Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Topic: Refrigerator cooling unit change out (Read 2898 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #25 – February 07, 2019, 11:16:46 am

I serviced one of the similar coaches to your 81. Drove it many times. Jack Carlisto's coach.

Installed a zillion extra 8's in the bays for him now that I remember and a set of Apollo tanks and a pressure washer.

Had forgotten about the residential refer. Hence the 4 extra 8d's. I think we put a 4400 watt ac alternator on the Cummins. And a giant marine spotlight on the roof.

Upsizing everything electrical to match the bigger bank and use of Lifelines for the increased capacity and the ability to be equalized or more gels would be better.

Dave, brads brother, added a fourth 8d to his coach and he posted it helped a lot.

I did buy the slides to build a additional battery box in the next compartment back to mine as the cabling would go through the wall. Inverter and air compressor are in the bay so sparks are a potential issue.

No the Victron is not no spark in its design. Or certification. Should not be where the batteries are.

Magnum mentions that they are not no spark certified. Big print on the manual.

Seen boat people put the Victron in a gas engine boats engine compartment.

Seen boat fires where the reason was unknown.

Need the UL listed marine cabling with the pvc coating to suppress fires also.

Been in the burn ward once.

My guru buddy either uses a no spark certified outback sealed inverter and/or a large battery box.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #26 – February 07, 2019, 11:24:02 am

Poor Ted is still waiting for an answer.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #27 – February 07, 2019, 11:53:16 am

Actually John he did get a few names etc that should work out.
Now to answer C bob's quote on the 10k cost on my changes to residential and solar. I did the fridge and AM Solar started the panel etc install then I put more panels on top and redid the wiring replacing the original sized wire with #2 copper for even better control of voltage loss,and put in new Lifeline AGMS. I have 4 8ds and while on trips of weeks or months my use of genset is about 8 hrs for total trip.I do go to sunny places but we are not tied to the tv (in fact hardly ever have it on) We do a lot of bbq ING and Ruth makes bread once a week in her Gas camp chef oven. In 9 yrs of coach ownership we have put on around maybe 50 hrs.
The solar install, batteries and res fridge cost me about $6k canadian and are working great with not one issue or regret.
JohnH

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #28 – February 07, 2019, 12:02:35 pm

I know,just thinking they should start a new thread so those of us wanting to know about Teds solution find out.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #29 – February 07, 2019, 12:12:50 pm

Bob, You remind me of someone I used to work with. He use to brag he only paid full retail that way he knew he was getting his money's worth.

Bill

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #30 – February 07, 2019, 12:16:28 pm

John your 2000 came with a battery temp controlled full wave inverter? My 97 did not. 96's has only two batteries and no mounting rack for a third more or less the needed fourth

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #31 – February 07, 2019, 12:25:15 pm

Actually I normally pay less than most here as I still have my old friends in the rv biz.

I just start at the "best" of any product and research the features and benefits changes as the price point drops to see if what I need can be produced for less money.

"Good, better, best"

Old rv's had poor electrical systems.

Over the next 30 years technology has fixed almost all the old issues.

Everything matches. Safer. Lasts longer. Gives better service. Better resale value.

More fun.

If you paid 20% less and it lasted half as long and quickly gave less service did you save enough to have been a good decision?

I am a high line buyer. But older. Bought a Lexus ls460 recently. 08 model with 54k miles garaged. Now rebuilding the wear items just like my 20 year old Foretravel. High quality but used.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #32 – February 07, 2019, 01:14:40 pm

How about spending 10 to save 5?

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #33 – February 07, 2019, 01:57:45 pm

Quote from: Ted & Karen – February 06, 2019, 12:00:13 pm

It's my turn to ask for some help. Our refrigerator bit the dust and the cooling unit is still under warranty from JC Refrigeration. After some good discussions with JR I decided to change over to the new 12 volt compressor cooling unit instead of the absorption. It is covered under warranty and is now on the way to me here in Yuma.

Does anyone know a good shop or mobile service in Yuma area that they would recommend to me for this change over? I have watched the video and realize that I do not have all the tools needed for such a change and that I am not comfortable doing it. Not to mention that Karen is 7 weeks out from her knee surgery so a project in our home is not a good option. One of the downsides of being full time is that sometimes I have to bit the bullet and hire work to be done. I am willing to pay for the install but I want someone experienced with refrigerators to do it. Any and all of your help is greatly appreciated.

