Time to replace refrigerator?

Topic: Time to replace refrigerator? (Read 2726 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #25 – June 19, 2022, 07:50:40 pm

Norcold's Polar series is 10 cubic feet and fits in the cutout for an 8 cu/ft Dometic. Ours came without the fridge as like I said above, I had a new Norcold on our garage floor. The floor needed to be flat for the Norcold so I had to modify that plus the fire proofing I did in past posts. It fits perfectly and has black door that go well with the dark wood. Polar NA10LX - The 10 cubic-foot refrigerator that fits in an 8-foot cutout

Pierce

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #26 – June 21, 2022, 01:16:33 am

Thanks Pierce, I will take a look at this one. It has an identical layout as my current one and looks like it would fit but doesn't seem as "upscale" despite the price. Hard to "wrap my head around" the prices of these units.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #27 – June 21, 2022, 10:00:16 am

Look around for discounts. I just looked at PPL's site and they have redefined inflation. At those prices, you could put in a residential, fill the roof with solar panels and install mini splits taking the roof airs completely off the coach. Still would have $ left over. How can an RV side by side cost over $6K?

My son's HVAC is not cooling as well as it used to in Sacramento. The estimate was $18,000 to replace the outside unit. I'm going to help them install mini splits.

I just looked on ebay. No deals there for new fridges. If ours fails, we will go residential. I can't justify that much $$$.

Pierce

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #28 – July 07, 2022, 08:22:33 am

OK
Sorry if we already discussed this, but I can"t seem to find the response to a question I have.
I will be receiving our refrigerator this coming week. I had asked if I needed to enclose the side and roof vents. There are mixed responses to this, it seems, dependent on whether or not I drive in cold weather ( we don't).
I had to pull out the rigid insulation, due to mold/mildew.
QUESTION:
Should I reinstall some rigid insulation to help keep out heat when the sun is on that side of the coach?
Those of you who installed residential refrigerators must have an opinion.
Thanks.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #29 – July 07, 2022, 08:44:52 am

We put a residential fridge in at MOT a year ago. They left the roof vent open and sealed the side wall vent. They did not add insulation.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #30 – July 07, 2022, 09:06:27 am

Converting to electric is on my todo list, but my microwave replacement has a higher priority.

I won't be going with a Dometic/Norcold product any more. I bought a new 2 way fridge for my travel trailer and within a couple of years with minimal use, the seals went bad. They do not sell just the seal, you have to get the entire door, which means instead of $30-50 it's $250-$300. I am not interested in repeating this mistake and is another reason for me to convert to a residential. My no frills Sears fridge has been relegated to the garage, but was bought new in 2006 and still running strong.

@Pierce & Gaylie Stewart - last year I was getting quotes for HVAC in my shop, all were very high, almost 13K and I still had to have an electrician to hook it up, so add another grand. Wife finally found a highly rated one who could do it all for $6600 out the door for a 5 ton Carrier. They are out there, you just gotta find them.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #31 – July 07, 2022, 10:17:34 am

Jason,

My son's neighbor came over and gave him the number of an independent one man operation. He charged the system and replaced the motor for $1K.

Several different 12V compressor fridges brands are out there. They all seem to cost within a penny of $1500. The compressors are high efficiency and draw very little juice so they will easily run all night without flattening the battery. Dometic, Furrion, Norcold Polar are some of the new 12V compressor fridges. With solar, they should replace a propane fridge without needing much more battery capacity and they don't need an inverter to operate.

Thanks,

Pierce

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #32 – July 07, 2022, 10:39:43 am

Quote from: GleamB – July 07, 2022, 08:22:33 am

QUESTION:
Should I reinstall some rigid insulation to help keep out heat when the sun is on that side of the coach?

On the back wall (or side of the coach) Yes we installed new insulation. The sides of the cabinet No we left that out for heat to escape. We left both the back vent and roof vent open to dissipate heat along with the exhaust fans form the old fridge.

