sicilian
New Member
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Currently Offline
|
Post by sicilian on Aug 11, 2013 12:34:25 GMT -8
Has any one used a dorm sized frig in a vintage trailer? If so did you have to do anything special for ventilation? Those things get hot. I would like to use one if I could. What do you think?
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on Aug 11, 2013 15:30:47 GMT -8
it would be best to install a refrigerator vent behind it through the wall, several use them, I myself have one as well, it would probably work without a vent if you have enough room around, over and behind it so the hot air has somewhere to go, but if it exits inside the camper that will make it hotter inside. I plan to add a vent out of the street side of mine.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Aug 11, 2013 22:59:42 GMT -8
Some do not work at all without ventilation. I try to have at least one outside vent and a couple inside for an electric dorm fridge.
|
|
coloradoan
Active Member
Posts: 114
Likes: 26
1959 Shasta Airflyte 16
Currently Offline
|
Post by coloradoan on Apr 26, 2014 20:43:03 GMT -8
I have also heard that the compressors on residential fridges fail because they're not built for jostling. Anyone with experience on this issue?
|
|
SusieQ
Global Moderator
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 1,197
'62 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by SusieQ on Apr 26, 2014 20:54:09 GMT -8
I have also heard that the compressors on residential fridges fail because they're not built for jostling. Anyone with experience on this issue? I carried one around 8,000 miles in the back of my vehicle and it made it just fine. I even loaned it out to someone to carry on a trip afterwards and it was returned to me in working order.
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Apr 26, 2014 21:07:04 GMT -8
For 1/10th of the price of an RV fridge, even if they occasionally fail, you could go through a few for the price of an RV one. My only concern is wanting to boondock/dry camp.. go off the grid or whatever its called. My trailer has a working 110/12 volt fridge right now. We have been discussing this because it's a cute vintage model, but of course if we wanted to stop overnight without service, I think we are out of luck It could run off a deep cell battery for a little while but not long. So maybe a bag of ice.. if I replace I will go for a 110/propane and it will cost me $1000.00.. what to do ..what to do?? Does anyone know how long you can run a 12 volt fridge off a deep cell battery? Do you need an inverter to do that, or is there a way to hook up the plug that you would plug into your tow vehicle.. directly to the battery??
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 26, 2014 22:08:42 GMT -8
"how long you can run a 12 volt fridge off a deep cell"
Not long. They suck the life out of a battery...
An AC/DC fridge runs off the battery via fused hot and ground wires. Most times, you can use a cigar plug for the 12 volt side. Depends on the gauge of wiring behind the plug.
To go off grid, what about one of those fancy 4 day ice chests? They work great and keep stuff cold.
|
|
SusieQ
Global Moderator
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 1,197
'62 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by SusieQ on Apr 26, 2014 22:24:00 GMT -8
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Apr 27, 2014 8:55:07 GMT -8
Yup.. Back to the $1.99 bag of ice as my plan..lol
|
|
gfgirl
Junior Member
Posts: 51
Likes: 27
1969 Glendale Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by gfgirl on Apr 27, 2014 16:28:54 GMT -8
I just pulled the 110 dorm fridge out of my trailer. Since she spent the last few years on carnival lots there would have always been power to hook up to. The only modifications as far as I can tell have been the addition of an extra vent on the exterior. Oh, and the amazing hole someone genius cut into the vintage laminate to get the cord up to the outlet on the wall! . Fridge still seems to work just fine, I tested it to list on Kijij. Always the contrarian in it's place I'm installing a vintage icebox I found for $15 used. Ice is pretty easy to get and I will often not be near power. I had a Westfalia years ago with no fridge and only a regular cooler. Lived in it for nearly a year and things worked out ok!
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Apr 27, 2014 19:57:59 GMT -8
Maybe you can put a bult in cup holder type of liner in the hole and use it to hold your bottle of dish soap
|
|
gfgirl
Junior Member
Posts: 51
Likes: 27
1969 Glendale Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by gfgirl on Apr 27, 2014 20:23:15 GMT -8
Maybe you can put a bult in cup holder type of liner in the hole and use it to hold your bottle of dish soap Hahah! That's actually an excellent idea Lady Wendolyn. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, the laminate isn't in great shape......it's all coming out, just the shear laziness of the hole frustrates me!
|
|
txoil
Active Member
Posts: 459
Likes: 149
1960 Shasta Deluxe 19
Currently Offline
|
Post by txoil on Apr 28, 2014 15:01:36 GMT -8
We have a new (well, 2013 model) Frigidaire 4.4 foot compact that the PO had purchased. There is a vent thru the skin behind the compressor, covered by a locking door which we open a bit when stationary for camping. It has worked VERY well, is energy star compliant and runs almost silently. We run a Yamaha 2000 watt quiet generator while boondocking--our trailer is 120V only--and have had no issues of any kind. We were wanting a retro looking fridge, and when we saw the price of the Big Chill and Northern Forge brands (about $2000 each) we just painted and added chrome accents to our Frigidaire. I can enthusiastically recommend the Frigidaire, and the price was about $200.
|
|