refrigerator in my van?????

I would like to put a small refregirator in my van .
was looking at the wal-mart small ones?
was also looking at the power inverters from wal-mart too?
Any of you guys running a frige and if so what kind of inverter?
How do I know what size inverter to get and I would also like to be able to plug it into an outlet for a microwave and frige when we go camping at campgrounds with power hook ups?
my last van was a 1985 and had a built in cooler in the floor ,was handy and out of the way but I have seen a lote of the frige's in van pics and was wondering if they were just for looks or really worked?
also what size altinator would I need for this and would I need a second battery for this ?
Also how do you guys carry extra water when you go camping?

Here's a good write-up on 12v reefers.  (dual input - 12v and 110v on some)

http://www.adventureparents.com/blog/dads-dirt-roads-blog/443-5-things-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-fridgefreezer-for-your-truck-or-camper

or Google...

5 Things You Need to Know About Portable 12v Fridge/Freezers

I couldn't get the link to open, but when it comes to inverters, you need to add up the wattage on the apliances you plan to use and buy an inverter with at least 25% more watts.

Chopper this topic would get more attention if it were posted under the General Discussion part of the forum. I can move it for you or you can just re-post it.

wideload wrote:Chopper this topic would get more attention if it were posted under the General Discussion part of the forum. I can move it for you or you can just re-post it.

i am still learning this forum stuff ,so any help would be apriciated for sure!

i went tru this last summer had to take back the inverter and get bigger one. microwaves need alot of power to work right. ended up with a cobra 2500 - 5000 peak inverter. and two deep cycle batterys. my fridge runs off 12 volt or 120 dc. i kept it separate from the vans org starting battery with a switch to turn on to charge when van is running.  i dont know if you need the 3rd batt. because most inverters automaticly shut off if they go under 10 volt and that should start a 6 cyl. eng.