Mike

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #33 – July 07, 2022, 11:05:50 am

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – July 07, 2022, 10:39:43 am

On the back wall (or side of the coach) Yes we installed new insulation. The sides of the cabinet No we left that out for heat to escape. We left both the back vent and roof vent open to dissipate heat along with the exhaust fans form the old fridge.

Mike

i did the same with my 10 cf Fridge .

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #34 – July 07, 2022, 07:23:00 pm

When when installing a residential refrigerator, and insulating the refrigerator bay, the insulation should not touch the refrigerator.
If it touches, there is a risk of moving the midpoint temperature to a point outside of the refrigerator box, such that, the box exterior drops below the local dew point, causing condensation and making a mess, and increasing the refrigeration load.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #35 – July 07, 2022, 11:06:47 pm

I pulled all the side insulation to give the fridge more breathing room and as I blocked off
the old vents the insulation isn't needed any more.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #36 – July 07, 2022, 11:47:26 pm

I recently posted the details of my residential fridge install. As Old Guy, I removed a layer of insulation from sides to create airflow around sides, blocked off back and top vents and have gaps at top and bottom for airflow that circulates from the interior. On my 10.1 Magic Chef the coils are in the side wall. The installation manual for your fridge will specify minimum air space for sides, top, back and bottom. They vary from model to model. If the manual stipulated air space you are pushing your luck to install it like an absorption unit with insulation flush to sides. At least that's my amateur opinion after much study and pondering. We operate in a lot of temperature extremes - in the last year from 7 to 115 F.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #37 – July 08, 2022, 07:05:28 pm

When I installed our Bosch side by side, I removed the top vent and left the side vent but added a bug screen to the inside. It allows me to service the refrigerator water lines ( drain for winterizing) and allow heat to escape. I added a top vent over the refrigerator.
The refrigerator is very well sealed in its compartment and I do not have coils on the back of the unit.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #38 – July 09, 2022, 08:02:58 am

Real McCoy, how did you "block off" the vents?

And one more question.....I have two outlets for the fridge.....one says ice maker. Which am I plugging into??

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #39 – July 09, 2022, 11:52:37 am

Find out which one is hooked up to the inverter. Unplug the coach from power and turn
on the inverter and which ever one has power to it is the one to use.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #40 – July 09, 2022, 12:51:40 pm

Quote from: GleamB – July 09, 2022, 08:02:58 am

Real McCoy, how did you "block off" the vents?

And one more question.....I have two outlets for the fridge.....one says ice maker. Which am I plugging into??

I took some of the salvaged thin fiberglass lining the fridge cabinet and cut it to fit over the top fridge opening after removing cover. Just used duct tape. My solar comes down through side of fridge vent using a pair of gland nuts. Reattached vent cover. Didn't bother to insulate.

Took some of salvaged insulation and cut it down into strips and then took aluminum tape and taped it in place for side vent. Every thing is reversible if it doesn't work out as I hope.

I also believe you will find your ice maker outlet is tied to your inverter. If you have a pure sine wave inverter that would be an easy way to get up and running. As suggested, unplug from shore power, turn on inverter and check for 110V at outlet. My wiring diagram shows ice maker circuit coming from inverter.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #41 – February 22, 2023, 10:47:32 pm

Has anyone converted a norcold absorption to 12 volt a compressor and does that compare to a residential fridge as far as power consumption?
Our 98 norcold looks absolutely brand new. Not cleaned up but new! Works perfectly but I'm afraid of fire.
Coach has 1200 hours on it. Generator has 700. It's not been used!

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #42 – February 23, 2023, 08:07:06 am

Quote from: Wpduffey – February 22, 2023, 10:47:32 pm

Has anyone converted a norcold absorption to 12 volt a compressor and does that compare to a residential fridge as far as power consumption?
Our 98 norcold looks absolutely brand new. Not cleaned up but new! Works perfectly but I'm afraid of fire.
Coach has 1200 hours on it. Generator has 700. It's not been used!

