windborn
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Post by windborn on Nov 11, 2017 7:25:32 GMT -8
I've decided to give in and replace my icebox with a mini fridge. I don't have the budget for a propane one and I'm mostly hooked up for long periods of time or using a cooler, so I'll be getting a cheap dorm fridge. Is there anything I should keep in mind when making a purchase and installing?
I know I need to add a vent. Other than that can it fit snugly in the cabinet?
Any tips for the leaking when defrosting? Anything else I should know?
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Nov 11, 2017 10:46:09 GMT -8
I also went with a mini-fridge. Partly because we don't feel comfortable with gas appliances running in a tiny space all night while we sleep and partly because of the price. With a mini fridge you have to buy one that's quiet and puts out very little heat if it's not vented behind the unit. After trying a few brands we settled on SPT. Cheap, very quiet and highly rated. I framed out a vent to the outside but never cut it out of the new skin because it just wasn't needed. The two inside vents kept the cabinet room temp.  Untitled In this camper I kept the same vents (outside) used by the gas unit I replaced.  
On our Shasta Compact we kept the ice box. I really like the look of the old ice box but keeping it cold with ice blocks is a hassle. 
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mel
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Post by mel on Nov 11, 2017 11:44:39 GMT -8
I got a cheap magic chief for my Shasta compact. I didnt vent because it's on the front of the camper and I thought it would look bad having a vent there. But there is a good 4inches behind and open to the next cabinet for circulation. I love it and it works great.
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windborn
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Post by windborn on Nov 11, 2017 15:30:40 GMT -8
Thanks, y'all. That's good to know, mel. I'll have a few inches behind any fridge that I get and the cabinets around it are mostly open. I may try to see if that's enough airflow without a vent.
nccamper, in exploring options, did you find any brands that you definitely didn't like?
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Post by Teachndad on Nov 12, 2017 7:33:41 GMT -8
Hi Friends, Nice to see pix of the inside of the cabinets, NC. What are the eye hooks for on either side of the fridge door? Bungi cord? Cheers, Rod |
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Post by Teachndad on Nov 12, 2017 7:40:24 GMT -8
The big dilemma is always ice box vs. fridge, and then asking where will you do most of your camping? Rallies or no hook up camp sites or off grid? I keep flip flopping. I guess the solution is to have two different trailers, LOL. My Westerner can be used for no hook up camping since it will have an ice box, and the Rod and Reel can be used for rallies at RV parks because it has an electric fridge in it. There you go, I just figure out my solution.  Cheers, Rod |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Nov 12, 2017 10:31:28 GMT -8
Hi Friends, Nice to see pix of the inside of the cabinets, NC. What are the eye hooks for on either side of the fridge door? Bungi cord? Cheers, Rod Yes, a Bungee. We've never needed it to hold this fridge door shut in transit but we once had a fridge that wouldn't stay shut without a Bungee. So now I'm always using one to be safe. The trick with a mini fridge is to frame it tight enough to keep it in place yet let the door open. These mini fridges make great ice boxes off the grid. The one I returned was a Magic Chef because it was very loud. It may just have been that model. Mel is happy with her MC. |
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windborn
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Post by windborn on Nov 12, 2017 10:57:18 GMT -8
The big dilemma is always ice box vs. fridge, and then asking where will you do most of your camping? Rallies or no hook up camp sites or off grid? I keep flip flopping. I guess the solution is to have two different trailers, LOL. My Westerner can be used for no hook up camping since it will have an ice box, and the Rod and Reel can be used for rallies at RV parks because it has an electric fridge in it. There you go, I just figure out my solution. Cheers, Rod I lived with my icebox for a few months last winter/ spring and loved the simplicity. But I found that when I was traveling for days and not bothering to hook up for a quick stop, I used a cooler to keep my food in so it didn't get jostled around. Then when I'm staying somewhere for a long time I have electricity. The thing that really pushed me to get the fridge though was realizing that the condensation on the icebox drainage tube was making my floor soggy. Luckily I was in the desert so there wasn't any permanent damage, but if you're using an icebox I'd make sure the floor around it is extra protected. |
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mel
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Post by mel on Nov 12, 2017 12:01:27 GMT -8
My Magic Chef is very quiet, so it must have just been that model.   IMG_1806 by Mel L, on Flickr |
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windborn
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Post by windborn on Nov 12, 2017 16:08:19 GMT -8
I just ordered a magic chef because it was one of the only ones I could find without a freezer. I'll let y'all know how it works. Thanks for all the advice!
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