Lets see if I can help with the original question. Try to make the moderator happy.
I would look in RV Service reviews. There were a couple of places with good reviews.
http://www.rvservicereviews.com/StateList.asp?state=AZ
When you do find someone please do a review to help outhers find the good places and avoind the not so good ones.
Bill

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #34 – February 07, 2019, 02:09:12 pm

Ted & Karen
In your post, you said you are getting the 12 v compressor cooling unit from JR. Then in reply #7 you say from JC.
1) which is it?
2) where are they located? website?
3) how does the 12 v differ from the absorption?
4) how much did the unit cost?
Thanks
Inquiring minds want to know

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #35 – February 07, 2019, 03:41:01 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 07, 2019, 02:09:12 pm

Ted & Karen
In your post, you said you are getting the 12 v compressor cooling unit from JR. Then in reply #7 you say from JC.
1) which is it?
2) where are they located? website?
3) how does the 12 v differ from the absorption?
4) how much did the unit cost?
Thanks
Inquiring minds want to know

JR is the person who is in charge at JC Refrigeration in Shipshewana Indiana.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #36 – February 07, 2019, 03:51:11 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 07, 2019, 02:09:12 pm

Ted & Karen
In your post, you said you are getting the 12 v compressor cooling unit from JR. Then in reply #7 you say from JC.
1) which is it?
2) where are they located? website?
3) how does the 12 v differ from the absorption?
4) how much did the unit cost?
Thanks
Inquiring minds want to know

Glenn & Amy - hopefully this thread will help with some of your questions.
JC Compressor Units

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #37 – February 07, 2019, 04:07:29 pm

Here is an update for everyone. The new unit with the 12 volt compressor is on the way to me now. Should arrive in a few days. It will replace the absorption cooling unit with a cold plate run by a 12 volt compressor ( think DanFoss compressor). No more propane , ammonia, hydrogen, etc....so no fire concerns.

This unit is sent to me under warranty since the absorption unit failed during warranty- no cost.

I am looking at several options for installation which will happen the week of 2/18 as I have family commitment. Will keep you informed about the change over, and how it works as we start using it.

Thanks for your concerns, ideas, and entertainment.........................

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #38 – February 07, 2019, 05:57:53 pm

Quote from: Ted & Karen – February 06, 2019, 08:19:23 pm

Not sure what happened to ours. JR thinks there is either a blockage in the tubes or a leak- doesn't matter as it does not work right and needs to be replaced. I like the idea of the 12 volt unit as I don't need to run an inverter to power this. There are marine style refrigerators and living off the grid units using similar technology, but since my unit is under warranty I will update with the conversion from JC Refrigeration. This unit should use about the same power as a 60 watt light bulb so my solar set up and batteries should allow us to boondocks as usual. Time will tell.

Good luck with this project. I'm sure lots of folks will be interested to hear how the new 12v cooling unit performs and how much juice it really uses. Can you provide us with a link to this cooling unit maker?

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #39 – February 07, 2019, 06:22:00 pm

JC Refrigeration |

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #40 – February 08, 2019, 03:17:37 pm

Converting our RV Fridge to a High Efficiency DC Compressor- 8x More...

Here is the link from an installation of the 12 volt DC system from JC Refrigeration. It's a little long but very good in describing the product, differences from absorption cooling units, installation process etc...

Hope this answers some of the questions people are asking- enjoy.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #41 – February 08, 2019, 04:10:06 pm

I watched the video and the temperatures they describe -- even with the new cooling unit -- are not acceptable. I suspect their door seals need to be replaced or maybe the airflow in the back of the refrigerator is inadequate. If they are using the original Dometic control board, that could be a problem too.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #42 – February 08, 2019, 04:10:54 pm

Quote from: Ted & Karen – February 08, 2019, 03:17:37 pm

Converting our RV Fridge to a High Efficiency DC Compressor- 8x More...

Here is the link from an installation of the 12 volt DC system from JC Refrigeration. It's a little long but very good in describing the product, differences from absorption cooling units, installation process etc...

Hope this answers some of the questions people are asking- enjoy.

Thanks, Ted.

Very well done video.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #43 – February 08, 2019, 04:29:39 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 08, 2019, 04:10:54 pm

Thanks, Ted.

Very well done video.

Yes, Tom always does a great review/install on his projects. "Mondays with the Mortons"

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #44 – February 09, 2019, 10:13:10 am

Quote from: Dakota Slim – February 08, 2019, 04:10:06 pm

I watched the video and the temperatures they describe -- even with the new cooling unit -- are not acceptable. I suspect their door seals need to be replaced or maybe the airflow in the back of the refrigerator is inadequate. If they are using the original Dometic control board, that could be a problem too.

