Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

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Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

August 24, 2012, 12:38:39 pm

Looking for comments from folks who have done the conversion to the electric refrig, pro or com, Model refrig, Brand Name, Ice Maker, what should have done, happy with the result, Etc.

Same on the electric 2 element burner vs the current gas burner.

Looking forward to the electric and getting rid of the LP tank and equipment.
Have plans for 1 or 2 8D Gel Cell batteries where the LP tank was.
Love the idea of 4 or 5, 8D batteries, that should be about enough, ya think ?

FOT will do it just before Christmas.
MOT will do it with a two week notice.

Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #1 – August 24, 2012, 01:46:52 pm

well as you know I have changed the fridge for the Whirpool 2 door model that a few have also and the extra space left I made the pantry slide out which we love and it all looks and fits in fine. The slight loss of space in fridge we are now used to and is not a problem. I use the fridge with solar power mostly and a second pure sine inv of 1000 watts running off 3 8D agms and all work fine. I do not know about 2 burner elec stove as the wattage would be pretty heavy and would I think pull the batteries down real quick if using both on full or close, unless it was wired for 240v and plugged in.I still need the propane for the heating as do not have Aqua hot (and by what Ive heard on this panel do not think I want-as upkeep is heavy, and we hardly use the heating. Also use it for hot water.
That's about it Dave
John H

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #2 – August 24, 2012, 03:45:01 pm

Hey Dave...If you cook as often as when we were both in Nac this past June, you'll be just fine with that electric stove...

Best Regards,
Peter

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #3 – August 24, 2012, 03:55:27 pm

Quote

well as you know I have changed the fridge for the Whirpool 2 door model that a few have also and the extra space left I made the pantry slide out which we love and it all looks and fits in fine. The slight loss of space in fridge we are now used to and is not a problem. I use the fridge with solar power mostly and a second pure sine inv of 1000 watts running off 3 8D agms and all work fine. I do not know about 2 burner elec stove as the wattage would be pretty heavy and would I think pull the batteries down real quick if using both on full or close, unless it was wired for 240v and plugged in. That's about it Dave

So how much solar do you have? And you have the stock inverter plus a 1000 watt pure sine inverter?

Where did you put the 1000 watt inverter?

Is the solar enough to recharge the AGMs after the fridge is on all night?

best, paul

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #4 – August 24, 2012, 04:35:30 pm

Thanks all for the pointers, I have no solar, as for the two burner hot plate type, I only used the gas unit once to do hamburgers, that was the last time for that mess.

Only have the original stock Zantrax inverter, 2500 watt with the 100 amp charger setup.
AS for the 240 volt, I would only get a surface burner at 120 volt if possible, I do not want the 240 volt hassle, yes I can do it, but no thanks, I like the HD120 Volt setup.

John H, what is the model of your refrig and do they have a ice maker for it?
There are other counter depth models, so know Whirlpool has one, so does Samsung,
so picking the most comfy model needs some checking I guess.

I feel with the 4 or 5 8D GelCell setup, should be able to survive a day or two. Strong thought of changing to a larger inverter and charger, or just add a smaller one as mentioned with a larger charger.

with 4 8D batteries makes for 800 AH and the 5 8D would be the 1000 AH, Crazy ?

The idea of Solar cells is very much in the thought process.
Many thanks
Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #5 – August 24, 2012, 05:42:48 pm

I will try and answer both Paul and Dave in the one shot. I have 600 watt of solar and yes even with the fridge on all night It did not go below 85% left in the batteries even with some lights on and the tv at night. If the sun is up the batteries are back up full by luch and again that was using the coffee maker and a few other things in the morning.
The 1000 w inverter is fixed under the bed in the wiring cabinet and is wired in using a DTDP switch so I can have it (circuits) powered either by the batteries or shore power by simply flipping the switch (Barry B helped me with figuring that switch out as it was a different one than usual).
The fridge I used was the whirlpool one that cost $349 at Lowes in Nac' and as I said a few have fitted this one. Minor changes are needed to present cabinet to get it to fit and I whent further and made a pantry alongside. It does have a top freezer Dave. If you have 4 or 5 8D gell you should be able to last a few days and easier too if your lights are led like mine.
John H

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #6 – August 24, 2012, 07:37:07 pm

Thanks John H,
That Whirlpool must be the same one Rudy mentioned. For me the space where the LP tank is located, looks like the perfect place for 2 stacked 8D Gelcell's, will need to move the drawer to another location if I stack the two, with one battery, it can stay.
Sad to be headed home from the Custer State Park & Mount Rushmore, 2nd visit, never get enough of that area as I used my ATV this year.
Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #7 – August 24, 2012, 08:47:11 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – August 24, 2012, 05:42:48 pm

I will try and answer both Paul and Dave in the one shot. I have 600 watt of solar and yes even with the fridge on all night It did not go below 85% left in the batteries even with some lights on and the tv at night. If the sun is up the batteries are back up full by luch and again that was using the coffee maker and a few other things in the morning.

