moonshiner
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Post by moonshiner on Aug 26, 2018 14:12:44 GMT -8
any one have any input on the smaller 2 or 3 way fridges out there? I am looking at replacing my old Dometic2510 with a New Dometic RM5310 but if anyone has advice id love to hear it? I need gas since im off grid alot
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Aug 26, 2018 17:04:00 GMT -8
We have a Norcold N300 which we only use on 120VAC or Propane. Too much risk of depleting batteries on 12 volt. We have rarely had a problem running it on LP even while travelling, so only use 120 VAC when at a site with hook ups. It uses very little propane so is great for off grid. It has a small freezer that we use to freeze plastic juice bottles for ice blocks in a cooler. We just switch them out each day, so rarely have to buy ice. We keep things like milk, juice and condiments in the refrigerator and bigger more perishable stuff in a cooler kept in the truck bed.
They are very expensive, but if you use your camper often, it will be worth it. Ours came with the camper which was a big plus.
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shastatom
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I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
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Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
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Post by shastatom on Aug 26, 2018 17:39:32 GMT -8
i have a dometic rm2354 because I could run it on all 3 options. I did have an issue with the board and it wouldn't go to gas but now that I have that fixed I run it in gas or 110, but when it wouldn't go into gas mode I ran it in 12 volt while in transit. It doesn't cool but it keeps it cool and from getting warm while in transit. I think the 3 way cost me 50 bucks more so when your talking 800 bucks already the 50 didn't mean much.
Even in gas mode it still needs the 12 volt to monitor the system.
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Aug 26, 2018 17:53:03 GMT -8
The Norcold we have doesn't require 12V to operate on LP. It might be an older unit.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Aug 26, 2018 18:30:11 GMT -8
We have a new norcold n305 ( I think is the number. I just use the 120 to pre cool before a trip, the 12v on the road and propane parked. Just got a small fan to put inside but haven’t used it yet but should help on those real hot days. Propane is very efficient. The 12 v works good for us cause there is 200 watts of solar on roof which makes 10 amp give or take and the unit uses 12 so no prob at all while driving, and on a good spring summer day in the sw I can go 12 volt breakfast till supper and battery usually stays over 90% ( with two 6v golf cart type). As has been said they are expensive, but nice to have. We always have an ice chest in the pickup too because we tend to haul a lot of our garden pickings and drinks.
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Post by vikx on Aug 26, 2018 18:55:56 GMT -8
I like either brand but do NOT want one that needs 12 volts to operate the circuit board. Off grid means just that, why waste battery power to operate a fridge brain? The 300Ns I've had don't need 12 volt to operate and do great at keeping things cold on propane. Very efficient. I believe Dometic came out with a manual model in the last few years, another option.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Aug 26, 2018 20:08:28 GMT -8
When my 305 is on propane there is no 12v used. The 12v is a totally independent supply to use only when u want. I personally dont like the idea of driving with gas on. A 10 hour drive day in summer is a long time with no input and this system works great for that. Of course there is nothing wrong with an ice chest or two as your whole refer system. The new high efficency ones work amazing with block ice.
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