Based on the power consumption data that have have been reported here it appears as if the the JC Refrigeration compressor conversion uses about the same power as a Samsung residential refrigerator and so it's difficult to see the advantage (in terms of boondocking capability) of not simply installing a new larger capacity refrigerator.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #45 – February 09, 2019, 10:40:11 am

I'm seriously considering changing out my absorption fridge in the 2001 U270 36' so I think I'm limited to my choices if I go with a residential type unit. JC Refrigeration does offer the 12v or 120v option for the compressor.
As a newbie I also want to consider how the use may change in the coming years. At this point in our lives we will just take 2-3 week trips a few times a year.

What should I consider if I was to go with JC Refrigeration as to 12v or 120v compressor?

I know the solar question may come up so I don't mind admitting I'm at a total lost with solar and can tell you I have only one panel so I'm sure another coach upgrade is in the future. And I'm going to need a lot of help there!!!

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #46 – February 09, 2019, 10:52:17 am

Quote from: Ghallid – February 09, 2019, 10:40:11 am

What should I consider if I was to go with JC Refrigeration as to 12v or 120v compressor?

If you do a lot of dry-camping, the 12 VDC version makes more sense, as the 120 VAC version requires the inverter to be on 24/7. No inverter is 100% efficient when operating and takes a small amount of power just to be on standby.

If dry camping is not a prime determinant, the 120 VAC is a good option.

I do not know the relative cooling capacity of each. That could be a factor in making the decision.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #47 – February 09, 2019, 11:50:13 am

Douglas and Amanda's 120v JC conversion averaged just over 64 watts per hour over nearly 1000 hrs. (40 days).

JC-Refrigeration Conversion, Measured Power Consumption
JC-Refrigeration Conversion, Measured Power Consumption

This was measured at the refrigerator. If you include inverter efficiency losses (6-7 watts) and the inverter loads just to be on (depends on which inverter you have) that could add another 10-15 watts per hour, maybe more). The 12 volt version motor should use about the same amount of power, either motor has to turn the same compressor doing the same work in either case. There might be some small differences in efficiency between the AC and DC motors.

Our 19 cu ft Samsung has averaged just over 69 watts per hour measured over a couple years.

Average loads are just that. Loads while idle will be much less and loads while running will probably be about twice the average. Peak loads (short term on a warm start) can be several times the average. Be sure you size wiring for a 12v option based on maximum running loads plus at least 10%. Figure using the wire length to and from the refrigerator to the battery with 1% or so voltage loss. And be sure there is a fuse in the circuit close to the supply end.

Bos'ns' Corner - Wire Size Calculator

The video mentioned above says their power use varies by 300% depending on outside temp. That has to be a function of refrigerator insulation and coach insulation. Their refrigerator and freezer temps are much higher than our Samsung and what Douglas and Amanda are seeing. 64 watts per hour is going to be right around 1500 watts per day. Their claim of 8 times more efficient is gased on the absorption refrigerator using 8,000 watts per day (333 watts per hour!) compared to their low end claim of 500 watts per day (21 watts per hour). Misleading at best.

I encourage anyone who puts in a residential refrigerator or one of the conversions to measure power consumption over as long a period as you can and report back. Making these choices, adding solar, adding batteries, understanding your endurance on batteries alone all depend on an accurate and realistic energy audit, understanding how much power you use in the way you use your coach. Others may use more or less but your choices should be made based on how you use your coach.

I will be waiting to see what Ted reports.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #48 – February 09, 2019, 01:02:25 pm

It would be very interesting to see a comparison of the efficiency of the JC Refrigeration compressors with the high-efficiency inverter compressor Samsung uses.

Re: Refrigerator cooling unit change out

Reply #49 – February 09, 2019, 01:12:36 pm

Remember that a big part of my decision to do this conversion is because the cooling unit that failed is under warranty, so the new one is no cost to me except installation.

We live in our coach full time and like to boondock, therefore the 12 volt compressor seems like a good option for us as we do not need to have inverter on to power it. We have plenty of power from our 500 watts of solar, generator, or plugged in at a campground and we use our power quite well during boon docking times. The only question that will be answered over time is how this conversion will work using our 2 batteries which are 5.5 year old gel 8D batteries. At Quartzite, I ran the generator 1-2 hours in the evening so I had plenty of stored power for the night. I had our furnace set on as Karen was cold and wanted heat. Running the furnace takes a lot of power but in the morning we were always at 12.4-12.5 volts, then the sun came up to do it's job charging us up again. If I get similar results with this conversion I will be very happy as I do not have the furnace on most nights, so the only thing using power would be the refrigerator. Also keep in mind that the ambient temperature at night is generally less and since we are sleeping we are not opening and closing the door. This should help in lowering power consumption at night. Maybe it will use less power than my furnace?? We shall see.

As Brett said, there is no right or wrong way to do it. Most of the decision process has to do with how you use your coach, how much power you consume, your battery bank, charging methods, and most of all, budget. My absorption unit worked well for us right up until it failed.

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