Is this in Canada or Mexico? I've been thinking about adding solar but plan to spend a fair amount of time in SE Ak and wondering if there would really be any benefit.

Must admit, it's really tempting to go with the 120V refrig and a solar array for not much more than a new dual fuel unit would cost.

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #8 – August 24, 2012, 11:38:42 pm

well I gues that is a tongue in cheek hey Chuck as the sun does shine here. In fact the last month has been close to 95f every day here but has cooled down right now. But the solar will work anywhere there is sun right?
john

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #9 – August 25, 2012, 07:17:26 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – August 24, 2012, 11:38:42 pm

well I gues that is a tongue in cheek hey Chuck as the sun does shine here. In fact the last month has been close to 95f every day here but has cooled down right now. But the solar will work anywhere there is sun right?
john

Ah...well, now that you put it that way, yes. First of all, I am so sorry to hear about those 95 deg temps. We're looking forward to it cooling down that much here in S. Tx also. So, you don't see much difference in solar performance relative to distance from equator? That, and the fact that direct sunshine is a pretty rare commodity in SE Ak, it's generally filtered through some clouds and rain is what I was getting at with my vaugely phrased comment.
Chuck

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #10 – August 25, 2012, 01:08:59 pm

Chuck, I guess there is a slightly less voltage created by the sun up this far in "the great white north" than say were you are in Texas but I do not see it as a big issue. Plus if the panels are tilted it makes up for some of it.
I think that all is going well in the charging side as I have not had to run gen or plug in since we got back from Wyoming Rally and batteries are full and start battery cranks good. I use a trickle charge like some others. I am pleased with the solar set up and hope it continues. I at least know the batteries are being charged correctly as they are AGM.
John H

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #11 – August 29, 2012, 05:37:34 pm

Today I looked at Lowes display of refrigs, liked the Frigidare counter depth, w/icemaker, ice in door and cold water in door. Any comments on such a setup.?
I think it was about 20 cft. and my question is how do you keep the doors from opening while on the road. Guess could tie the two handles together of use velcro straps from the top over the face.
Surely someone has solved this very nicely. ?
Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #12 – August 29, 2012, 05:49:05 pm

what about putting a brass slide down lock from above.

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #13 – August 30, 2012, 12:32:41 am

Quote from: Dave M – August 29, 2012, 05:37:34 pm

Today I looked at Lowes display of refrigs, liked the Frigidare counter depth, w/icemaker, ice in door and cold water in door. Any comments on such a setup.?
I think it was about 20 cft. and my question is how do you keep the doors from opening while on the road. Guess could tie the two handles together of use velcro straps from the top over the face.
Surely someone has solved this very nicely. ?

I replaced the unit in my coach with a counter depth Bosch approx. 20cuft side by side. It is Erated and very efficient for its size. Right now I just use a small bungie cord around the handles to keep it closed on the road.

I see In the Foretravel pictures of the newer models the factory looks to be using a Bosch unit. It looks like they have a device that fits over the refrigerator handles that keeps the doors closed. I was thinking of trying some sort of magnetic holder since the doors are Stainless Steel(maybe electo magnet like a lock that could be turned on and off, on the some day project list).

I'm VERY happy with the counter depth residential side by side. It fits against the back wall flat and comes out barley past the counter next to it. With all the temp choices and the water, crushed and cubed ice choices it makes things very comfortable. By FAR the most used appliance in the entire coach, might as well go for all the bells and whistles, and no need to worry about a fridge fire either!

I use 4 6V 145 wet cell batteries for the house. The fridge has no problem running all night through the inverter, I never checked it to see how long it will go but I would guess at least 15hrs. No problem running it through the inverter when driving and letting the alternator power it.

Check my profile for pictures and refrigerator model and specs.

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #14 – August 30, 2012, 10:50:57 am

This thread has aroused my curiosity, to the point where I believe a residental refrigerator is in my coach's future (when the original unit needs replacement).

Last year, we had a windstorm in my city that knocked out power for better than a week. I kept my home refrigerator cold by nightly runs of the FT generator and an extension cord. Just out of curiosity, I hooked up an AC current meter and was plefasently surprised to see the refrigerator was using less than one Amp once it got started.

