Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Residential fridge to replace original? (Read 1781 times) previous topic - next topic

Residential fridge to replace original?

Afternoon,

Taking a break from scraping engine bay insulation off (now that's quality time  :D).

Been going through most everything on the coach; one of my concerns is my 20 year old Dometic 12 volt/120 volt refrigerator. Trying to sort out everything before I hit the road for good; and I can see this thing failing in the not too distant future simply due to age and lack of use. Seems to work ok now, but for how long? No sign of any leaks anywhere. Spent a lot of time cleaning mold off the inside  (also quality time  :) ).

I'm not well-versed on how efficient these units are, but one thing that has bothered me since I looked in there is lack of fans to circulate the cold air. I know there are battery-powered aftermarket fans, but batteries don't last long in the cold, and reviews for these are not good.

My choices seem to be limited to another rv fridge or possibly fitting a residential-type 120 volt fridge. I am installing a 2000W inverter in the near future (first), and planning 540W of solar panels in early spring.

Most residential fridges today are far more efficient than 20 years ago. Can the same be said for RV propane fridges? Looking at what's out there, it doesn't really seem to be the case. And still no circulating fans.  :-( I know the cooling units can be replaced, and in some cases upgraded, but is it worth the cost?

Any light anyone could shed on this topic would be appreciated. Finding it tough to get straight info on the web.

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #1 –
Steve,

We can speak to the battery operated fans for inside the fridge.  Ours makes a huge difference.  While we have not kept track, I would say the batteries last close to 3 months.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Merle Hench –

I'm not well-versed on how efficient these units are, but one thing that has bothered me since I looked in there is lack of fans to circulate the cold air. I know there are battery-powered aftermarket fans, but batteries don't last long in the cold, and reviews for these are not good.

Here's an option for a 12V fridge fan when you get bored with scraping off insulation....

Fridge Fan

Barry and Cindy did a residential fridge with good success.  New Refrigerator Needed

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #3 –
rv cooling unit warehouse

Google this for "the Man" on RV refer's.
Best knowledge I have found.

I like my old RM4804, new(used) compressor for icemaker this year and a new cooling unit when I bought it 2.5 years ago
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #4 –
Speaking about the Norcold with the 12V compressor, I had one, it lasted 6 months, that is when the Sear household model went in.

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #5 –
Wow - thanks for that. So they do last in an RV...

A refrigerator fire has to be a scary thing. Something I never really thought about. I hope the damage wasn't too extensive. Seems the possibilities are doubled with these refrigerators - you're either burning propane or pushing current through a heating element.

Feel like I'm swaying back and forth. More digging to do. There aren't too many models that will fit in that space.

Steve





1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #6 –
RV refrigerator fires come from leaking tubing because the solution that absorbs heat is flamable.  Fires are not from propane.  The concern is since the solution can also be corrosive, older fridges may leak and cause a fire.  Recent continuing recalls don't help

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #7 –
I did not know that ammonia was flammable. Learn something new every day.  :) Found this --> Safety and Health Topics | Ammonia Refrigeration

Was wondering - when one converts to electric, do you just cap off the propane line?

Thanks for all the great info. Leaning towards that Whirlpool you installed.

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa
 

Re: Residential fridge to replace original?

Reply #8 –
With our electric fridge install, we put a flare brass cap from Lowe's to close off the propane line behind the fridge. At some time in the future we could determine which copper line feeds the fridge and cap it off at the propane tank 'manifold'.