I guess my take is to either use an absorption refrigerator with a Fridge Defend on it OR if going to electric, to get a residential.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #43 – February 23, 2023, 10:50:37 am

It depends on your camping style, we do a lot of boon docking in areas where solar and generator use is very limited. For us the best option was the absorption refrigerator with the ARP protective device installed and fire box protection in the fridge area with metal or hardyboard installed.

I'm more concerned about a engine fire now than a refrigerator fire.

Everyone has different needs and opinions.

DWMYH.

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #44 – February 23, 2023, 10:57:01 am

For me to the absorption refrigerator makes sense. Yes if they're operated out of level (and) they're not protected to overheat they have potential to be a fire hazard. However if you operate within level while parked/stationary and were to buy a fridge defend and install this should resolve any fire issues. Also no issues while driving and operating at the same time. I did replace my cooling unit with a new Amish unit and the fridge defend must be set accordingly. It has worked flawless, and I trust it. I will disclose that programming it is a PITA. But worth the aggravation IMO.
Scott

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #45 – February 23, 2023, 11:00:37 am

Quote from: Wpduffey – February 22, 2023, 10:47:32 pm

Has anyone converted a norcold absorption to 12 volt a compressor and does that compare to a residential fridge as far as power consumption?
Our 98 norcold looks absolutely brand new. Not cleaned up but new! Works perfectly but I'm afraid of fire.
Coach has 1200 hours on it. Generator has 700. It's not been used!

Spend a half day with a helper and line the compartment with Hardie Backerboard. Include the compartment ceiling. Chance to clean up the compartment and change outlets to 20 amp with metal boxes. They grab the prongs better. See old posts for how to do it. We have a Norcold and love it.

Pierce

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #46 – February 23, 2023, 01:43:54 pm

I'm going through the same decision with my new GV. If you're a boondocker, going to a residential fridge increases the need for solar panels & batteries substantially. From a cost/benefit perspective I think absorption makes the most sense.. it's not even close really. BUT, now that my wife has had a full residential fridge in the U320 it's a tougher sell...for me too to be honest

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #47 – February 23, 2023, 01:58:07 pm

Quote from: Elliott – February 23, 2023, 01:43:54 pm

I'm going through the same decision with my new GV. If you're a boondocker, going to a residential fridge increases the need for solar panels & batteries substantially. From a cost/benefit perspective I think absorption makes the most sense.. it's not even close really. BUT, now that my wife has had a full residential fridge in the U320 it's a tougher sell...for me too to be honest

I think in the long term the cost/benefit ratio (when everything is included—such as the much larger storage capacity and frost-free convenience) shows that residential is the way to go. At least it definitely has for us!

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #48 – February 23, 2023, 02:05:19 pm

Pierce brings up some good points to fight a fire that has started, but the ARP prevents the possibility of a dry boiler tank and High burner temps. If you're going to line your compartment ensure your flue/chimney goes beyond the roof line. I also think a simple level switch would also reduce the boiler from being starved of refrigerant, but would not shut it down if for some reason it did over heat. I even ordered a bunch of mercury switches to make up a level switch. Just buy the fridge defend and dont worry

Re: Time to replace refrigerator?

Reply #49 – February 23, 2023, 02:38:04 pm

Norcold recommends that their refrigerators operate within 3 degrees off level side-to-side and 6 degrees off level front-to-back. We shut ours off if parked for lunch or at a view point and the coach is not fairly level.

If a part of the piping fails and allows they hydrogen gas to escape, there is a possibility of fire. There are small automatic extinguishers that may put the fire out but in several photos from RV websites, these did fail and the coach burned. There is not much hydrogen so any flame is very limited in duration and intensity. Backerboard is resistant to a welding torch so not much of a possibility of the flame/heat getting through it. See YouTube demos of tests.

When installing the backerboard, any debris can be cleaned up and the wood right below the outside access door can be checked and replaced if necessary. Ours was rotted so I replaced it. GVs have lots of thin laun/lauan all around the fridge so are prime for fires.

Pierce

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