I went to the Bosch website and looked up the power needs of their biggest side-by-side counter depth model, and it was 539 KW/y. Dividing 539 by 365 days in a year and 24 hours in a day, produces an average power use of 61 watts. Not too bad, about half an Amp overall. I should be able to overnight with my current batteries and inverter.

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #15 – August 30, 2012, 12:27:05 pm

Dave, there a few variations people have made to hold doors closed while travelling.
Mine is shown, I had to change the swing of doors and used one of the bolt holes to hold a longer bolt (after opening the thread size to 1/4' NF and installing a long enough bolt to suit) I then bent a piece of 3/32" alum' to make a slotted plate that slides under the bolt head holding the doors closed. I did put a piece of white tape on the back that comes in contact with plastic doors to save scratches. Works great and not really noticable that much. The plate sits in the bottom door handle slot while we are parked so we do not loose it. Second pic' is out of focus bot you can still get the idea.
John H

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #16 – August 30, 2012, 12:53:07 pm

Dave, look at the portable butane stoves. They are cheep and you could use it outside and eliminate the smells and cleanup. They run about 35.00 and work well. Or you could use a small bottle for just the stove top and still pick up space. You guys have me thinking my old fridge struggles on LP and the cool top would go a long time on a small bottle.

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #17 – August 31, 2012, 04:56:51 pm

Dave,

We'll also be watching to see how the fridge upgrade process goes. Are you replacing a Dometic NDR-1492 (the 36" wide unit)?

For cooktop, I wonder how well induction "plays" with RVs and inverters. I've had one smoothtop radiant electric and absolutely hated it. I would never have one again, but I happen to love to cook and found the slow temperature response frustrating. Induction cooktops are another deal, though. They are smoothtop electric units that have responsiveness similar to gas (although they do require the use of induction-compatible cookware, which means a magnetic stainless or cast iron. Others will not heat on induction). The cooktops stay cool except for any heat transfer back from the pan. There are a handful of 120V, 2-burner units out there.

Hmmm... one of my Google hits landed on a TrueInduction counter insert model that is used by Winnebago in their all-electric coaches...

Double Burner - Counter Inset Model

Induction isn't for everyone, especially the need for particular pan materials, but it's an option/alternative to gas some might want to consider.

Michelle

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #18 – August 31, 2012, 06:53:47 pm

Good info Michelle, Will look it over, but feel from the look, it might be a little too large to fit the existing area.

Refrig is the RM 1282 I think, it is 36"

All excited about the all electric idea and getting rid of the LP tank so I can install a 8D GelCell or 2.

Cheers
Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #19 – August 31, 2012, 06:58:13 pm

I had the RM 1282 before ripping it out. Minor changes had to be made for height for the new electric one.
John

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #20 – August 31, 2012, 07:09:54 pm

IT looks like this project will wnd up with a Frigidare 18 cft+, It is a counter depth 70" tall which will eliminate the storage below and will only have a gap of a few inches between frig and the wardrobe wall.
So be it, I will have Ice in the Door and Ice cold drinking water too. Some things are more important than others. As the saying goes something about you get what you pay for, or you will have to live with your mistakes. Time will tell.

As Peter mentioned, my diet consists of freezer to the micro or go to a resturant.
I ain't proud, am not a chef, but I can survive well on peanut butter and jelly too if needed.

Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #21 – August 31, 2012, 08:14:38 pm

I have a bunch of relays and fuses under the fridge....Do you have any?

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #22 – August 31, 2012, 08:20:01 pm

Have not seen any relays, looks like just a large storage compartment with two doors. Tomorrow I will have a good look see, to determine if a go or no go.
Thanks
Dave M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #23 – August 31, 2012, 08:42:49 pm

Quote from: John S – August 31, 2012, 08:14:38 pm

I have a bunch of relays and fuses under the fridge...

In some coaches (at least in '03) those could be the optional Intellitec lighting controls. That was the case in the '03 David Flanagan was installing the Bosch fridge in.

We have the same storage that Dave has (no lighting control). Ours has 2 full-extension pullouts.

-M

Re: Electric Refrig & Electric 2 Element Stove

Reply #24 – August 31, 2012, 08:54:05 pm

If I had the pull out type storage space below the frig, I might pick a shorter frig for the space, however, having the two doors, to use the space you need to get on your knees or lower to see and access the back areas. So I feel a frig sitting there instead would be just fine. I am too old and stiff to crawl down there and snoop, never used that storage area, getting back up ain't fun no moe.
Dave M

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