough. They could be great, but choose not to be. All this you will find out over time, piece by piece, minor disappointment by minor (and occasionally, major) disappointment.

[smithcreek]

Hi, I have no life, so what I like to do is respond to each and every thread where there is even the slightest chance that I can turn it into an Airstream bashfest. I hope you enjoy your trailer, if you get one, which you shouldn't, because it will suck.

[OutdoorIdaho]

My 2020 Caravel has the AC/DC fridge. The interior volume is slightly greater and no external vent exists. Additionally, when compared to a 2019, I have an additional interior storage compartment above the fridge. I seem to recall the guy at the dealership saying that was possible because of the different fridge.

[endonirvana]

I just placed an order for a new 2022 23 CB.
I was told it will be dual.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by endonirvana

I just placed an order for a new 2022 23 CB.
I was told it will be dual.

Is it 100% absolutely clear to you what "dual" means?

For instance, will your fridge be able to run on propane? [with its circuit board using 12-volt power of course]

Or will it only run on 120-volt AC shore power and/or 12-volt DC from the batteries? [and never on propane]

Do you have any printed material on this, or perhaps some links from the dealer making this totally clear, with no room for ambiguity? That is the conundrum here -- "dual" can mean more than one specific thing IMO.

Thank you in advance for clarifying this with the dealer, as the OP [original poster] is in exactly this situation regarding a 2022 model on order.

Thanks,

Peter


PS -- The OP -- welcome to he forum!

Originally Posted by N95556

I'm in the market for a new 30' Flying Cloud and the salesman is telling me that the new FC fridges will be electric only, starting in 2022 but it may have already started in 2021 models? I haven't seen this online and the Airstream brochure only says "two-way".

Can anyone confirm/review the new fridge? Is it really all electric? Is it bigger on the inside since it doesn't have the absorption components? Did airstream remove the external vents?

Thanks in advance for the help and assistance on my first post in this forum!

[endonirvana]

I did ask the salesperson specifically about this. I didn’t expect the refrigerator capable of running on propane. I was told that it does in 2021 so will be 2022. No changes.
They did mention if any changes, they will let me know ahead, not that it is a deal breaker for us.
I can probably call them again tomorrow and report back.

[endonirvana]

I also met a couple who took delivery of the exact model today. I will call them to check how it works in 2021.

[waninae39]

as is now dropping the propane mode. people have ask for more efficient fridges with more space. That is the big driver for dropping 3 way with propane.
please it is cheaper to install as no ext vent is needed

dual; means Ac/DC

[endonirvana]

Start @ 12:50

https://youtu.be/xzdzG6NK8_c

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by endonirvana

Start @ 12:50

https://youtu.be/xzdzG6NK8_c

Thanks for your updates.

Just to be clear, Patrick says "two way . . . gas or electric" there, for the 2021 model he is touring:

https://youtu.be/xzdzG6NK8_c?t=772
[This new link should open up exactly at 12:50, after skipping the ads etc.]

Please let us know what your dealer says.

Per other earlier posts, there is no way to know exactly what fridge will be in anyone's new Airstream -- in my personal opinion -- until the trailer is inspected in person . . . you know . . . the "full-scale model" version. The company has a way of doing what it wants, without 100% predictability IMO.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by endonirvana

I did ask the salesperson specifically about this. I didn’t expect the refrigerator capable of running on propane. I was told that it does in 2021 so will be 2022. No changes.
. . .

This statement confuses me. In that YT video of the 2021 model, Patrick says "gas or electric" . . . you are expecting no propane . . . but you also say "no changes" . . .



Please clarify the apparent ambiguities [IMO].

Thanks,

Peter

[fossil5775]

As a "hater" of this switch in the fridge (90% boondocker), I would never buy a new Airstream now. I understand the larger capacity (I have a 4 cu ft!), & other benefits of a compressor, but the required battery capacity to run it is absurd especially for trying to use only solar. Yes,I have generator & upgraded batteries. Anyway, I'll just throw in my 2 cents & say I wish Airstream would still build in the vents so one could swap out to propane on new builds.

[OTRA15]

Yup . . . Airstream has chosen the future . . . and it does not include boondockers who rely on propane fridges IMO.

"Go with the glitter" apparently . . .

Wally is sad about this change in corporate direction IMO.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by N95556

I'm in the market for a new 30' Flying Cloud and the salesman is telling me that the new FC fridges will be electric only, starting in 2022 but it may have already started in 2021 models? I haven't seen this online and the Airstream brochure only says "two-way".

Can anyone confirm/review the new fridge? Is it really all electric? Is it bigger on the inside since it doesn't have the absorption components? Did airstream remove the external vents?

Thanks in advance for the help and assistance on my first post in this forum!

Welcome to the forum!

Have you called a dealer and spoken with a sales person, like Patrick Botticelli at Colonial Airstream, who is in the recent YT walk-through of that 2021 model? Please make some calls, and let us know what you find out. Patrick will give you a clear lay of the land . . . he is an invaluable resource for all matters Airstream IMO.

Peter

[s1000pre]

I have a 2021 FC 30 Bunk, dual (Propane & 110) ...no 12V. I think I would hate not being able to use propane. One Honda EU 2200 can handle A/C, lights. I highly doubt you could piggy back the fridge on that setup.

[OutdoorIdaho]

I have only ever boondocked with the electric only fridge and my two stock batteries have done fine with 180W of solar.

[OutdoorIdaho]

Seriously though, my AC/DC fridge pulls around 4 amps at about a 25% duty cycle. That is approximately 24 amp-hrs a day. A few hours of good sunshine can account for that with a modest solar array.