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Post by katiebronleewe on Jan 16, 2016 7:12:52 GMT -8
I know there are lots of threads about refrigerators but I couldn't find one specifically about this so I've started a new one.
We are just beginning work on our new (to us) mobile scout and are thinking about what type of refrigeration to use. It's been recommended to me to get 3 way or at least a propane fridge. We like to camp in National Parks and other places where there often isn't electric hook ups.
Of course safety of using propane has crossed our minds. We will be running new gas lines since much of the old ones have been removed, so at least we'll be using new lines.
Electric mini fridge just seems pointless to me if we couldn't even use it half the time.
Anyone have recommendations on finding a good unit? Is it worth the price?
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Jan 16, 2016 7:23:45 GMT -8
Norcold 3 way is way "cool", but pricey. It uses just a tiny bit of propane and ours stays on even when travelling. We didn't wire it for 12vdc, because it is only meant to maintain temp while connected to the tow vehicle and NOT designed to run off batteries. We leave it on propane even when we have electrical hook up. Our trailer came with the 3 way, I think we would have built a top loading ice box (like on a boat) otherwise.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 16, 2016 10:19:35 GMT -8
"Top loading ice box"
Ice loads on a top tray, no propane no electric? Do you have one in mind?
I am considering a gas/ electric unit too but I don't like how many negative reviews they get for breaking down. For $700 I expect a very, very reliable unit that will last for 10 years.
Although I know they have been used for decades, sleeping next to a fridge with gas flowing in a 12x7 box seems risky. Would we install a house gas hot water heater in our bedroom, 3' from the bed, and think it was safe? Would you leave the gas light on in a camper and go hiking? That's what we do with a gas fridge. Am I wrong?
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Jan 16, 2016 11:39:50 GMT -8
Yes, no propane or electric, the important aspect is that (unlike a front loading box) you do not spill out all of the cold air when you reach in for something.
Regarding the worries concerning propane, the Norcold only uses a tiny pilot light at very low pressure. The working parts are vented on the outside wall and separated from the interior living space, so I feel safe enough. No, I would never leave a gas lamp lit and left unattended.(We do generally turn off the furnace before we go to sleep.)
I think if you're going to have propane anything, you have to be diligent with maintenance and have confidence that it'll be safe. If you aren't going to be that attentive then I wouldn't install any propane at all. We like to dry camp/boondock and find that having propane stove/oven,reefer,furnace and lighting makes it really comfortable...doesn't really feel like camping at all!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 16, 2016 19:41:05 GMT -8
I know there are lots of threads about refrigerators but I couldn't find one specifically about this so I've started a new one. We are just beginning work on our new (to us) mobile scout and are thinking about what type of refrigeration to use. It's been recommended to me to get 3 way or at least a propane fridge. We like to camp in National Parks and other places where there often isn't electric hook ups. Of course safety of using propane has crossed our minds. We will be running new gas lines since much of the old ones have been removed, so at least we'll be using new lines. Electric mini fridge just seems pointless to me if we couldn't even use it half the time. Anyone have recommendations on finding a good unit? Is it worth the price? There are basically two. Norcold and Dometic. They are pretty much the same really. They both run on either 110vac or propane. Refridgerators don't run on 12vdc. They need the 12vdc to operate the computer. They are electric start so very safe and will keep going while traveling. The small ones cost $800 base price and you can find them for as little as $500 for blemish or without front skin like I do. They come with factory 2 year warranty and are usually found on Craig's list. Had great luck with them. the full size (59 inch tall) units will run you as much as $1400 and as little as $400 for a good used working one. You can also get those on CL for around $700 to $800 with the factory warranty. Again no front skins. That's all I know about the standard in fridges. I've installed 3 now. Did a video series on the subject that I still have to finish up. Both require a vent on the side and one out the roof. I would not vent these out the side only due to the heat. |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 16, 2016 19:51:44 GMT -8
Mobiltec, you buy factory units on CL? Not used? I've never seen ads for them. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place on CL?
How much heat do they put out the rear of the unit? The Shasta I'm working on now is exposed wood behind what was the gas fridge. And there seemed to be a lot on condensation.
I guess I should get over my gas-phobia.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 16, 2016 20:01:15 GMT -8
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Post by katiebronleewe on Jan 16, 2016 20:06:48 GMT -8
Thanks! This is great! Do you usually make your own front panel to match the decor in your trailer? If we were going to put it in the lower cabinets in the kitchen area, how do you vent out to roof?  The funny half cabinet is another topic for another day  ? |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 16, 2016 20:15:59 GMT -8
Thanks! This is great! Do you usually make your own front panel to match the decor in your trailer? If we were going to put it in the lower cabinets in the kitchen area, how do you vent out to roof? The funny half cabinet is another topic for another day ? I wouldn't put it in the lower cabinets. If you did you would have to do that angled side vent thing shown in other threads about installing refrigerators. It's also in some of the instructions. If you did to it that way get the fan for the vent. They are only about $50. They have an thermal swtich built in to go on and off with heat and work on 12vdc. Yes i make my own faces for them. a piece of birch paneling works great. I shellac it first and then glue it to the front. But you can get creative and do what ever you want. A mirror? Walpaper? Paint? Polished Aluminum? |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 16, 2016 20:22:00 GMT -8
I just checked all over NC, no luck on CL.
CA is the place to be.
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Post by katiebronleewe on Jan 16, 2016 20:26:27 GMT -8
I wouldn't put it in the lower cabinets. If you did you would have to do that angled side vent thing shown in other threads about installing refrigerators. It's also in some of the instructions. If you did to it that way get the fan for the vent. They are only about $50. They have an thermal swtich built in to go on and off with heat and work on 12vdc. Yes i make my own faces for them. a piece of birch paneling works great. I shellac it first and then glue it to the front. But you can get creative and do what ever you want. A mirror? Walpaper? Paint? Polished Aluminum? So where would you put it? Not a lot of room to work with in there  |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 16, 2016 20:29:30 GMT -8
Well all my trailers have had a floor to ceiling cabinet in it and that's where it goes up in the top. I have to do a little remodeling of the space but that's what it needed to work. Here's a video. youtu.be/uP_Ox5d2j_E |
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Post by katiebronleewe on Jan 16, 2016 20:54:35 GMT -8
Angled side vent = something like this?  |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 16, 2016 20:59:13 GMT -8
That is the lower one that is level with the bottom of the fridge. Then you need an upper one and the way you build the fridge in you have to angle the upper side vent out. You have to see drawings and there are some somewhere in this forum. I saw them but forget exactly where. SusieQ may be able to help with a search.
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Post by vikx on Jan 17, 2016 21:27:37 GMT -8
If you go with the Norcold 300n, it doesn't need 12 volts to operate. It is gas/110; I've had good luck with them.
I agree with most above, that 3 way isn't really necessary but the propane option is great off grid.
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